Program Description
Understanding the functions of living organisms means having the knowledge of how every element of life operates within them, right down to the molecule. With a major in biomedical, cellular and molecular biology, you will explore molecular interactions that both drive and regulate cellular and physiological processes. As you work to gain understanding of biological concepts, you will have the opportunity to take part in research projects and learn the latest techniques in the laboratory.
Points of Pride
- CMU's $95 million Biosciences Building is the largest capital project in the university’s 120-plus year history. The four-story, 169,000-square-foot building will dramatically advance CMU’s instructional learning and scientific research space.
- As a Carnegie-classified doctoral research institution, CMU's undergraduate students work closely with faculty on cutting-edge research questions in the fields of microbiology, cellular and molecular biology, physiology, developmental biology and genetics.
Put Your Degree to Work
CMU's biomedical, cellular and molecular biology degree will prepare you for graduate research programs and health profession programs such as medical, veterinary, pharmacy or dental schools and career opportunities in research labs, clinical labs and more.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics sample data
Below is a list of potential careers, median salary over the course of the career and projected job growth.
| Job | Median Pay | Job Growth through 2026 |
|---|
| Physician assistant | $104,860 per year | 37% (39,600 more jobs) |
| Dentist | $158,120 per year | 19% (29,300 more jobs) |
| Veterinarian | $90,420 per year | 19% (15,000 more jobs) |
| Medical scientist | $82,090 per year | 13% (16,100 more jobs) |
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires. For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Biology Major: Biomedical, Cellular, and Molecular Concentration
This Biology Major will prepare students for graduate programs or careers in the fields of biomedicine, physiology, and cellular and molecular biology.
Total: 63-71 semester hours
Core Courses I
(20 hours)
BIO 111
Foundations of Evolution and Diversity
4
Basic principles of evolution and the application of these principles to the history and diversity of life. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. (University Program Group II-A: Descriptive Sciences)
BIO 112
Foundations of Cell Biology
4
Structure and function of bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotic cells including biological molecules, bioenergetics, membrane transport, respiration, photosynthesis, cell communication, and cell division. Prerequisite: BIO 111 with a C- or better. Prerequisite/Co-requisite: CHM 131.
BIO 211
Foundations of Genetics
4
Foundations and applications of molecular and transmission genetics in a diversity of organisms. Prerequisite: BIO 112 with a C- or better. Prerequisite/Co-requisite: CHM 132.
BIO 212
Foundations of Form and Function
4
An integrative and comparative survey of plants, animals and microbes, with emphasis on their form and function. Prerequisite: BIO 211 with a grade of C- or better. Pre/Co-requisite: BIO 213.
BIO 213
Foundations of Ecology
4
Study of the relationship between organisms and their environment. Prerequisite: BIO 112 with C- or better.
Core Courses II
(3 hours)
BIO 500
Biological Statistics
3
An introduction to biological statistics; emphasis on concepts of descriptive statistics and central tendency, inferential statistics, one-way ANOVA and correlation/linear regression. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or twelve (12) hours of biology. Recommended MTH 130.
Required Courses
(3-4 hours)
Select one of the following:
BIO 320
Biology of Microorganisms
4
General microbiology course that explores the cell structure, metabolism, genetics, and diversity of microorganisms. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better.
BIO 324
Eukaryotic Cell Biology
3
Eukaryotic cellular structure and function, including experimental methods, membranes, trafficking, signaling, cytoskeleton, the cell cycle, and other cellular processes. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better.
BIO 390
Comparative Animal Physiology
4
The study of the diversity of physiological mechanisms in animals, with emphasis on inter-species comparisons to highlight patterns of physiological adaptation. Prerequisites: BIO 218; CHM 132 or 161 or 342.
BIO 391
Plant Physiology
4
The study of plant function including processes such as photosynthesis, water movement, growth and development, and plant response to environmental stress. Prerequisites: BIO 203 or BIO 212, 213 with a C- or better; CHM 120, 127 or 132. Recommended: CHM 421 or 425.
BIO 392
Mammalian Physiology
4
The functioning of the mammalian body and its component parts, with an emphasis on human systems. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 with a C- or better, or BIO 208 or 211 with a C- or better and a signed major in biochemistry, biology in any option, biology/biomedical sciences, dietetics, neuroscience, or a signed science minor; CHM 132 or 342.
Other Requirements I
(20 hours)
Note: You may only count one of MTH 130 or 132, not both.
CHM 131
General Chemistry I
4
Fundamental concepts of chemistry including stoichiometry, gas laws, thermochemistry, and molecular structure. CHM 131 is a first course for science majors. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Recommended: High school algebra or MTH 107; high school chemistry or CHM 120. (University Program Group II-B: Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences)
CHM 132
General Chemistry II
4
Continuation of CHM 131 including solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, weak acids and bases, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Prerequisite: CHM 131. Recommended: a grade of C or better in CHM 131.
MTH 130
Pre-Calculus Mathematics
4
Sets, mathematical induction, functions, relations, theory of equations, analytic geometry. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format. Recommended: MTH 107, 109.
Limits, continuity, interpretations of the derivative, differentiation of elementary functions, applications of derivatives, antiderivatives, Riemann sums, definite integrals, fundamental theorem of calculus. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format. Recommended: MTH 107, 109; or MTH 130. (University Program Group II-B: Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences)
PHY 130QR
College Physics I
4
Mechanics, heat, kinetic theory, and sound. The mathematics used is algebra and trigonometry. The sequences PHY 130-131, PHY 170-171 satisfy minimum requirements for medical and dental schools. Quantitative Reasoning. Recommended: A high school math background that includes a good foundation in algebra and trigonometry, or MTH 109. (University Program Group II-B: Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences)
PHY 131
College Physics II
4
A continuation of PHY 130 that covers the topics of electricity, magnetism, optics and modern physics. Prerequisite: PHY 130.
Other Requirements II
(4-8 hours)
Select one of the following options:
Notes: Students selecting Option A in Other Requirements II must select Option A in Other Requirements III. Students selecting Option B or C in Other Requirements II may select any option in Other Requirements III.
OR2A-BIO:BCM
Option A
(4 hours)
OR2B-BIO:BCM
Option B
(8 hours)
OR2C-BIO:BCM
Option C
(8 hours)
Other Requirements III
(3-6 hours)
Select one of the following options:
OR3A:BIO:BCM
Option A
(3 hours)
OR3B:BIO:BCM
Option B
(3 hours)
OR3C:BIO:BCM
Option C
(6 hours)
Other Requirements IV
(0 hours)
Capstone Exit Exam and Survey
This capstone experience may include taking the Biology Major Field Test, analyzing and interpreting data, and/or completing an exit survey.
Electives
(10 hours)
Select advanced level elective courses from the list below. At least two (2) courses must be at the 400-level or higher. At least one elective must be a BIO course with laboratory hours. Courses selected in Required Courses may not also be used as electives.
Notes: Credit toward the Biology major may only be earned in BIO 397, 497, and 597 with permission of advisor. Students who choose BIO 546, 566, or 571 must also take the appropriate pre/co-requisite lecture course.
BIO 320
Biology of Microorganisms
4
General microbiology course that explores the cell structure, metabolism, genetics, and diversity of microorganisms. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better.
BIO 324
Eukaryotic Cell Biology
3
Eukaryotic cellular structure and function, including experimental methods, membranes, trafficking, signaling, cytoskeleton, the cell cycle, and other cellular processes. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better.
Laboratory experience emphasizing the theory and practice of techniques used in basic cell and molecular biology research and their applications in biotechnology. May be offered as Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better; or BIO 211 with a grade of C- or better and a signed major in Biochemistry; or BIO 324 or 326; CHM 132.
BIO 330
Light Microscopy
3
Principles and practice of light microscopy including the use of dissecting, brightfield, and fluorescence microscopes; sample preparation of living and preserved specimens; and image analysis. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better; permission of instructor.
BIO 337
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
4
Comparison of the anatomy of vertebrates and close relatives with emphasis on evolutionary interpretation, systematics, ontogeny, functional morphology and adaptation. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better; or BIO 218.
BIO 365
Environmental Contaminants
3
Survey of pesticide characteristics and residue problems, hazardous wastes, ground and surface water contaminants, air pollution and acid rain, and other environmental pollution concerns. Prerequisites: BIO 110 or 240; CHM 132 or 161. Recommended: CHM 345.
BIO 390
Comparative Animal Physiology
4
The study of the diversity of physiological mechanisms in animals, with emphasis on inter-species comparisons to highlight patterns of physiological adaptation. Prerequisites: BIO 218; CHM 132 or 161 or 342.
