Undergraduate

Program Overview

The Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology (CMMB) has responsibility for the education of undergraduate students in core cell biology, molecular biology, genetics and microbiology topics as well as more specialized areas that require detailed knowledge of these subjects. To accomplish this mission, CMMB offers curricula that will lead to Bachelor of Science degrees in Cell and Molecular Biology (CAM) and Microbiology (MIC). Courses are designed to meet the needs to students majoring in other science disciplines as well as non-science areas. The CMMB faculty are dedicated to excellence in this mission.

Degrees in Biology are offered by CMMB and by the Department of Integrative Biology (IB). The degree in Biology is preparatory for careers in such areas as teaching, agriculture, medicine, dentistry, conservation, and biotechnology, or for post-baccalaureate study in the various life sciences. Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology are eligible to apply for an Accelerated B.S./M.S. Degrees in Biology or Microbiology. This program allows B.S. majors to take graduate courses for the elective part of the Cell and Molecular degree and then apply them to a non-thesis M.S. degree in Biology with a Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology or Microbiology. Successful students can earn the M.S. degree in two additional semesters beyond the completion of the B.S. degree. The accelerated B.S./M.S. program is intended for students entering professions that do not need extensive laboratory experience but require more specialized knowledge of Cell and Molecular Biology or Microbiology.

The Bachelor of Science in Microbiology (MIC), offered by the CMMB, provides students with a broad range of courses necessary to qualify for certification by the National Registry of Microbiologists, American Society of Microbiology, and employment in microbiology and related fields. Both CAM and MIC degrees are excellent preparatory fields of study for careers in teaching, medicine, biotechnology and post-baccalaureate study in related life sciences.

In addition to a set of courses in biology, students must have a thorough preparation in other areas of natural sciences to be competitive for jobs or for further study beyond the baccalaureate. A modern biology curriculum is built on a foundation of mathematics, chemistry and physics. Students should study the requirements listed below and then make maximum use of the vigorous advising program maintained by the departments in structuring their programs.