Cell and Molecular Biology, B.S.

The Cell and Molecular Biology major is intended for students seeking careers in medicine, biomedical research, biotechnology, pharmacy, healthcare, teaching, and other professions requiring a strong foundation in cellular and molecular processes. This major also prepares students for graduate study in fields such as cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, pharmacology, and biochemistry.

All Biology Department majors require specific support courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and other subjects. Students should be aware that some post-baccalaureate degree programs require physics for admission and should discuss course options with their advisors before making course decisions.

Grade Policy for students majoring in Biology, Cell & Molecular Biology, or Environmental Science, or minoring in Biology:

1. A grade of C- or higher must be earned in all courses taken for each major or minor.  A grade lower than C- requires that the course be repeated. In the case of an elective course for a major or minor in which a grade below C- was earned, the student may petition to take an alternative course. 

2. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 must be earned in all courses taken for each major or minor.

3. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 must be earned in support courses required for each major.  A grade of D-, D, or D+ in a support course is considered a passing grade, but the cumulative GPA in support courses must be at least 2.0.  

4. A grade of B- or better is required in BL213 to continue with the Cell & Molecular Biology major.

Dismissal Policy  Students who earn a GPA below 2.0 in courses required for their major or minor for two consecutive semesters will be dismissed from their major or minor.

Major and Minor Requirements

Note:  Students may earn a degree in only one of the majors in the Biology Department (Biology, Cell & Molecular Biology, or Environmental Studies). Double and triple majors in biology are not permitted. A maximum of 3 credits of BL 295, BL 398 and BL 399 combined will be accepted for any of the biology majors. Transfer students majoring in Biology, Cell & Molecular Biology, or Environmental Science must complete a minimum of 17 credit hours in the Department of Biology at John Carroll University. To receive a minor in biology, students must complete a minimum of 13 credit hours in the Department of Biology at John Carroll University.

Professional Development Program: The Biology Department participates in the College of Arts and Sciences Professional Development Program, as designed for the majors in biology. Completion of the program will be noted in a student's academic transcript.

Additional Information

Many courses offered by the department include a laboratory and/or field-work component; these are listed as separate entries that immediately follow the entry for the corresponding lecture component of the course.

Program Learning Goals in Cell and Molecular Biology

Students will:

1. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of biology and develop competency in specific areas of interest.

   • Understand the basic chemical principles, cell structure and organization, and metabolism of living organisms.

   • Understand plant and animal anatomy and physiology, with an emphasis on form and function.

   • Understand the principles of molecular, transmission, quantitative, evolutionary, and population genetics.

   • Understand cell signaling, regulation of protein function, eukaryotic cell cycle control, and cancer.

   • Understand gene and genome analysis, genome organization, transposable elements, chromosome structure, replication, and expression of genetic information in eukaryotes.

2. Use an empirical approach to evaluate biological phenomena.

3. Analyze biological data and communicate its importance through effective oral and written presentation.

Major Requirements

34-37 credit hours of biology and biochemistry courses, plus 28-33 credits of required support courses in other departments. Courses are to be chosen with advisor approval and always include applicable laboratory corequisites. Students should refer to the registration website to identify appropriate courses to complete the core within the major (i.e., additional writing (AW) and oral presentation (OP), and capstone courses). A grade of B- or better is required in BL 213 to continue in this major.

Required Courses:

Plus three courses from the following: (including laboratory corequisite)

Required Support Courses:

Interdisciplinary Concentration in Neuroscience

The Interdisciplinary concentration in Neuroscience is coordinated by the Department of Psychology and is intended for biology, cell and molecular biology, chemistry (biochemistry concentration), and psychology majors who desire an interdisciplinary approach to the study of physiology, biochemistry, and behavior of higher organisms. A GPA of 2.5 or higher in BL 155- BL 158 and CH 141- CH 144 is required for admission into the concentration. Requirements for each area are detailed below.

Requirements

Required Biology Courses

Biochemistry requirement

CMB Electives choose 2 courses from: (lecture and corequisite lab count as one course)

Required Chemistry Courses

Required Support Courses

Required Psychology Courses