Cellular and Molecular

Your Pathway to Becoming a Biologist

Cellular and molecular biologists study the structure, function, and interactions of the molecules within living cells. Encompassing fields such as biochemistry, genetics, developmental biology, histology, microbiology, pathology, and physiology, this specialization underpins all biological sciences. Cellular and molecular biology addresses questions such as: how do cells replicate themselves and grow? How do cells acquire their specialized function? When these processes go awry, what abnormalities or diseases result? Focusing on cellular and molecular biology prepares students for careers in biotechnology, human medicine, regulation (whether food, drug, or environmental), veterinary medicine, and more. 

Biology Specializations - Cellular and Molecular (PDF)

Begin your Adventure in Biology

Course Information

Recommended Courses

Students interested in this specialization should prioritize completing genetics (BIOL 3130 & lab), and molecular cell biology (BIOL 3140) within the biology core curriculum. 

When planning advanced coursework, we recommend taking at least 9 credits from the list below (lab courses are denoted by • ): 

Course #Course NameCredits
AN S 3450Growth and Development of Domestic Animals3
AN S 3520 •Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animals3
BBMB 4050Biochemistry II3
BBMB 4110 •Techniques in Biochemical Research4
BBMB 4200Mammalian Biochemistry3
B M S 3350Molecular and Cellular Basis of Disease1
BIOL 3220Introduction to Bioinformatics and Computational Biology3
BIOL 3280Molecular and Cellular Biology of Human Disease3
BIOL 3490 •The Genome Perspective in Biology3
BIOL 3520 •Vertebrate Histology4
BIOL 4020Introduction to Pathology3
BIOL 4200XPlant Molecular Cell Biology3
BIOL 4230 & L •Developmental Biology and Lab4
BIOL 4280Topics in Cell Biology3
BIOL 4340Endocrinology3
BIOL 4360Neurobiology3
BIOL 4440Bioinformatic Analysis3
GDCB 5100Transmission Genetics3
GDCB 5110Advanced Molecular Genetics3
GDCB 5280Advances in Molecular Cell Biology3
GDCB 5330Advances in Developmental Biology3
GDCB 5420 •Introduction to Molecular Biology Techniques1
GDCB 5450Plant Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology3
GDCB 5560Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Neuroscience3
GDCB 5570Advanced Neuroscience Techniques3
GEN 3400Human Genetics3
GEN 4090Molecular Genetics3
GEN 4100Analytical Genetics3
MICRO 3020 & L •Biology of Microorganisms and Lab4
MICRO 3100 & L •Medical Microbiology and Lab4
MICRO 3200Molecular and Cellular Bacteriology4
MICRO 4020Microbial Genetics3
MICRO 4080Virology3
MICRO 4750Immunology3

Suggested Supporting Science Courses 

Having a more comprehensive understanding of chemistry is important for specializing in cellular and molecular biology, so students should plan to take a full year of general chemistry, a full year of organic chemistry, and strongly consider taking more advanced biochemistry courses. Calculus is also used more frequently in this specialization, so students are encouraged to take at least one semester of calculus. Similarly, a full-year of physics is suggested. 

Student Spotlight

Gabbi Dubansky

Gabbi Dubansky

Hometown: West Des Moines, Iowa
Major: Biology
Next Steps:  Iowa State Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

Opportunities at ISU

Participating in experiential learning, such as an independent study course, related internship experience, and especially lab/field research is also advised.  Many students specializing in this area pursue further education with a Masters or Ph.D.

Biological Sciences Club (BSC)

The departmental club for Biology majors and anyone else interested in life science, the Biological Sciences Club features regular faculty speakers on a diverse range of life science topics.  

Undergraduate Research Experience

Students in the Biology Program can engage in life science research and earn academic credit for the experience.  Students will learn how to seek out these opportunities during orientation and they are also welcome to discuss this with their academic advisor.  

Amphibian and Reptile Club

Students interested in herpetology can participate in the Amphibian and Reptile Club to meet, talk, and become involved in herpetology related activities.

Birding Club

A student organization for casual enjoyment of birds, the Birding Club makes a handful of field trips each year to observe birds in their habitats around the state.

Zoo, Exotics, and Wildlife Club

The Zoo, Exotics, and Wildlife (ZEW) Club is dedicated to providing students with an opportunity to learn about the care of zoo animals, exotic pets, and wildlife.