Program Requirements

Completion of program

There are certain graduation requirements that must be met before obtaining a degree from the Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB) program. A total of 45-49 hours are required to complete the CMB program. In addition to the CMB required course work, general baccalaureate education requirements as specified by the University must also be completed.

Major requirements (65-69 hours)

  1. Specific General Education requirements: BMS 110(3), 111(1); PHY 123(4) or 203(5); MTH 287(3) or 261(5).
  2. Biomedical Sciences courses: BMS 231(4), 321(4), 494(1), 521(4), 525(4).
  3. Required courses from other departments: CHM 160(4), 161(1), 170(3), 171(1), 342(3), 343(3), 345(2); PHY 124(4) or 204(5).
  4. Other requirements: At least 16 hours of appropriate electives, selected in consultation with the student’s advisor, numbered 300 or higher. At least 10 of these elective hours must carry a BMS course code. Recommended Electives: BMS 308(4), 497(1-3), 498(1-3), 514(2), 516(4), 524(3), 529(3), 540(2), 558(3), 569(3), 582(4), 584(3), 585(4); BIO 312(3), 313(2), 511(4); CHM 505(4), 552(3).
  5. Public Affairs Capstone Experience will be fulfilled by completion of BMS 494(1) and any combination of the following courses equaling three total hours: BMS 300(1), 380(1-3), 400(2), 490(3), 498(1-3).

University level requirements:

  1. General Education Program and Requirements
  2. General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements

You must complete a minimum of 16 credit hours of electives in the CMB program. Electives must be pre-approved by your advisor by completing the advisor-approved elective courses list, and at least 10 of your chosen electives must have a BMS (Biomedical Sciences) prefix.

The CMB program is comprehensive and does not require completion of a minor for graduation. A minor can be added to the application for a degree program at any time by:

  • filling out the minor code portion of the application
  • obtaining the required signatures from the department which houses that minor

Additional requirement

In your senior year you are required to take the Area Concentration Achievement Test (ACAT). This examination is administered through the department in late April and late November. There is no cost for this examination.