ENG

Molecular and Cellular Biology

Bachelor of Science

Coursework Location(s)

Main/Tucson

Areas of Interest
  • Business, Economics & Entrepreneurship
  • Computer & Information Science
  • Environment & Sustainability
  • Communication, Journalism & Public Relations
  • Education & Human Development
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Agricultural Sciences
  • Biological & Biomedical Science
  • Animal & Veterinary Sciences
  • Health, Nutrition & Fitness
If you want to merge your passion for biology with a career in teaching, journalism or research writing, the subplan in Education and Communication will prepare you. Biology will always have a great need for educators and communicators. Students seeking a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a subplan in Education and Communication become proficient in chemistry, math, physics, ecology and biology. They also take courses in science learning and journalism to grasp methods of imparting key evidence-based data, analysis and findings to the general public. Undergraduates gain hands-on lab, teaching and communication experience with renowned faculty as part of their course requirements and through internships. This subplan broadens the knowledge of journalists aiming to focus on science and medical writing and lays a broad foundation for aspiring science educators.
Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern life and apply that understanding to novel scenarios. Including: * how chemical principles govern the activity of life * how cells sense and respond to internal and external cues * how traits are inherited * how molecules, cells, and organisms evolve * how phenotypes emerge from interactions among molecules and cells * how research with model organisms sheds light on all these questions Demonstrate understanding of the ways that chemical principles govern the ability of biological molecules to form cellular structures, tissues, organs, and organisms, and the energy transformations that make these steps possible. Explain mechanisms and outcomes of the ability of cells to sense and respond to internal and external cues. Explain the role of and mechanisms by which the genome and its products generate biological structures and phenotypes, including human disease, including: ¿ Differentiate among replication, transcription, and translation with regard to mechanisms and biological roles. ¿ Analyze mechanisms of inheritance and their consequences for phenotypes. ¿ Differentiate among various types of mutations and predict their outcomes at the molecular, cellular, and organismal level. Describe how evolution affects molecules, cells, and organisms and shapes the diversity of life on Earth. Explain how the properties of biological systems emerge from the interactions among individual components of those systems. Describe ways that research in different experimental organisms sheds light on the important biological processes described above. Communicate effectively about scientific ideas and methods. ¿ This includes oral and/or written presentation. ¿ This includes appropriate choice of data-presentation modes (tables, diagrams, graphs, etc.). Read and interpret primary scientific literature in cell and molecular biology, linking the results to prior understanding of biological processes. Evaluate the reliability of sources of information about biology. Apply analytical thinking to biological problems: ¿ Understand and/or build models that generate testable hypotheses about biological processes. ¿ Critique experimental design in existing research and apply principles of experimental design to new research problems. ¿ Apply quantitative strategies to analyze and understand biological processes. Demonstrate ability to analyze the role of biology in societal decisions and to apply ethical decision-making to evaluate existing and new scientific approaches.
Sample Courses
  • MCB 310: Improving Learning in Science Classes
  • MCB 413: Why Is the Grass Green?
  • JOUR 472: Science Journalism
Career Fields
  • Journalism and communication
  • Healthcare
  • Research
  • Fitness and nutrition
  • Genetics
  • Government
Level of Math
Substantial Knowledge
LEVEL OF SECOND LANGUAGE
2nd Semester Proficiency
Pre-major Required?
NO
Sample Plans 2020 - Molecular and Cellular Biology

First Year

1st Semester
Credits
ENGL 101 First-Year Composition
3.00
MATH 122 A/B Calculus I
5.00
CHEM 151 General Chemistry I
4.00
Tier I General Education
3.00
MCB 195 Colloquium
1.00
2nd Semester
Credits
ENGL 102 First-Year Composition
3.00
MATH 129 Calculus II or MATH 263 Intro to Stats
3.00
CHEM 152 General Chemistry II
4.00
ECOL 182R Introductory Biology II
3.00
ECOL 182L Introductory Biology II Lab
1.00

Second Year

3rd Semester
Credits
CHEM 241A Organic Chemistry I
3.00
CHEM 243A Organic Chemistry Lab I
1.00
MCB 181R Introductory Biology I
3.00
MCB 181L Introductory Biology I Lab
1.00
Tier I General Education
3.00
Tier I General Education
3.00
4th Semester
Credits
CHEM 241B Organic Chemistry II
3.00
CHEM 243B Organic Chemistry II Lab
1.00
MCB 301 Molecular Basis of Life
4.00
MCB 310 Improving Learning in Science Classrooms
3.00
Tier I General Education
3.00

Third Year

5th Semester
Credits
PHYS 102 Introductory Physics I
3.00
PHYS 181 Introductory Lab I
1.00
MCB 304 Molecular Genetics
4.00
MCB 420
3.00
Tier II General Education
3.00
Upper Division Free Elective
3.00
6th Semester
Credits
PHYS 103 Introductory Physics II
3.00
PHYS 182 Introductory Lab II
1.00
MCB 305 Cell and Developmental Biology
4.00
Sub Plan Elective Course
3.00
Tier II General Education
3.00

Fourth Year

7th Semester
Credits
Sub Plan Lab or Thesis I
3.00
Sub Plan Elective Course
3.00
Upper Division Free Elective
3.00
Tier II General Education
3.00
Second Language
4.00
8th Semester
Credits
Sub Plan Writing or Thesis II
3.00
Sub Plan Elective Course
3.00
Free Elective
3.00
Upper Division Free Elective
3.00
Second Language
4.00

Log in to learn more about Colorado Heights University students

If you have questions about how your data is being used upon submission, please review the University Privacy Statement.