Cell and Molecular Biology (B.S.)

Cell and Molecular Biology (B.S.)
Student setting up scientific equipment outside. Hands-on activities aid in student satisfaction and retention.

Explore the science of life from minute strands of DNA to complex ecosystems that stretch for miles and miles.


Our program offers opportunities for research and study using the latest technology and equipment, in the lab or in the field.  In faraway tropical rainforests and coral reef habitats or New Hampshire’s own lakes and forests, PSU students work hands-on with faculty members to answer some of life’s toughest questions.

Degree

The B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology is the newest biology degree program at Plymouth State. Our Cell and Molecular Biology prepares students for graduate school, health professions, or careers in biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry. Laboratory experiences applicable to your career begin in the first year and include opportunities for students to conduct original research working closely with a faculty mentor. Our summer research program in collaboration with the NH-INBRE program gives students a chance to work as full-time researchers. This degree is also designed to prepare students for professional schools including medical, dental, and veterinary schools.

Plymouth State University also offers B.S. in Biology, B.S. in Environmental Biology, B.A. in Biology, and the Biology Honors programs. Click the links in the degree names to find out more.

Careers

Opportunities for careers in healthcare and biotechnology are areas of active growth, particularly in the Northeast. Students with a B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology are qualified for careers with companies such as Bristol Meyers Squibb, Lonza, Mascoma, Boston Analytical, and many others. The degree is also a pathway to pursue further education to become a nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, nurse, dentist, veterinarian, pharmacist or other areas of healthcare. Graduates are also qualified to pursue a Masters in Biology at Plymouth State and other schools or a PhD in Biology or a related field.

Please scroll down to see more about the curriculum, requirements, program details, and career paths.


The BS in Cell and Molecular Biology prepares students for graduate studies or work in biomedical fields. Laboratory experiences include opportunities for students to conduct original research working closely with a faculty mentor. This degree is also appropriate for professional schools including medical, dental, and veterinary schools. Note that some professional/graduate schools require a full year of physics. Students should work closely with their academic advisor to plan their coursework.

Contact

Academic Operations Manager
Phone: (603) 535-2325
Office: Exploration & Discovery, Boyd Science Center Rm 122, MSC 48, Plymouth, NH 03264
Contact

Program Coordinator of Biology (BA, BS, & MS), Cell & Molecular Biology, & Environmental Biology
Associate Professor
Phone: (603) 535-3181
Office: Exploration & Discovery, Boyd Science Center Rm 108, MSC 48, Plymouth, NH 03264

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Curriculum & Requirements

Course Title Credits
Major Requirements
BI 1110Biological Science I (TECO)4
BI 1120Biological Science II4
BI 2270Integrative Biology (WECO)4
BI 3040Microbiology4
BI 3060Genetics4
BI 3130Evolution4
BI 3240Conservation (DICO,GACO,INCO) (Remove INCO/INCP)3
BI 4120Cell Biology4
BI 4188Molecular Biology4
BI 4980Biology Seminar2
CH 1050Laboratory Safety1
CH 2335General Chemistry I (QRCO)4
CH 2340General Chemistry II4
CH 3370Organic Chemistry I4
CH 3380Organic Chemistry II4
2000 Level BI Electives
Complete 4 credits of 2000-level or above (cannot be BIDI)4
Upper Level Cell and Molecular Biology Electives
Complete two courses from the following: 18
BI 3035
Biochemistry I (INCO)
or CH 3030
Biochemistry I
BI 4150
Developmental Biology (WRCO)
BI 4770
Animal Physiology (WRCO)
BI 4780
Neurobiology (WRCO)
BI 4950
Undergraduate Research
Physics
PH 2110College Physics I4
or PH 2510 University Physics I
Mathematics Foundations
MA 1800College Algebra (or equivalent Math Placement Score) 20-3
MA 2550Calculus I (QRCO)3-4
or MA 2300 Statistics I (QRCO)
General Education
EN 1400Composition4
IS 1115Tackling a Wicked Problem4
CTDICreative Thought Direction3-4
PPDIPast and Present Direction3-4
SSDISelf and Society Direction3-4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 34-8
INCP4
Electives15-19
Total Credits120
1

One course must be a Writing in the Discipline Connection (WRCO) (Developmental Biology (BI 4150), Animal Physiology (BI 4770), or Neurobiology (BI 4780))

2

Math Placement Score can substitute such that only Calculus I or Statistics is required.

3

Directions should total 16 credits because SIDI is waived for BS Cell and Molecular Biology.

Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.

To complete the bachelor’s degree in 4 years, you must successfully complete a minimum of 15 credits each semester or have a plan to make up credits over the course of the 4 years.  For example, if you take 14 credits one semester, you need to take 16 credits in another semester.  Credits completed must count toward your program requirements (major, option, minor, certificate, general education or free electives).

