Cell/Molecular Biology

Overview

Some of the greatest advances in medicine, food production and immunology are happening at the molecular level. Cell/molecular biology is the study of the structure and function or organisms and biological processes at the molecular level.

A concentration in cell and molecular biology will prepare you for graduate and professional programs in areas such as genetics, microbiology, immunology and medicine. This concentration creates a strong biology base while exposing students to a variety of techniques and independent research opportunities related to the fields of cell and molecular biology.

What You’ll Learn

Coursework in this concentration includes immunology, microbiology, and laboratory techniques in biochemistry and cell/molecular biology, beyond the typical course requirements for a biology major. Students interested in cell and molecular biology would also greatly benefit from a minor in chemistry to broaden their understanding of this field.

Students considering graduate professional programs such as medicine, pharmacy, optometry, dentistry or other health sciences often find this concentration to be a great option to prepare them for those future aspirations. Many of our graduates also use their undergraduate training to go directly into careers in laboratory research, field research or education.

Research

UW-Superior offers an array of on-campus research that focuses on experimental evolution and molecular taxonomy. Throughout your research, you will have access to:

• Recombinant DNA techniques
• Polymerase chain reaction
• Site-reacted mutagenesis
• DNA sequencing
• Genomic analysis

Career Opportunities

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the fields of cell and molecular biology to grow faster than average over the next decade with median salaries above $80,000 presently for those with just a bachelor’s degree. Graduates from this concentration typically do seek graduate or medical school, however, to expand their opportunities and their knowledge of this field.

Alumni of the cell/molecular biology concentration have found careers as:

• Pharmacists
• Microbiologists
• Lab technicians
• Research specialists
• Geneticists
• Science administrators