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 chemistry, mathematics, or other subjects. Students should be aware that some post-baccalaureate degree programs may require additional courses for admission and should discuss course options with their advisors before making course decisions.

Grade Policy 

This policy applies to students majoring in Biology, Cell & Molecular Biology, or Environmental Science, or minoring in Biology.

1.  A grade of D- or higher must be earned in all courses required for each major or minor unless indicated otherwise. Students earning a C- or lower (including withdrawal) in a course can opt to retake the course, subject to the university’s Course Attempt Policy.

2. Students must complete all of the major or minor requirements with an average GPA of at least 2.0.

3. Students who earn an average GPA below 2.0 in all courses required for each major or minor at the conclusion of a semester will be placed on departmental academic warning.

4. A grade of B- or higher must be earned in BL 2130 to continue with the Cell & Molecular Biology major.

Dismissal Policy  

Students may be dismissed from the major after being placed on departmental academic warning for three semesters.

Major and Minor Requirements

Students may earn a degree in only one of the three majors in the Biology Department (Biology, Cell & Molecular Biology, or Environmental Science). Double and triple majors in biology are not permitted. A maximum of 3 credits of BL 2950, BL 3980 and BL 3990 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 Biology Department at John Carroll University. To receive a minor in Biology, students must complete a minimum of 13 credit hours in the Biology Department 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 courses that immediately follow the corresponding lecture 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 2130 to continue in this major.

Required Courses:

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

Required Support Courses:

Interdisciplinary Concentration in Neuroscience

Students majoring in Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry (Biochemistry Concentration), or Psychology who desire an interdisciplinary approach to the study of physiology, biochemistry, and behavior of higher organisms may elect to complete additional coursework comprising the interdisciplinary concentration in Neuroscience coordinated by the Department of Psychology. A GPA of 2.5 or higher in BL1500 - BL1605 and CH1410 - CH1440 is required for admission into the concentration. Requirements for each area are detailed below.

Required Biology Courses:

Biochemistry Requirement - choose one pair:

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

Required Chemistry Courses:

Required Support Courses:

Required Psychology Courses: