Cell, Molecular, and Biomedical Science, B.S.
The Cell, Molecular, and Biomedical Science B.S. major in biology is designed to provide students with advanced studies within the cellular, molecular, and biomedical sciences, in preparation for future graduate programs, professional health degrees, or biomedical research careers. In this curriculum, students relate the structures of molecules, cells, and tissues to their biological functions within organisms. From this foundation, students will be able to apply their molecular biology skills to solve problems in health and disease. The program is suitable for either a terminal degree or as preparation for medical or dental schools, veterinary professional programs, or graduate study in the molecular sciences. The degree program requires 120 credit hours.
Learning Outcomes for Cell, Molecular, and Biomedical Science B.S. Majors
Cell, Molecular, and Biomedical B.S. graduates of the University of Portland will be able to:
- Apply the scientific process to investigate aspects of cell, molecular, and biomedical sciences by asking questions, critically evaluating scientific literature, creating hypotheses, designing experiments, analyzing data, and formulating conclusions.
- Communicate cell, molecular, and biomedical sciences concepts, data interpretations, and significant conclusions to scientists and non-scientists, particularly in writing.
- Connect macromolecule structures to their cellular functions and their role in health and disease.
- Plan and execute experiments in molecular, cellular, and genetic disciplines.
UP Core Requirements — 40 credit hours
All University of Portland students progress through a set of shared course options as part of the University’s liberal arts Core Curriculum. This curriculum offers a foundation of multiple lenses to address enduring questions of human concern, integrating the liberal arts, the University mission, and the knowledge, skills, and values needed in a diverse society and in the workplace.
See UP Core Requirements
Two of the three core requirements in the Science & Problem Solving Habit are satisfied by the mathematics and science requirements within the major.
At least 10 credit hours of electives and/or Exploration Level courses in the University Core Curriculum must be upper-division courses.
BIO 277/278 and the Capstone courses are the designated Writing in the Discipline courses for the B.S. in Cell, Molecular, and Biomedical Science
College of Arts and Sciences B.S. Requirements — 6 credit hours
See College Requirements, B.S.
Major Requirements — 60-63 credit hours
Required Courses — 27-28 credit hours
BIO 207 | Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology | 3 |
BIO 277 | Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology Lab | 1 |
BIO 208 | Introduction to Evolution and Ecology | 3 |
BIO 278 | Introduction to Evolution and Ecology Lab | 1 |
CHM 207 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
CHM 277 | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
CHM 208 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
CHM 278 | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
CHM 325 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
CHM 375 | Organic Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
CHM 326 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
CHM 376 | Organic Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
MTH 161 | Elementary Statistics | 3 |
| Or | |
MTH 201 | Calculus I | 4 |
Select One Option - 6-8 credit hours
Select one of the following three options that constitute a progression or series:
Option 1: Physics – 8 credit hours
Option 2: Mathematics – 6 credit hours
Option 3: Computer Science – 6-7 credit hours
CS 200 | Introduction to Computer Science for Non-Majors | 3 |
| Or | |
CS 203 | Introduction to Computer Science | 3 |
| with | |
CS 273 | Computer Science Laboratory | 1 |
| And | |
CS 423/BIO 423/CS 523 | Computational Biology | 3 |
| Or | |
BIO 385 | Python Coding in Biology | 2 |
At least three upper-division cell and molecular biology labs with corresponding lectures - 12 credit hours
Select three labs with corresponding 3-credit hour lecture courses from the following:
At least one upper-division ecology, evolution, and conservation biology lab with corresponding lecture - 4 credit hours
Select one lab with corresponding 3-credit hour lecture course from the following:
Capstone - 3 credit hours
BIO 410 | Advances in Biomedical Science | 3 |
BIO 497, BIO 499 or 497 internships from outside Biology may fulfill the capstone requirement with pre-approval of the department chair.
Upper-division biology electives - 8 credit hours
A maximum of six non-classroom credit hours (from
BIO 397/493/497/499) may be used for completion of the major. A maximum of three upper-division electives in
BIO 397 or 497 may be Pass/No Pass for completion of the major.
Any additional credit hours required to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours
Total Credit Hours: 120