Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Cellular and Molecular Biology, BS
What Is the Study of Cellular and Molecular Biology?
Biology, as the study of living things, is an academic endeavor with a basic research focus on seeking answers to questions rather than on applying biological knowledge to solve problems. As scientists, Biologists have two prime motivations: (1) intellectual curiosity about biological systems, and (2) the philosophy that creating and disseminating reliable knowledge has intrinsic worth. Thus, we intend for our intensive academic program in Biology to stimulate our students’ curiosity and appetite for life-long learning about biology.
This major is part of an interdisciplinary program between the Biology and Chemistry Departments. The B.S. degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology places a greater emphasis on the molecular biology and biochemistry that control cell functions. The curriculum provides an effective combination of knowledge in areas that students can apply to many careers. Supporting courses in math, physics, and chemistry, along with the core biology curriculum at the 200-level and 300-levels fulfill the goals of a liberal arts education. In 400-level biochemistry and molecular biology courses students not only pursue interests more specifically, but begin to integrate and apply knowledge, and develop the skills and abilities to pursue careers of their choosing.
Hence, the integrated conceptual foundation in biology, the critical thinking skills, quantitative problem-solving abilities, leadership with team-building skills, and scientific research skills students obtain from lecture and laboratory courses in the Cellular and Molecular Biology B.S. curriculum ultimately are critical for post-baccalaureate studies and for future job performance.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
Cell biology is the study of the structure of cells, the organelles they contain, physiological functions, life cycle, division and death, often studied at the biochemical or molecular level. Molecular biology investigates the interactions among DNA, RNA and protein synthesis within cells as well as understanding how these interactions are regulated using the tools and principles of genetics and bioinformatics gained from prokaryotic and eukaryotic model organisms. Molecular Biology is among the most rapidly growing fields within Biology with recent accomplishments such as the sequencing of the entire human genome.
How to Declare:
Declare your Biology major as soon as you discover you are interested. Contact Kim Kolb Ayre in the Biology Department Office, BI 315 for details. Freshmen, your first quarter is not too soon!
The Biology Department has a two-step process for admission into our degree programs. Phase I students are students who have declared their intent to major in biology, and are in the process of completing the introductory biology (BIOL 204, 205, 206) and general chemistry (CHEM 121, 122, 123) series. Admission to Phase II is based on academic performance in the introductory courses. Students must have achieved an average grade of 2.9 or higher in their introductory biology and general chemistry courses before they can advance to Phase II and begin taking upper-division coursework. Students may repeat only one course in Phase I in order to remain eligible for Phase II.
Coursework
A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses.
Basic Requirements:
- BIOL 204 - INTRODUCTION TO EVOLUTION, ECOLOGY AND BIODIVERSITY
- BIOL 205 - INTRODUCTION TO CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
- BIOL 206 - INTRODUCTION TO ORGANISMAL BIOLOGY
- BIOL 321 - GENETICS
- BIOL 323 - CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
- BIOL 324 - METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
- BIOL 345 - FUNDAMENTALS OF MICROBIOLOGY
- Choose one of the following series:
- CHEM 121 - GENERAL CHEMISTRY I
- CHEM 122 - GENERAL CHEMISTRY II
- CHEM 123 - GENERAL CHEMISTRY III
- or
- CHEM 125 - GENERAL CHEMISTRY I, HONORS
- CHEM 126 - GENERAL CHEMISTRY II, HONORS
- CHEM 225 - GENERAL CHEMISTRY III, HONORS
- CHEM 351 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- CHEM 352 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- CHEM 353 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- CHEM 354 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I
- One course from:
- MATH 124 - CALCULUS AND ANALYTIC GEOMETRY I
- MATH 134 - CALCULUS I HONORS
- One course from:
- MATH 125 - CALCULUS AND ANALYTIC GEOMETRY II
- MATH 135 - CALCULUS II HONORS
- One course from:
- MATH 240 - INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS
- MATH 341 - PROBABILITY AND STATISTICAL INFERENCE
- Choose one of the following series:
- PHYS 114 - PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS I
- PHYS 115 - PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS II
- PHYS 116 - PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS III
- OR
- PHYS 121 - PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS I
- PHYS 122 - PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS II
- PHYS 123 - ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM (or PHYS 223 - Waves and Optics under advisement)
Depth Requirements:
- BIOL 470 - FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS
- BIOL 471 - BIOCHEMISTRY I
- BIOL 472 - BIOCHEMISTRY II
- BIOL 473 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
- BIOL 474 - BIOCHEMISTRY LABORATORY
Electives:
Choose from the courses listed below to make 106-108 total credits. One Group A selection must be included.
- Group A Electives:
- BIOL 436 - MOLECULAR PHYLOGENY AND MICROBIAL DIVERSITY
- BIOL 451 - PLANT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
- BIOL 467 - COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE PHYSIOLOGY (AND)
- BIOL 468 - COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY
- BIOL 479 - PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
- BIOL 482 - DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY OF ANIMALS (AND)
- BIOL 484 - CELL BIOLOGY LABORATORY
- One course from:
- BIOL 494 - BIOLOGY RESEARCH (at least 2 credit hours)
- BIOL 495 - RESEARCH COMMUNICATION (at least 2 credit hours)
- Group B Electives:
- BIOL 325 - ECOLOGY
- BIOL 432 - EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
- BIOL 497 (under advisement)
- BIOL 467 - COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE PHYSIOLOGY
Faculty Advisors: Marion Brodhagen, David Leaf, Craig Moyer, Joann Otto, Lynn Pillitteri, Sandra Schulze, José Serrano-Moreno, Carol Trent, Heather Van Epps, Jeff Young
GURs:
The courses below are offered within this major and may also be used to satisfy GUR.
- QSR: MATH 124, 134, 240
- LSCI: BIOL 204, 205, 206; CHEM 121, 122, 123,125, 126, 225; PHYS 115, 116, 121, 122, 123
- SCI: PHYS 114
- WP: Three Writing Proficiency points are required for graduation (noted as WP1, 2 and 3). Check Classfinder for departmental offerings each quarter.
Sample Careers
- Biomedical Research
- Pharmaceutical Research
- Bioinformatics
- Cell Physiology
- Forensic Scientist
- Genetic Counseling
- Geneticist
- Medical Doctor
Department
Contact
Program Coordinator:
Kim Kolb Ayre
BI 315
360-650-6165
Kim.Kolb@wwu.edu
Biology Department Chair:
Joann Otto
BI 315
360-650-4044
Joann.Otto@wwu.edu