BIO 391
Plant Physiology
4
The study of plant function including processes such as photosynthesis, water movement, growth and development, and plant response to environmental stress. Prerequisites: BIO 203 or BIO 212, 213 with a C- or better; CHM 120, 127 or 132. Recommended: CHM 421 or 425.
BIO 392
Mammalian Physiology
4
The functioning of the mammalian body and its component parts, with an emphasis on human systems. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 with a C- or better, or BIO 208 or 211 with a C- or better and a signed major in biochemistry, biology in any option, biology/biomedical sciences, dietetics, neuroscience, or a signed science minor; CHM 132 or 342.
BIO 397
Special Topics in Biology
1-6
Topics of special interest that are not normally included in existing courses. Prerequisites: Course prerequisites will be announced in the Course Search and Registration.
BIO 403WI
Undergraduate Research
3-4
Faculty-supervised research experience in the biological sciences. Requires planning with a faculty mentor the semester prior to enrollment. Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better; permission of department chairperson. Recommended: Cumulative GPA of B (3.0) or better in all BIO courses.
BIO 435
Environmental Toxicology
3
Introduction to basic principles of environmental toxicology. Students will evaluate toxic responses in people, animals, and the environment and formulate a response to health hazards. Prerequisites: BIO 208; CHM 342 or CHM 345.
BIO 487/PSY 487
Neuroscience Seminar
1-2
Analysis of current research in specified areas of neuroscience; critiquing and discussing primary literature and the students' current research relating to specific topics. Students will repeat this course for a maximum of 2 credits. Identical to PSY 487. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. Prerequisites: Signed Neuroscience Major and prior or concurrent neuroscience research experience through BIO 403 or PSY 496.
BIO 490
Biomedical Sciences Seminar
1-3
Seminar course covering variable topics in an area of biomedical science. Students may repeat this course for a maximum of 3 credits. Prerequisites: BIO 324, 326, 392 or BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better.
BIO 495
Undergraduate Internship in Biology
1-4
An in-depth work experience in the student's area of interest performed under a trained professional in the selected area of biology for 6 to 24 weeks. Prerequisites: Signed Biology Major or Minor; 20 semester hours in Biology completed; minimum 3.0 GPA in biology.
BIO 497
Special Topics in Biology
1-9
Topics of special interest that are not normally included in existing courses. Specific topics and instructor’s prerequisites will be announced in Course Search and Registration. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better; Completion of 56 semester hours; See Course Search and Registration.
Mechanisms of descent with modification are discussed in a framework of microevolution, speciation, and macroevolution. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better; or BIO 326; or admission to the Biology M.S., Conservation Biology M.S., Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology M.S., Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Ph.D. program, or Earth and Ecosystem Sciences Ph.D. program.
BIO 524
Molecular Biology
3
Molecular nature of genes and recombinant DNA techniques, explored through the analysis of experimental data. Prerequisites: BIO 326, CHM 346; or graduate standing. Recommended: CHM 521, 522.
Endocrine system function including major endocrine glands, hormone synthesis, mechanisms of hormone action, and regulation of key body functions. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213, 392 all with a grade of C- or better; or graduate standing.
Study of cells and tissues that comprise human organ systems with emphasis on their integration and function using light microscopy. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better; or BIO 390 or 392; or admission to the Biology M.S., Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology M.S., Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Ph.D. program, or Earth and Ecosystem Sciences Ph.D. program.
A description of the biological and biochemical mechanisms of the immune response. Emphasis will be placed on adaptive immunity activation, immunobiology, and immune system dysfunction. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better and one of: BIO 320, 324, 392; or BIO 211 with a C- or better, BIO 392, and a signed major in biochemistry or neuroscience; or admission to the Biology M.S., Chemistry M.S., Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology M.S., or Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Ph.D. program. Recommended: CHM 425 or 521.
Basic principles of viral structure and replication. Provides a detailed survey of viruses, including emergent viral pathogens. Explores viral evolution, anti-viral drugs and vaccines. Prerequisites: BIO 324, 326 or Graduate Status in the Biology Department.
BIO 544
Developmental Biology
4
Patterns and cellular/molecular mechanisms of embryonic development, emphasizing animals. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 with a grade of C- or better; or BIO 324, 326; CHM 132 or 161.
