Bachelor of Science

Cell and Molecular Biology

Academic Department

The BS in Cell and Molecular Biology degree offers a curriculum concentrated in the areas of genetics, cell, and molecular biology. It emphasizes critical evaluation of scientific data, performance of sound experiments and tools for effective communication both orally and in writing. All CMB–BS students will complete a minimum of 11 laboratories and spend at least 100 hours working on an independent research project outside class under the supervision of a biology professor. Graduates of this major will be prepared to enter graduate school in biomedical research, health–related professional school, or work in careers related to the biotechnology industry.

A grade of “C” or better in BIOL 1351, 1151, 1352, and 1152 and CHEM 1341, 1141 are prerequisites for all other biology courses. No biology course may be taken unless all prerequisites have been completed with a grade of “C” or better. Advanced placement credit or credit by examination may not be used as prerequisites for upper–division biology courses. Biology courses may only be taken a maximum of three (3) times.

Students graduating with a degree in Biology or Cell and Molecular Biology must have a minimum GPA of 2.00 in all biology courses.

Students completing any major in biology must take the Educational Testing Service Major Field Test in Biology (MFT) in the semester in which they graduate. Students who do not take the MFT will not be allowed to graduate with a major in biology.

Bachelor's Degree Requirements

The following overall requirements are needed in order to earn a bachelor's degree. For a full explanation of the requirements, please see policy A.04.01.

  • Completion of the core curriculum. Specific core plan is dependent upon accepted transfer credit, major, and Honor's Program participation. 
  • Successful completion of at least 120 credit hours, with the final 36 hours taken in Residence at UST. Total credits listed on the page only reflect the major. 
  • Completion of a major.
  • Completion of 36 upper-division credit hours.
  • A cumulative grade point average (GPA) above 2.0
  • A cumulative GPA above 2.0 in your major
  • Freshman Symposium is a one-credit hour, mandatory course exclusively for first-year students at the University of St. Thomas, introducing them to the UST mission and the Basilian Fathers’ core values of goodness, discipline, and knowledge. Freshmen register for it during the Freshmen Registration/Orientation events and can choose a class that aligns with their interests, with course descriptions provided in advance.

Biology Research Methods

Complete all of the following courses.

Item #
Title
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
3

Physics

Choose one pair of the following courses.

Item #
Title
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
4

Mathematics

Complete the following course.

Item #
Title
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
4
Total Credits
76