swirl bacteria
Bachelor of Science in
Cell and Molecular Biology
Fundamental course work in allied sciences and mathematics prepares the student for advanced studies in cell and molecular biology. The program is also recommended for pre-medical students because it includes many of the courses required for admission to medical school.
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Lower Division Requirements (35-36 units)

  • BIOL 230 ................. Introductory Biology I (5)
  • BIOL 240 ................. Introductory Biology II (5)
  • CHEM 115 ............... General Chemistry I: Essential Concepts of Chemistry (5)
  • CHEM 215/216 ........ General Chemistry II: Quantitative Applications of Chemistry Concepts (3-2)
  • MATH 226 ............... Calculus I (4)

    One of the following:

    • MATH 124 ....... Elementary Statistics (3)
    • MATH 227 ....... Calculus II (4)
    • MATH 228 ....... Calculus III (4)
    • CSC 210 .......... Intro to Computer Programming (3)
    • BIOL 458 ......... Biometry (4)

  • PHYS 111/112 ......... General Physics I and Laboratory (3-1) and
    PHYS 121/122 ......... General Physics II and Laboratory (3-1) or
  • PHYS 220/222 ......... General Physics with Calculus I and Laboratory (3-1) and
    PHYS 230/232 ......... General Physics with Calculus I and Laboratory (3-1)


Total lower division requirements: ...................................................................... 35-36

Upper Division Requirements (36 units)

  • BIOL 350 ................. Cell Biology (3)
  • BIOL 351 ................. Experiments in Cell and Molecular Biology (4)
  • BIOL 355 ................. Genetics (3)
  • BIOL 357 ................. Molecular Genetics (3)
  • BIOL 382 ................. Developmental Biology (3)
  • CHEM 333/335 ......... Organic Chemistry I-II (3/3)
  • CHEM 340/341 ......... Biochemistry I and II (3/3)

  • Electives to include one course from each group below. Include one laboratory course: (8)

    • Group A:
    • Group B:
      • BIOL 343 ................. Cellular and Molecular Immunology (3)
      • BIOL 356 ................. Honors Genetics (2)
      • BIOL 358 ................. Experimental Techniques in Molecular Biology (4)
      • BIOL 361 ................. Human Genetics (3)
      • BIOL 391 ................. Microscopy and Photomicrography (2)
      • BIOL 420/421 ........... General Virology and Laboratory (3-2)
      • BIOL 442/443 ........... Microbial Physiology and Laboratory (3-2)
      • BIOL 524 ................. Plant Molecular Biology (3)
      • BIOL 620 ................. Endocrinology (3)
      • CHEM 300 ............... General Physical Chemistry I (2) or
        CHEM 343 ............... General Biochemistry I Laboratory (2)
      • CHEM 351 ............... Physical Chemistry I

        (Three to four units of credit in graduate courses numbered BIOL 725-744,
        which accept qualified seniors, may be substituted with advisor's approval.)

        Total upper division requirements: .......................................................................... 36

Total units for major - 71 units