Program Overview

Molecular and Cellular Biology, Bachelor of Science

The Biology Department offers a B.S. degree in molecular and cellular biology. The B.S. program is designed to provide a rigorous preparation for advanced study in the biomedical sciences.

Program Requirements

All courses required for the molecular and cellular biology major must be taken for a letter grade (not S/U) and be passed with a grade of C- or better, with one exception. The department will accept one passing grade below C- in senior year, provided that the average for all formal lecture and laboratory courses is at least 2.0.

Writing and Communication Requirement in the Major

Students must complete at least 6 credits of Writing and Communication Foundational Ability coursework in one major. Students can fulfill this requirement by selecting 6 credits from a combination of core and elective courses in the major that are designated as Writing and Communication (FA1).

Course List

The following courses are required for the molecular and cellular biology major:

• Mathematics:
  • AS.110.106: Calculus I (Biology and Social Sciences) (4 credits)
  • AS.110.107: Calculus II (For Biological and Social Science) (4 credits)
• Physics:
  • AS.171.101: General Physics: Physical Science Major I (4 credits)
  • AS.171.102: General Physics: Physical Science Major II (4 credits)
  • AS.173.111: General Physics Laboratory I (1 credit)
  • AS.173.112: General Physics Laboratory II (1 credit)
• Chemistry:
  • AS.030.101: Introductory Chemistry I (4 credits)
  • AS.030.102: Introductory Chemistry II (4 credits)
  • AS.030.105: Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I (1 credit)
  • AS.030.106: Introductory Chemistry Laboratory II (1 credit)
  • AS.030.205: Introductory Organic Chemistry I (4 credits)
  • AS.030.206: Organic Chemistry II (4 credits)
  • AS.030.225: Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory (3 credits)
• Biology:
  • AS.020.303: Genetics (3 credits)
  • AS.020.304: Molecular Biology (3 credits)
  • AS.020.306: Cell Biology (3 credits)
  • AS.020.305: Biochemistry (3 credits)
  • AS.020.363: Developmental Biology (3 credits)
  • AS.020.315: Biochemistry Project lab (1-3 credits)
  • AS.020.340: Developmental Genetics Lab (3 credits)
  • AS.020.316: Cell Biology Lab (1 credit)
• Electives:
  • At least four courses totaling at least 12 credits from the courses approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
• Research:
  • Supervised research (totaling at least 6 credits)

Sample Program of Study

A sample program of study for the molecular and cellular biology major is provided below:

First Year

• First Semester:
  • AS.030.101: Introductory Chemistry I (3 credits)
  • AS.030.105: Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I (1 credit)
  • AS.110.106: Calculus I (Biology and Social Sciences) (4 credits)
• Second Semester:
  • AS.030.102: Introductory Chemistry II (3 credits)
  • AS.030.106: Introductory Chemistry Laboratory II (1 credit)
  • AS.110.107: Calculus II (For Biological and Social Science) (4 credits)
  • AS.020.303: Genetics (3 credits)
  • AS.020.340: Developmental Genetics Lab (3 credits)

Second Year

• First Semester:
  • AS.030.205: Introductory Organic Chemistry I (4 credits)
  • AS.030.225 or AS.030.227: Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory (3 credits)
  • AS.020.304: Molecular Biology (3 credits)
• Second Semester:
  • AS.020.306: Cell Biology (3 credits)
  • AS.020.316: Cell Biology Lab (1 credit)
  • AS.030.206: Organic Chemistry II (4 credits)

Third Year

• First Semester:
  • AS.020.305: Biochemistry (3 credits)
  • AS.020.315 or AS.250.253: Biochemistry Project lab (1-3 credits)
  • AS.171.103 or AS.171.101: General Physics I (4 credits)
  • AS.173.111: General Physics Laboratory I (1 credit)
  • Upper Level Biology Elective (2-3 credits)
• Second Semester:
  • AS.020.363: Developmental Biology (3 credits)
  • AS.171.104 or AS.171.102: General Physics II (4 credits)
  • AS.173.112: General Physics Laboratory II (1 credit)
  • Upper Level Biology Elective (2-3 credits)

Fourth Year

• First Semester:
  • Upper Level Biology Elective (2-3 credits)
  • Upper Level Biology Elective (2-3 credits)
  • Research (3 credits)
• Second Semester:
  • Upper Level Biology Elective (if needed) (2-3 credits)
  • Research (3 credits)

Honors in Molecular and Cellular Biology

Students completing the B.S. in molecular and cellular biology major are eligible to receive their degree with honors. The B.S. in molecular and cellular biology with honors requires, in addition to the regular requirements for the major, a 3.5 GPA for natural sciences and quantitative studies courses, a presentation of a poster describing the independent research, and a recommendation from the research sponsor.