Program Overview

Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology

The Department of Biological Sciences offers expertise in molecular and cellular biology, spanning the life sciences, including molecules, cells, tissues, organisms, populations, and ecosystems. Courses are available in a range of subjects, including molecular, cellular, and structural biology; biochemistry; biophysics; cell biology; genetics; developmental biology; neurobiology; parasitology; immunology; computational biology; systems biology; genomics; evolutionary biology; ecology; paleontology; and conservation biology.

Degree Options

The department offers a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular and cellular biology, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in integrative biology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in biological sciences.

• The B.S. in integrative biology combines coursework with an emphasis on independent laboratory research and is ideal for students who plan to pursue advanced training in genomics, systems biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation, and environmental biology.
• The B.A. in Biological Sciences is a highly flexible, coursework-based major and is appropriate for students wishing to emphasize coursework over laboratory research and may be especially attractive for students seeking to combine a foundational knowledge in biology with other areas of study.

Curriculum

The molecular and cellular biology curriculum emphasizes coursework and research. Majors complete three foundational courses (one may be satisfied through AP/IB credit) that focus on central ideas and concepts in biology. A strong foundation in chemistry coursework is also required.

• All majors complete coursework in genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry with an opportunity to specialize in both advanced classes and in the laboratory.
• Students completing the B.S. degree conduct original research for at least one year under faculty supervision, gaining expertise in experimental design, research techniques, critical evaluation of literature, and oral and written scientific communication skills.

Research Opportunities

Students can choose to conduct biological research with outstanding faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences, but also more broadly, including the School of Engineering and the Medical School. Many students in this major conduct research for two or three years, both during the academic year and in the summer.

Honors Program

The Honors program is designed to foster advanced skills for students with a strong interest in basic research, including those who wish to pursue graduate studies leading to the Ph.D. or the combined M.D./Ph.D. at prestigious institutions.

• The program provides intensive experience in independent research as well as training in critical thinking and scientific writing.
• Students must have a 3.3 GPA overall and a 3.4 GPA in courses that count toward the major.
• The program requires a minimum of 8 hours of Honors research and the oral defense of a written Honors thesis in front of a faculty committee.

Faculty and Research Areas

The research and teaching interests of the faculty cover many areas of biological sciences, including:

• Biological clocks
• DNA replication and repair
• Epigenetics
• RNA biology
• Protein trafficking
• Vector biology
• Animal behavior
• Host-parasite interactions
• Evolution
• Paleontology
• Phylogenetics
• Primary and secondary metabolism
• Microbiology
• Speciation
• Social evolution
• Molecular ecology
• Population genetics
• Developmental biology
• Neuroscience
• Brain asymmetry, synapse formation, and plasticity
• Touch, visual, and olfactory sensory systems
• Pedagogy in the life sciences

Undergraduate Publications and Presentations

Students conducting research present their work both at Vanderbilt and at regional, national, or international conferences. Students also co-author work that is published in leading scientific journals across a wide range of fields.

Career Paths

Graduates with the MCB degree frequently seek advanced degrees in healthcare, research, or pursue careers in the biotechnology industry.