Mar 28, 2024  
2009-2010 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2009-2010 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology Cell and Molecular Biology Specialization, B.S.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Departments and Programs (Majors, Minors, Certificates)

Cell and molecular biology (CMB) is the study of what cells are, how they are put together, what makes them work, what makes them differ from each other, how they associate and interact, and what goes wrong in disease states. The study of cell and molecular biology facilitates understanding of a wide variety of disciplines including genetics, developmental biology, microbiology, immunology and physiology. The emphasis in CMB is designed for students with interests in the cellular and molecular basics of life and the application of molecular techniques to medical, technological and environmental issues. The goal of the CMB specialization is to prepare graduates to be competitive in applications for entry into graduate degree programs, professional programs, or technical /industrial jobs. A full year of physics (PHYS 111/112/113 + labs or PHYS 181/182/183 + labs) is recommended for students interested in cell and molecular biology.

Students interested in microbiology are eligible to become registered microbiologists (National Registry of Microbiologists, American Academy of Microbiology) upon completing the following requirements:
  1. A minimum of a baccalaureate degree in biological science with 30 quarter credits in microbiology courses.
  2. Acceptable experience equivalent to one year of full-time work in a microbiology laboratory related to the specialty area in which certification is sought. Experience must have been gained within the immediate past three years. Certification as a conditional registrant is offered to individuals who possess the academic qualifications for registered microbiologist, but who lack the required year of full-time laboratory experience.

Biology Core


The B.S. major offers undergraduate students a degree program with depth of training in the biological sciences and supporting fields. This program prepares students for immediate entrance into careers in biological sciences or for graduate work (for preparation for teaching high school biology, see biology teaching major). Students may choose a general B.S. degree (no specialization), or a specialization in one of three areas: cell and molecular biology, ecology, or organismal biology (these will be indicated on the student’s transcripts). Students consult with the appropriate biology advisor for approval of their B.S. program and electives, which must be submitted for approval to the biological sciences department at least one academic year preceding graduation. All students in the B.S. biology major must complete all B.S. core requirements, plus additional specific requirements if they choose a specialization. A maximum of 15 credits in BIOL 490 and BIOL 496 may be included in the major. CHEM 181 has a prerequisite of high school chemistry and qualification for MATH 153. BIOL 360 has a prerequisite of MATH 153.

Organic Chemistry and Laboratory Credits: 8


Core Total Credits: 61


Organismal diversity requirement:


All students in the Biology B.S. program must take at least one advanced (300- or 400-level) animal course, one advanced plant course, and one advanced course covering other organisms (fungi, protists, bacteria, viruses). These courses may be contained within the Core or taken as electives. See department for list of approved courses in each category. These need not be additional courses; they may be courses already included to satisfy other major requirements.

Approved Electives Credits: 19


Total Credits: 100


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Departments and Programs (Majors, Minors, Certificates)