BIO 545
Molecular Genetics
3
Genetic approach to fundamental biological problems. Covers genetic techniques and modern molecular methods, including recombinant DNA technology and functional genomics in model systems and humans. May be offered as Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better; or BIO 211 with a C- or better and a signed major in Biochemistry or Neurosciences; or BIO 326; CHM 342 or 346; or graduate standing.
BIO 546
Molecular Genetics Laboratory
1
Laboratory course, to accompany BIO 545, explores genetic techniques and modern molecular methods, including recombinant DNA technology and functional genomics in model systems. Pre/Co-requisites: BIO 545.
BIO 550
Transmission Electron Microscopy
4
Biological specimen preparation and examination using transmission electron microscopy. Use of digital photography in electron micrograph production. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better; or BIO 324; BIO 330; or graduate standing; permission of instructor.
BIO 552
Scanning Electron Microscope Technique
4
Principles and techniques of SEM including biological specimen preparation and examination. Use of digital photography in electron micrograph production. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better, or BIO 324; BIO 330; or graduate standing.
BIO 553
Confocal Microscopy
3
Principles and practice of biological confocal laser scanning microscopy, including sample preparation and the use of molecular probes. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better; or BIO 324; BIO 330; or graduate standing.
BIO 565
Microbial Diversity and Physiology
3
This course explores the diversity of microorganisms, including methods for classifying microorganisms and assessing their diversity, and a detailed survey of microbial metabolic diversity. Prerequisite: BIO 326 or Biology graduate status.
BIO 566
Microbial Diversity and Physiology Laboratory
1
This is an advanced laboratory course that explores experimental techniques used to study the diversity and physiology of microorganisms. This laboratory course accompanies BIO 565. Prerequisite: BIO 326 or Biology graduate status. Co-requisite: BIO 565.
BIO 570
Cellular Dynamics
3
A course that explores advanced topics in cell biology focusing on landmark discoveries and experimental techniques using the primary literature. Prerequisites: BIO 324, 326; or Biology graduate status.
BIO 571
Cellular Dynamics Laboratory
1
An advanced laboratory course that explores experimental techniques in cell biology research. This is a laboratory course that accompanies BIO 570. Prerequisites: BIO 324, 326; or Biology graduate status. Co- requisite: BIO 570.
BIO 575
Applied Bioinformatics
4
Application of bioinformatics techniques. Topics include: gene finding, pairwise and multiple sequence alignments of DNA and protein sequences, and the use of GenBank and BLAST. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 with a C- or better; or graduate standing in a Master’s or Ph. D. program in the College of Science and Engineering.
BIO 576WI
Mammalian Cell Culture
3
Practical aspects of mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique, cell maintenance, differentiation, and cryopreservation. Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better; or graduate standing.
BIO 580
Medical Microbiology
4
Focuses on the relationships between humans and pathogenic microbes. Covers major groups of medically important microorganisms, pathological consequences of infection, diagnosis, and clinical case problemsolving. Prerequisites: BIO 320, 392 both with a C+ or better; or BIO 208, 211, one of: BIO 392 or HSC 215 all with a C+ or better, and a signed major in Neuroscience or Biochemistry; or graduate standing.
BIO 585
Conservation Medicine
3
Examines various diseases and their importance to wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. Epidemiology and ecology of diseases are discussed within the framework of conservation medicine. Prerequisites: BIO 208, 340; or graduate standing .
BIO 590
Cardiovascular Physiology
3
Basic principles of normal mammalian cardiovascular physiology. Prerequisites: BIO 392 or graduate standing.
BIO 591
Neurophysiology
3
Principles of nervous system function: cytology, electrophysiology, ion channels, membrane potentials, neurochemistry, synaptic function and its modification, sensory physiology. Prerequisites: BIO 392.
Examination of the underlying molecular, cellular, and genetic pathways involved in carcinogenesis, tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Additional topics include tumor immunology and treatment strategies. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better; or BIO 324, 326; CHM 342 or 345; or graduate standing. Recommended: CHM 425 or 521.
BIO 597
Special Topics in Biology
1-9
Topics of special interest that are not normally included in existing courses. Specific topics and instructor’s prerequisites will be announced in Course Search and Registration. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better; completion of 56 semester hours; or graduate standing; additional instructor prerequisites will be announced in the Course Search and Registration.
