Biology BS, Molecular and Cell Biology Specialization

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Molecular and Cell Biology is the study of fundamental processes that form the basis of biological life and the techniques used to study these processes. The study of molecular and cell biology facilitates understanding of a wide variety of disciplines, including genetics, developmental biology, physiology, and evolutions of organisms. The goal of the MCB emphasis is to prepare graduates to be competitive in applications for entry into graduate degree programs, professional programs in the biomedical fields, or jobs in biomedical/agricultural research labs in government and industry.

Students consult with the appropriate biology advisor for approval of their BS 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 BS Biology major must complete all BS core requirements, plus additional specific requirements. Additionally, students will need to choose a specified number of courses from different groupings of upper division courses. A maximum of 15 credits in BIOL 295, BIOL 490, BIOL 495, and BIOL 496 may be included in the major. CHEM 181 has a prerequisite of high school chemistry and qualification for MATH 153. BIOL 181 has a pre or co-requisite of CHEM 181.

Biology Core Requirements

BIOL 181 - General Biology I Credits: (5)
BIOL 182 - General Biology II Credits: (5)
BIOL 183 - General Biology III Credits: (5)
BIOL 213 - Introductory Biostatistics Credits: (4)
BIOL 321 - Genetics Credits: (5)
BIOL 499S - Senior Seminar Credits: (1)

General Chemistry and Laboratory Credits: (15)

CHEM 181 - General Chemistry I Credits: (4)
CHEM 181LAB - General Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: (1)
CHEM 182 - General Chemistry II Credits: (4)
CHEM 182LAB - General Chemistry Laboratory II Credits: (1)
CHEM 183 - General Chemistry III Credits: (4)
CHEM 183LAB - General Chemistry Laboratory III Credits: (1)

Total Core Credits: 40

Additional Required Courses Credits: 21

BIOL 425 - Molecular Biotechnology Credits: (5)
BIOL 430 - Cell Biology Credits: (5)
CHEM 361 - Organic Chemistry I Credits: (3)
CHEM 361LAB - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: (2)
CHEM 362 - Organic Chemistry II Credits: (3)
CHEM 431 - Biochemistry I Credits: (3)

Select from the following for 12-19 credits.

1 course from the Molecular/Cell Group Credits: (5)
2 courses* from the Ecology, Evolution, and/or Structure/Function Groups Credits: (7-14)

(*NOTE: Courses must come from two different groups.)

Department-approved electives Credits: 20-27

Total Credits: 100

Ecology Group

BIOL 360 - General Ecology Credits: (5)
BIOL 362 - Biomes of the Pacific Northwest Credits: (4)
BIOL 377 - Regional Natural History Credits: (2)
AND BIOL 377LAB - Regional Natural History Credits: (3)
BIOL 420 - Environmental Microbiology Credits: (5)
BIOL 461 - Community Ecology Credits: (3)
BIOL 462 - Wildlife and Fisheries Ecology Credits: (5)
BIOL 463 - Limnology Credits: (5)
BIOL 464 - Terrestrial Plant Ecology Credits: (5)
BIOL 466 - Conservation Biology Credits: (5)
BIOL 467 - Biological Field Techniques Credits: (5)
(NOTE: Courses are listed in multiple groups; a course may only count in one area.)

Evolution Group

Credits:
Credits:
Credits:
Credits:

Molecular and Cell Group

Structure/Function Group

Electives

Additionally, courses from the following group may also be used as electives:

Biological Diversity Group

Registered Microbiologists

With guidance from their advisor, students following the molecular and cell biology specialization will be eligible to become registered microbiologists (National Registry of Microbiologists, American Academy of Microbiology) upon completing the following requirements:

A minimum of a baccalaureate degree in biological science with 30 quarter credits in microbiology courses.
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.