Biological Sciences : Cell & Molecular Biology

Students who have an interest in the living world around them and who love to learn about living organisms at their most basic level will often find this concentration within the biology major to be very rewarding. Successful biology majors are good at making careful observations and recording information in a logical way. They excel at analyzing that information (critical thinking), which often involves employing basic math skills. Students who enjoy active, hands-on learning will enjoy this concentration, especially learning modern cellular and molecular laboratory techniques. Visual learners will appreciate the complexity of the processes they will study. The major requires a significant amount of hard work and study time, but can result in a very rewarding career.

Graduates with a BS in biology with a concentration in cell/molecular biology have a wide range of career options as well as options for graduate study in biology, where an MS or PhD degree can lead to careers in teaching and research. Students interested in applying to medical, dental, veterinary or other professional schools will find this concentration to be particularly appropriate. A few examples of career fields open to biology majors with this concentration include the following (most of which require postgraduate training): 

• Academic, industrial, medical / pharmaceutical researcher
• Bacteriologist
• Bioinformaticist
• Biology teacher (middle/high school)
• Biotechnologist
• Cell biologist  
• Dentist, Optometrist, Chiropractor
• Developmental biologist
• Food technologist
• Forensic scientist 
• Genetic counselor 
• Geneticist/medical geneticist 
• Genomist 
• Immunologist 
• Medical technologist 
• Molecular biologist
• Neurobiologist
• Occupational health specialist
• Pharmacist
• Pharmaceutical / medical device sales or marketing
• Pharmacologist, Toxicologist
• Physical therapist, Occupational therapist
• Physician, Physician Assistant, Nurse
• Virologist

Students working toward an undergraduate degree at UC can earn a minor, while non-degree students (e.g., graduate students, non-matriculated students) can earn a certificate. The requirements are the same for both. See an undergraduate student advisor in the Department of Biological Sciences to create a plan to meet the requirements outlined below.

Course Requirements (31-32 hours):

• Biology I & II with Labs, BIOL 1081-1082, 1081L-1082L  (8 hours)
• Genetics, BIOL 2083  (3 hours)
• Evolution and Ecology, BIOL 2084C OR Cell Biology, BIOL 2085C  (4 hours)
• General Chemistry I & II with Labs, CHEM 1040-1041, 1040L-1041L  (10 hours)
• Two upper level electives, BIOL 3000 and above  (6-7 hours)*
  *Two courses are required;  must be chosen from list of upper level biology courses posted by Biology department each academic year.  One must have a lab component - this may be taken either by completing a combined course (designated C) or by completing a lecture course with a companion laboratory course, or by completing Undergraduate research for 3 credits in a single semester with a public presentation.

Click here to declare the minor online

Contact department via information which appears on this page.

Students in the UC College of Arts and Sciences enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

Faculty within the Department of Biological Sciences are actively engaged in research in a variety of areas. Undergraduates have the opportunity to participate in this research and can earn academic credit that can be applied toward their upper-level biology course requirements. Research can also be done in nearby biology laboratories outside of the department, such as at the UC Medical school, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, or the Environmental Protection Agency.  Outstanding undergraduates (with a GPA of at least 3.3 overall) may apply for admission to the honors program in biology as early as the spring semester of their sophomore year.

Teaching laboratories within the department are well-equipped and devoted to undergraduate education. Faculty are involved and dedicated to employing new teaching methods and technology that enrich students’ educational experiences.

To graduate from the UC College of Arts and Sciences, students must:

• Earn at least 120 credits. This can include transfer credit, AP credit and free electives, but does not include preparatory coursework. Students who have met all other degree requirements must continue earning credit until the total number of their earned hours comes to at least 120.
• Attain a 2.0 grade point average for all courses taken at the University of Cincinnati.
• Attain a 2.0 grade point average for all courses within the biology major.
• Be in good academic standing, that is, not on either academic probation or disciplinary probation or suspension.
• Complete the residency requirement by earning at least 30 credits after matriculating into the college, including at least 12 credits from the A&S Biology Department that count toward major requirements.
• Complete all of the requirements of at least one major (see major requirements above).
• Complete the college core requirements.
• Submit an application for graduation to the registrar's office by their posted deadline.

Admission to A&S is generally available for any off-campus student who was admissible directly from high school and has 2.0 GPA cum and a 2.0 in the most recent institution.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a 2.0 GPA cum

For more information, visit the Transfer and Transition Advising Center. 

Transfer students should apply using our transfer student online application. 

Transfer Articulation Agreements & Pathways 

UC has developed clear pathways (articulation agreements) between select associate degrees at partner institutions and compatible bachelor’s degrees at UC. Each pathway includes a Transfer Degree Map that offers a semester-by-semester course comparison to assist with your transfer planning.

The following institutions have Transfer Degree Maps for this major:  

• Cincinnati State Technical & Community College 
• Sinclair Community College 

Admission to A&S is generally available for any on-campus student who was admissible directly from high school and has 2.0 GPA cum.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a 2.0 GPA cum