Plan of Study Grid
Year OneCredits
BI 1110 Biological Science I (TECO) 4
BI 1120 Biological Science II 4
EN 1400 Composition 4
IS 1115 Tackling a Wicked Problem 4
Mathematics Foundations Course:
MA 1800 College Algebra 0-3
MA 2550
or MA 2300
Calculus I (QRCO)
or Statistics I (QRCO)
4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 2 3-4
Elective 4
 Credits27-31
Year Two
BI 2270 Integrative Biology (WECO) 4
CH 2335 General Chemistry I (QRCO) 4
CH 2340 General Chemistry II 4
Physics Requirement:
PH 2110
or PH 2510
College Physics I
or University Physics I
Complete 4 credits of 2000-level or above (cannot be BIDI) 4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 2 6-8
Electives 3
 Credits25-27
Year Three
BI 3040 Microbiology 4
BI 3060 Genetics 4
BI 3240 Conservation (DICO,GACO) 3
CH 3370 Organic Chemistry I 4
CH 3380 Organic Chemistry II 4
BI Upper Level 3000/4000 Biology elective 3 4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 4-8 3-4
Electives 3-4
 Credits29-31
Year Four
BI 3130 Evolution 4
BI 4120 Cell Biology 4
BI 4188 Molecular Biology 4
BI 4980 Biology Seminar 2
BI Upper Level 3000/4000 Biology elective (WRCO) 3 4
INCPIntegrated Capstone 4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 4-8 0-4
Electives 4-9
 Credits26-35
 Total Credits120
1

Math Placement Score can substitute such that only Precalculus or Statistics is required.

2

Required to take one each of CTDI, SSDI, and PPDI and then fulfill 16 credits total of Directions courses.  SIDI courses are waived and do not count toward Directions course total for Biology majors.

3

Pick from BI 3030/CH 3030/ BI 3035/CH 3035 Biochemistry I, BI 4150 Developmental Biology (WRCO), BI 4770 Animal Physiology (WRCO), BI 4780 Neurobiology (WRCO), BI 4950 Undergraduate Research.  One course taken must be a WRCO.

  • An understanding of the scientific method as the means to increase understanding of the natural world through hypothesis-testing.
  • An aptitude for critically reading scientific literature, including primary research journals.
  • Proficiency in writing, especially in scientific format.
  • An ability to present scientific information orally with emphasis on clear interpretation of scientific data.
  • Proficiency in techniques specific to a subdiscipline of biology, including but not limited to laboratory, field, and statistical techniques.
  • An understanding of the critical issues facing the environment at local, regional, national, and global scales.
  • Biological literacy allowing for the evaluation of new information and emerging issues.
  • Readiness for post-graduate experiences in graduate school, professional school, or biology employment.

Biologists study living organisms and their relationships to the environment from molecules, to cells, to ecosystems. Most specialize in a particular discipline within biology, sometimes by pursuing a specialized degree like Environmental Biology or Cell and Molecular Biology. Some go on to attain further education in graduate school or a health professional school for medicine, public health, or pharmacy. There are as many job opportunities as areas of study.
 
For more information, visit Career Services in the Global Education Office.
 
Sample Job Titles include: Biochemist, Botanist, Ecologist, Fishery Biologist, High School Science Teacher, Marine Biologist, Microbiologist, Zoologist, Veterinarian, Medical doctor, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Research Scientist, Wildlife Biologist, Pharmacist, Dentist, Medical scientist, Virologist
 
See the U.S. Department of Labor Outlook for a complete list.
 
Useful Skills for Jobs in the Biology Fields:
  • Research skills such as data collection, laboratory techniques, and working in teams
  • Ability to problem-solve and think critically
  • Written and verbal communication skills to convey technical and scientific data to both scientific and non-scientific communities

Explore Program Details

Biology Majors can take up to 1-2 Minors, including those below.
While a biology major is based in the interdisciplinary studies of biology, chemistry, physics, and math there are also opportunities to extend your interest to some of the other 40+ minors that are offered at Plymouth State, including those below. It’s a great time to be a biology major at PSU!

Boyd Science Center
Boyd Science Center

The heart of scientific research and study at PSU is the Boyd Science Center. The University’s proximity to the lakes, rivers and mountains of New Hampshire gives students access to a unique natural laboratory. Resources at Boyd provide students with a place to explore nature’s questions, generated in the great outdoors or under the microscope.

Resources at Boyd

  • Climate-controlled chambers for whole organism research
  • Dedicated spaces for student research
  • PCR, Rt-PCR, Western blotting, Immunohistochemistry
  • Animal behavior lab with advanced video tracking
  • BSL-2 Microbiology lab
  • Six 300-liter marine aquariums
  • Human physiology lab
  • Collection of bird specimens
  • Dedicated tissue culture facility
  • Rooftop greenhouse with computerized temperature controls and separate areas for preparation and growing
  • PSH, an herbarium of 20K preserved and mounted specimens

  As a cell and molecular biology major you will experience:

  • Hands-on experience from molecules and cells to ecosystems
  • Degree programs in Biology (B.A. and B.S.) and Environmental Biology
  • State-of-the-art laboratory and research facilities, including a 1,400-liter marine aquarium, fully equipped human physiology lab, BSL-2 microbiology and cell biology labs, herbarium and specimen room, and a rooftop greenhouse
  • Opportunities for local, national, and international field studies
  • Partnerships with New Hampshire Fish and Game, Hubbard Brook Research Forest, NH-INBRE grant to further studies of human health in New Hampshire, and others
  • One-on-one advising sessions with a biology faculty member at least once every semester
  • A talented and dedicated faculty
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