Cellular and Molecular
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.
Cellular and Molecular Recommended Courses
Students interested in this specialization should prioritize completing genetics (BIOL 313 & lab), and molecular cell biology (BIOL 314) 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 Name | Credits |
| ANS 3450 | Growth and Development of Domestic Animals | 3 |
| ANS 3520 • | Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animals | 3 |
| BBMB 4050 | Biochemistry II | 3 |
| BBMB 4110 • | Techniques in Biochemical Research | 4 |
| BBMB 4200 | Mammalian Biochemistry | 3 |
| BMS 3350 | Molecular and Cellular Basis of Disease | 1 |
| BIOL 3220 | Introduction to Bioinformatics and Computational Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 3280 | Molecular and Cellular Biology of Human Disease | 3 |
| BIOL 3490 • | The Genome Perspective in Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 3520 • | Vertebrate Histology | 4 |
| BIOL 4020 | Introduction to Pathology | 3 |
| BIOL 4200X | Plant Molecular Cell Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 4230 & L • | Developmental Biology and Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 4280 | Topics in Cell Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 4340 | Endocrinology | 3 |
| BIOL 4360 | Neurobiology | 3 |
| BIOL 4440 | Bioinformatic Analysis | 3 |
| GDCB 5100 | Transmission Genetics | 3 |
| GDCB 5110 | Advanced Molecular Genetics | 3 |
| GDCB 5280 | Advances in Molecular Cell Biology | 3 |
| GDCB 5330 | Advances in Developmental Biology | 3 |
| GDCB 5420 • | Introduction to Molecular Biology Techniques | 1 |
| GDCB 5450 | Plant Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology | 3 |
| GDCB 5560 | Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Neuroscience | 3 |
| GDCB 5570 | Advanced Neuroscience Techniques | 3 |
| GEN 3400 | Human Genetics | 3 |
| GEN 4090 | Molecular Genetics | 3 |
| GEN 4100 | Analytical Genetics | 3 |
| MICRO 3020 & L • | Biology of Microorganisms and Lab | 4 |
| MICRO 3100 & L • | Medical Microbiology and Lab | 4 |
| MICRO 3200 | Molecular and Cellular Bacteriology | 4 |
| MICRO 4020 | Microbial Genetics | 3 |
| MICRO 4080 | Virology | 3 |
| MICRO 4750 | Immunology | 3 |
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.
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
Hometown: West Des Moines, Iowa
Major: Biology
Next Steps: Iowa State Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
Opportunities at ISU
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.