Cellular & Molecular Biology Minor

Understand the building blocks of life.

The Cellular and Molecular Biology Minor will give you broad understanding of the foundational building blocks of all life, making connections between molecules, cells, and tissues, and exploring their functions in healthy and diseased states. There is a specialized track for chemistry majors as well as a general track open to all majors. The minor curriculum will develop your critical thinking and communication skills, as well as training you in modern laboratory techniques used in the field to prepare you for a multitude of careers in the life sciences, healthcare, education, and beyond.

Explore sample courses in this program.

BI-141 Intro to Cellular and Molecular Biology

Cellular and molecular concepts in biology. Emphasis on the structure and varied functions of the cell. 3 lecture hours and 3 laboratory hours per week. Intended for STEM majors.

4 credits

BI-203 Genetics

Introductory genetics with examples of human inheritance and recent developments in genetic engineering. 3 hours of lecture and a 3-hour laboratory per week.

4 credits

BI-204 Microbiology

The cytology, metabolism, and genetics of bacteria. Immune responses and control of microorganisms are stressed. 3 lectures and a 3-hour laboratory per week.

4 credits

BI-103 The Human Animal

A general survey of the structure and function of human body systems from the biochemical and cellular basis of life to evolution of the human body and the organization of organs and organ systems, including the biological basis of selected disease states.

3 credits

BI-104 The Human Animal Laboratory

This course is the lab to accompany The Human Animal, a general survey of the structure and function of human body systems from the biochemical and cellular basis of life to evolution of the human body and the organization of organs and organ systems, including the biological basis of selected disease states.

1 credit

BI-140 Introduction to Organismal Biology

Evolution, ecology, anatomy, physiology, and diversity of organisms. 3 hours lecture and 3 hours lab each week. Intended for STEM majors.

4 credits

BI-200 Human Biology

A systemic approach to the study of human biology. The course emphasizes structure/function relationships and homeostatic mechanisms. 3-hour lecture and 3-hour lab.

4 credits

BI-205 Research Techniques and Experimental Design

Investigations in experimental design and research methodologies required for the honors program in biology (or biotechnology).

2 credits

BI-306 Developmental Biology

Study of developmental patterns, cellular differentiation, and cell interactions resulting in cellular diversity, organization, and perpetuation of the germ line. 3 lecture hours and 3 laboratory hours per week.

4 credits

BI-371 Advanced Topics in Cell and Molecular Biology

Examination of current topics in cell and molecular biology, including mechanisms that regulate gene expression and protein function, organization of cellular components into functional pathways, and modern experimental techniques.

4 credits

BI-372 Immunology

Introduction to cellular defense mechanisms in health and disease: antigen-antibody reactions, human immune responses. 3 lecture hours and 3 laboratory hours per week.

4 credits

BI-375 Virology

Physical structure and replication schemes of viruses; role of viruses in human disease, research, and commercial applications. 3 lecture hours and 3 laboratory hours per week.

4 credits

BI-398 Cancer Biology

Cellular and molecular basis of cancer, including cancer genetics, biochemical pathways related to cancer, and modern treatment approaches.

4 credits

BT-375 Tissue Culture

A review of the methods of animal and plant tissue culture. Media preparation, aseptic techniques, and cell culture technology. 3 lecture hours and 3 laboratory hours per week.

4 credits

BT-376 Biotechnology

Principles, applications of recombinant DNA (molecular/microbial aspects). The biotechnology industry including bioreactor manufacturing standards and government rules. 3 lecture hours and 3 laboratory hours per week.

4 credits

BT-377 Fermentation Technology

Explores the application of biological and engineering principles involved in manufacturing pharmaceutical products.

4 credits

BT-378 Bioinformatics

Provides an overview of bioinformatics including database structure, genomics, computational biology, and proteomics. 3 lecture hours and 3 laboratory hours per week.

4 credits

CH-112 Survey of Chemistry

Chemical and physical properties of inorganic, organic, and biochemical compounds with implications for human health and environment. 3 lecture hours and 3 laboratory hours per week.

4 credits

BI-206 Medical Microbiology

A study of growth and control of pathogenic microorganisms with emphasis on infectious disease transmission, immune responses, prevention, and treatment. 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours per week.

4 credits

BI-111 Social Biology

This course considers the interface between current biological technologies and the social, cultural, legal, and moral postures of modern man.

3 credits

BI-112 Diseases and Mankind

Diseases of ancient and modern man; the impact on history, religion, science, art, and philosophy.

3 credits

BI-207 Public Health Microbiology

Growth and control of pathogenic microorganisms with emphasis on infectious disease transmission, immune responses, prevention, and treatment for public health majors.

3 credits

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