Major in Biology - Cell and Molecular Biology Concentration

Completion of this concentration provides background for advanced studies in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, immunology and diverse fields that involve molecular tools in research. In addition, students may select this concentration as preparation for professional degree programs in medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine or for a career in biology education, biomedical research or fields that integrate biology with other disciplines such as business or law. Students completing this concentration are encouraged to take at least two upper-level labs among the elective courses within this concentration. Students are encouraged to participate in a research experience or as an intern (e.g., BIOL 491, BIOL 493 or BIOL 499). They should consult with their adviser regarding these opportunities. 

Specific requirements for the Cell and Molecular Biology concentration are listed under Requirements and outlined in the suggested Four-Year Plan of Study. A complete list of Biology courses that do not count towards the Biology major may be found on the Resources for Students web page.

The Cell and Molecular Biology Concentration consists of 62-78 units. All Biology majors must complete minimum 19 units toward the major at Towson University, with at least 10 of these units at the upper (300-400) level. Courses taken to fulfill Ancillary Course requirements do not count toward units in residence.

Foundation Courses
BIOL 200
200L
BIOLOGY I: INTRODUCTION TO CELLULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETICS [LECTURE]
and BIOLOGY I: INTRODUCTION TO CELLULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETICS [LAB]
4
BIOL 204EDUCATIONAL AND CAREER PLANNING FOR THE BIOLOGIST1
BIOL 206
206L
BIOLOGY II: INTRODUCTION TO ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION [LECTURE]
and BIOLOGY II: INTRODUCTION TO ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION [LAB]
4
BIOL 309GENETICS4
Breadth Courses
Select one of the following:3-8
GENERAL BOTANY
and GENERAL ZOOLOGY
BIODIVERSITY
Select two of the following:8
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION AND CONSERVATION
CELL BIOLOGY
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Select one of the following sets: 6-8
ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY
& BIOL 491, BIOL 499 or one Biology (BIOL) elective from the lists of electives in any Biology major concentration
or
HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I FOR BIOLOGY MAJORS
and HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II FOR BIOLOGY MAJORS
or
PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
& BIOL 491, BIOL 499 or one Biology (BIOL) elective from the lists of electives in any Biology major concentration
Elective Courses
Select one of the following:2-3
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LABORATORY
CELL BIOLOGY LABORATORY
GENETIC ANALYSIS IN MEDICINE
MOLECULAR TECHNIQUES IN ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION, AND CONSERVATION
GENETICS LABORATORY
BIOCHEMISTRY LAB
Select two of the following:6-8
MICROBIOLOGY
ANIMAL PARASITOLOGY
HISTOLOGY
ADV GENETICS
CANCER BIOLOGY
BIOTECHNOLOGY
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
MICROBIOLOGY OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE
IMMUNOLOGY
VIROLOGY
DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
BIOCHEMISTRY I
INTRO TO BIOINFORMATICS
GENOMICS
Ancillary Courses
Chemistry
CHEM 131
131L
GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LECTURE
and GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY
4
CHEM 132
132L
GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LECTURE
and GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY
4
CHEM 330ESSENTIALS OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY5-10
or CHEM 331
CHEM 332
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I
and ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II
Physics
Select one of the following:8
GENERAL PHYSICS I; NON CALCULUS-BASED
and GENERAL PHYSICS II; NON CALCULUS-BASED
GENERAL PHYSICS I CALCULUS-BASED
and GENERAL PHYSICS II CALCULUS-BASED
Mathematics
Select one of the following:3-4
CALCULUS FOR APPLICATIONS
ELEMENTARY BIOSTATISTICS
CALCULUS I
BEHAVIORAL STATISTICS
Total Units62-78

Suggested Four-Year Plan

Based on course availability and student needs and preferences, the selected sequences will probably vary from those presented below. Students should consult with their adviser to make the most appropriate elective choices.

Freshman
Term 1UnitsTerm 2Units
BIOL 200
200L
4BIOL 206
206L
4
MATH 115 or 119 (Core 3)13-4CHEM 131
131L (Core 7)
4
Core 1 (or Core 2)3MATH 211, 237, 273, or PSYC 2123-4
Core 43Core 2 (or Core 1)3
Core 53Core 123
 16-17 17-18
Sophomore
Term 1UnitsTerm 2Units
BIOL 205 or 2084BIOL 207 (or Elective)4
BIOL 20421BIOL 405, 408, or 4094
BIOL 3094PHYS 211 or 24144
CHEM 132
132L (Core 8)
4Required Lab Elective (if prerequisites met)2-3
Core 103Core 93
 16 17-18
Junior
Term 1UnitsTerm 2Units
BIOL 325, 342, or 43654BIOL 343 (or elective)54
BIOL 405, 408, or 4094CHEM 330 or 3315
PHYS 212 or 2424Elective3-4
Core 63Elective3-4
Elective3-4 
 18-19 15-17
Senior
Term 1UnitsTerm 2Units
CHEM 332 (or elective)5Core 113
Core 143Core 133
Elective3-4Elective3-4
Elective3-4Elective3-4
 14-16 12-14
Total Units 125-135
1

MATH 237 and PSYC 212 can be substituted for a Calculus course depending on career objectives. Consult your adviser.

2

A major assignment in BIOL 204 is the development of your own Degree Completion Plan.

3

CHEM 330 can be substituted for CHEM 331 and CHEM 332 depending on career objectives. Consult your adviser.

4

PHYS 241 and PHYS 242 can be substituted for PHYS 211 and PHYS 212 if Calculus prerequisites are met (requires MATH 273 and MATH 274).

5

Your choice for physiology (BIOL 342 & BIOL 343 or BIOL 325 or BIOL 436) depends on your career objectives. Consult your adviser. Students selecting BIOL 325 or BIOL 436 will also need to complete a free elective.

  1. Explain the core concepts and principles of Biology.
  2. Demonstrate the scientific method through the use of hypothesis testing in the design and implementation of an experiment.
  3. Utilize scientific methodologies from the biological sciences in the evaluation of issues in society.
  4. Apply appropriate critical-thinking/problem-solving skills in biological sciences.
  5. Communicate both verbally and in writing in discipline specific contexts.
  6. Identify fundamental similarities and differences among various fields of study within the Biological Sciences.