This B.S. program is suitable for students with interests that integrate the organismal, cellular and subcellular levels of biology, including the areas of biochemistry, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics and genomics, and microbiology, as well as their applications in biotechnology and medical science.
Many opportunities for independent research projects in these areas are open for undergraduates. BIOL 1107 is required in addition to the general CLAS requirements for the B.S. degree.
Requirements for the major
A minimum of 24 credits of MCB courses are required, at least nine credits of which must be at the 3000 level or above. A maximum of three credits from among MCB 3189, 3899, 4896, and 4996 may count toward the 24-credit requirement.
Required courses
- Group 1: All of the following core courses: MCB 2400 or 2410, 2210 or 2215, 2610, and 2000 or 3010.
- Group 2: CHEM 2443 and 2444.
- Group 3 (Laboratory Requirement): One laboratory course chosen from the following list: MCB 2225, 2612, 3189, 3220, 3413, 3633, 4026W, 4624, or three credits of 4896 or 4996.
For breadth of study in biology, it is recommended that students take PNB 2250 and EEB 2244 or 2245. BIOL 2289 may be used to count toward the 24 credits of required MCB courses.
To satisfy the MCB writing in the major and information literacy competency requirements, students must take an MCB W course.
A minor in Molecular and Cell Biology is offered. A minor in Bioinformatics is offered jointly by the College of Engineering and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Both programs are described in the Minors section of this Catalog.