The Building Blocks of Life
Cell and molecular biology tells us how living organisms are built, about the underlying basis of genetic and infectious disease, and how humans develop from simpler structures. With IUP's BS in Cell and Molecular Biology program, you'll gain the groundwork to understand and work within this groundbreaking field that impact genetics, disease prevention, and human life as we know it.
You'll have the opportunity to focus your interests in disease, genetic engineering, and forensics, and you'll experience a degree program that consistently challenges your imagination.
Why Major in Cell and Molecular Biology at IUP?
IUP's BS in Cell and Molecular Biology program not only engages you, but trains you for future success in your chosen field. Graduates have an excellent track record of admission into MS and PhD programs, as well as entry into medical, dental, and other professional schools.
The curriculum for the BS in Cell and Molecular Biology is designed to prepare graduates with the knowledge and skills for employment in:
- Biomedical engineering
- Biopharmaceuticals
- Biotechnology
- Cell Signaling
- Developmental Biology
- Forensics
- Gene Editing
- Genetic counseling
- Immunology/Immunotherapy
- Microbiology
- Stem Cells/Regenerative Medicine
- Transcriptomics/Proteomics
What You'll Learn
Our experienced and renowned faculty will help you develop your scientific thinking. The BS in Cell and Molecular Biology curriculum educates students in a wide range of topics, including:
- Advanced laboratory techniques and critical thinking skills that lead to new discoveries
- How cells and molecules contribute to the development and maintenance of complex tissues and organs
- Neural, endocrine, and pharmacological control of homeostasis, addiction, and sleep
- The cellular and molecular interactions that control immune mechanisms
- The genetic and cellular basis of human diseases and new approaches to treating them
- The structure and biology of bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens
Imagine Your Future
A BS in Cell and Molecular Biology earns graduates top-tier career paths in popular industries.
IUP combines a strong foundational curriculum, a carefully constructed laboratory course sequence, and an exciting set of upper level courses to support you through your future academic and career paths. The BS in Cell and Molecular Biology program has supported student success for admission to master's degree and PhD programs at many prestigious universities.
Biological Technicians
Median Salary
Forensic Science Technicians
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Medical Scientists
Median Salary
Microbiologists
Median Salary
Classes and Requirements
The BS in Cell and Molecular Biology program is designed to provide you with a broad foundation through a set of core classes within the first year. You'll then take track-specific courses focused on:
- Advanced cellular and molecular biology
- Development
- Microbiology
These courses provide laboratory experience that build on previously learned concepts and techniques. Upper-level course requirements stress advanced topics, critical thinking, oral and written communication, and advanced analysis of the scientific literature.
Students can complete their remaining course requirements by choosing the courses that best fit their interests and goals. Throughout our curriculum, we emphasize hands-on research that provides the skills and experiences you need in the future.
The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.
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Cell and Molecular Biology Certificate
Non-degree seeking students, educators, and others interested in obtaining supplemental knowledge and laboratory skills associated with the molecular biosciences can opt to build a cell and molecular biology skill set through the Cell and Molecular Biology Certificate. This can prepare students for MS or PhD programs and make those interested more competitive for employment in biotechnology and medical technology positions.
Full Academic Catalog Listing
The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.
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Research Opportunities
The Biology Department provides strong support for student research at all levels, including one-on-one mentorship and research scholarships. Students who participate in a research project learn how to compose research grants and communicate their research results at scientific conferences.
Hands-on research experience is an important part of a student's education. Students can volunteer or integrate their research project into their curriculum in the form of an independent study or an honors thesis.
Performing your own independent research project is a fun and rewarding experience that provides a one-of-a-kind perspective on the flow of scientific discovery. Along with your faculty research mentor, you'll design and carry out a research project of your own and master a variety of genetic, cellular, and molecular techniques.
Email a faculty member to discuss the research opportunities in their lab.
Biology Honors Program
The Biology Honors Program is an exclusive research program that allows high achieving biology students to participate in additional research and thesis opportunities.
Full Academic Catalog Listing
The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.
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Biology Undergraduate Research Experience (BURE)
The purpose of the BURE scholarship program is to encourage student research, creative activity, and student-faculty innovative research projects.
BURE enables students to become part of the entire research experience, including (in sequential order):
- Planning an experiment
- Writing the proposal
- Completing the research project
- Preparing the work for presentation and publication
BURE scholarship recipients receive $2,000 in summer stipend money plus an additional $500 to purchase necessary research materials.