Schools, Departments & Programs

Biology

Concentration in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics

Goal: To provide an in-depth course of study focused on the molecular mechanisms of gene regulation, inheritance, and cellular function.

The following must equal at least 18 credit hours to fulfill the requirement for the concentration.

Required Lecture Courses

a. BIOL-L 312 Cell Biology (3 cr.)

b. Biochemistry; choose one of the following options:

  • BIOT-T 440 Structure, Function and Regulation of Biomolecules (3 cr.)
  • CHEM-C 383 Chemical Organization of Living Systems (3 cr.)
  • CHEM-C 483 Biological Chemistry (3 cr.)
  • CHEM-C 484 Biomolecules and Catabolism (3 cr.)

Elective Lecture Courses

Complete two of the following lectures; at least one must be from list B:

List A

  • BIOL-L 331 Introduction to Human Genetics (3 cr.)
  • BIOL-L 321 Principles of Immunology (3 cr.)
  • BIOL-B 373 Mechanisms of Plant Development (4 cr.)
  • BIOL-M 430 Virology Lecture (3 cr.)
  • MSCI-M 480 Molecular Biology of Cancer (Approved topic: Cell Signaling and Fate) (3 cr.)

List B. Advanced Skills (classes that include analysis of primary scientific literature)

  • BIOL-B 371 Ecological Plant Physiology (3 cr.)
  • BIOL-L 411 Epigenetics, Chromosomes, and Disease (3 cr.)
  • BIOL-L 412 Analysis of Cancer Research (3 cr.)
  • BIOL-L 417 Developmental Biology (3 cr.)
  • BIOL-M 416 Biology of AIDS (3 cr.)
  • BIOL-Z 466 Endocrinology (3 cr.)

Laboratory Courses

Choose at least one course from Group A.

  • BIOL-L 313 Cell Biology Laboratory (3 cr.)
  • BIOL-L 319 Genetics Laboratory (3 cr.)

b. If only one course from Group A above is taken, students must choose another course from the following options:

  • ANAT-A 464 Human Tissue Biology (4 cr.)
  • BIOL-L 323 Molecular Biology Laboratory (3 cr.)
  • BIOL-L 324 Human Molecular Biology Laboratory (3 cr.)
  • BIOL-M 435 Viral Tissue Culture Laboratory (3 cr.)
  • BIOL-Z 469 Endocrinology Laboratory (2 cr.)
  • BIOT-T 315 Biotechnology Laboratory (3 cr.)
  • BIOT-T 425 Laboratory in Macromolecular Production, Purification, and Characterization (3 cr.)

Note: BIOL-L 410 Topical Issues in Biology (2–3 cr.) may be used towards the Area of Concentration depending on the topic covered and with approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies.