Biological Science, Cell and Molecular Biology Concentration, B.S.

Bachelor of Science in Biological Science

The Bachelor of Science in Biological Science provides students with broad exposure to fundamental biological principles and depth of knowledge in one of five concentrations chosen by the student. The program provides opportunities for faculty-mentored undergraduate research and is committed to integrating teaching and research. The curriculum provides preparation for: entry to health professions schools and graduate school in the life sciences; laboratory and field research, secondary school teaching, and jobs in conservation and environmental biology with government and private agencies; careers in research and pharmaceutical product sales, and biotechnology industry.

In addition to the requirements for the major, students must meet all other university requirements for a bachelor’s degree. Please consult the Graduation Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree  section in this catalog for complete information. All courses in the major must be passed with a “C” (2.0) or better.

Cell and Molecular Biology Concentration (24 units)

Cell and Molecular Biology is the study of cells and molecules (such as DNA, RNA, and proteins) that are fundamental to all organisms. Topics include genetics, signaling, metabolism, proliferation, differentiation, motility, and cell-cell interactions, and their applications to medicine, biotechnology, stem cell biology, microbiology, infectious disease, parasitology, cancer, immunology, neurobiology, physiology, developmental biology, regenerative medicine, gene therapy, agriculture, and bioremediation.

Students with junior or senior standing will be permitted to enroll in BIOL 480, BIOL 482, BIOL 498 and BIOL 499L. However, no more than a combined total of six units of BIOL 480 (3 units maximum), BIOL 482 (2 units maximum), BIOL 498 (3 units maximum) and BIOL 499L (6 units maximum) shall be counted toward requirements for the concentration.

A minimum of 6 units must be 400-level.

Writing Requirement (3 units)

Must be passed with a “C” (2.0) or better

• BIOL 398 - Scientific Communication Workshop (3)
• BIOL 498 - Senior Thesis (1-3)
• ENGL 301 - Advanced College Writing (3)
• ENGL 363 - Scientific Writing (3)

Graduation Requirement (3 units)

• HONR 201B - Honors Seminar: American Institutions and Values since 1877 (3)
• POSC 100 - American Government (3)

Total (120 units)