Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Biology B.S. with Concentration in Genetics, Cellular, and Molecular Biology


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Program: B.S.
Department of Biology  
Genetics, Cellular, and Molecular Biology Concentration
College of Arts and Sciences

Science Building 330 ~ 260-481-6305


This concentration within the Biology B.S. degree prepares students to be at the forefront of genetics, cellular and molecular biology.  Students share a common curriculum of traditional biology coursework along with in-depth training in the aforementioned areas.  Students not only learn basic concepts, but also the most up-to-date laboratory and bioinformatics techniques employed in genetics, cellular and molecular biology.  This in-depth education and training enables students to be highly competitive for entry into graduate, medical and other professional schools as well as for securing jobs in health care, pharmaceutical and drug discovery, biotechnology, agriculture, and environmental fields.


Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this degree, students will:

  • demonstrate comprehension of basic biological principles and theories, and an ability to apply those theories and principles to problem solving
  • demonstrate knowledge of the scientific method, and be able to apply that knowledge to problem solving
  • demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate biological information
  • demonstrate the basic knowledge and experience of field and laboratory work, and be able to communicate the results of an investigation

Program Delivery:

  • This program is available on-campus

Declaring this Major:

General Requirements:

Program Requirements:

  • A GPA of 2.00 or higher for all courses required for the major.
  • A GPA of 2.30 or higher in biology core and biology elective/concentration courses.
  • A maximum of 6 credits in BIOL 29500 or 59500.
  • All biology courses applied toward graduation must be completed within 10 years from the time the first biology course was completed.

To earn a B.S. with a major in Biology and the concentration in Genetics, Cellular, and Molecular Biology, you must fulfill the following requirements in addition to the General Requirements noted above

General Education Requirements: Credits 33


  • Click on the Purdue Fort Wayne General Education Requirements link above for details.
  • Some majors may require particular General Education courses as specified in their program description.  Up to six credits of approved General Education courses satisfying requirements in Areas A and B, and three credits satisfying requirements in Area C, may originate in the major.  A grade of C- or higher in each course, and an overall GPA of 2.0 is required to satisfy the Purdue Fort Wayne General Education Requirements.

College of Arts and Sciences Requirements


  • Click on the Purdue Fort Wayne College Requirements link above.  Go to Arts and Sciences Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree

English Writing and Speaking: Credits 6


  • See Part A in Arts and Sciences Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree for Speaking requirement

International Language: Credits 8


  •  See Part B in Arts and Sciences Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree

Supporting Courses


Calculus and Statistics: Credits 9


The following calculus and statistics course pattern is typical.  Course substitutions are possible with advisor approval.  Please note that most graduate programs require a full year of calculus.

Chemistry: Credits 16


General Electives


  • Sufficient additional credits to bring the total to 120.

Honors in Biology


You may earn an Honors Degree in Biology by achieving an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher and a Biology GPA of 3.50 or higher while completing at least 6 research credits. Research credits should be composed of BIOL 59500, although BIOL 29500 credits will be accepted if it can be demonstrated that the BIOL 29500 research was conducted on the same topic as the BIOL 59500 research. A senior thesis committee of three faculty members must be established at least one semester before graduation. Students must prepare a plan of research, senior thesis, and give a public oral presentation of the thesis research for review by the thesis committee. Students earning the Departmental Honors Degree in Biology are not eligible for the Biology Research Certificate.

Time Limit


All Biology courses applied toward graduation must be completed within ten (10) years from the time the first Biology course was completed.

Total Credits: 120


Student Responsibility


You are responsible for satisfying the graduation requirements specified for your selected program.  Thus, it is essential that you develop a thorough understanding of the required courses, academic policies and procedures governing your academic career.  All requests for exceptions to specific requirements must be made in writing and may be granted only by written approval from the appropriate chair or dean.

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