Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (B.S.) Academic Course Map
Ìý
The Bachelor ofÌýScience degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) at CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ concentrates on how living systems operate at the cellular and molecular levels, their assembly and structure, emphasizing cellular and genetic regulation, including embryonic development.ÌýÌýThe MCDB undergraduate program is directed toward understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that provide the basis for biological structure, growth, evolution, embryonic development and genetic inheritance.
Majors learn about the scientific method, experimental approaches and groundbreaking discoveries that have made modern molecular and cellular biology such an important force in medicine, agriculture, and the growing biotechnology industry. They also learn about the diverse tools of modern biology, including recombinant DNA, genomic mapping, transgenic organisms, gene targeting, analysis of mutants, biochemical purification, antibody probes, laser manipulation of living cells, light and electron microscopy, and computer modeling. In addition to academic and laboratory classes, MCDB majors have many opportunities to participate in ongoing research in the department. A degree in MCDB prepares students for careers in health and medicine, biomedical and agricultural research, biotechnology, and more, and requires coursework in chemistry, biochemistry, math, and cellular and molecular biology.
Admission Requirements
Students who begin at a Colorado Community College can transfer directly to CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ to finish their degree in any of the programs offered by the College of Arts and Sciences.ÌýPlease see the CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College of Arts & Sciences’ÌýColorado Community College webpageÌýfor more information detailed information admissionsÌýrequirements for students transferingÌýfrom a Colorado Community College.Ìý
Transfer Recommendations
To graduate in a 4-year time frame, it is important that students follow the recommended schedule. Students who wish to continue their education at the community college beyond the number of credits specified below should explore with both community college and CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ staff how their graduation timeline, COF stipend, and financial aid will be affected.
Suggested Four-Year Course Plan for the Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCDB) majorÌý
This is a suggested guide of coursework only and is subject to change. Always consult your academic advisor for graduation planning purposes.ÌýÌýDepending on a student’s situation, a different plan might be more applicable.
Community College (first two years)
Fall Semester 1
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 1111 | General College Biology I with Lab (GT-SC1) | 5 |
| CHE 1011* | Introduction to Chemistry I with Lab (GT-SC1) | 5 |
| ENG 1021 | English Composition I (GT-CO1) | 3 |
| Ìý | Guaranteed Transfer Arts & Humanities Course (GT- AH1, GT-AH2, GT-AH3, GT-AH4) | 3 |
| Ìý | Total Credits | 16 |
Spring Semester 1
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 1112 | Gen College Biology II with Lab (GT- SC1) | 5 |
| CHE 1111 | General College Chemistry I with Lab (GT-SC1) | 5 |
| ENG 1022 | English Composition II (GT-CO2) | 3 |
| Ìý | Guaranteed Transfer Social & Behavioral Sciences Course (GT-SS1, GT-SS2, GT-SS3) | 3 |
| Ìý | Total Credits | 16 |
Fall Semester 2
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHE 1112 | General College Chemistry II with Lab (GT-SC1) | 5 |
| COM 1250 OR COM 2300 | Interpersonal Communication (GT-SS3) OR Intercultural Communication (GT-SS3) | 3 |
| Ìý | Guaranteed Transfer History Course (GT-HI1) | 3 |
| Ìý | 2nd Guaranteed Transfer Arts & Humanities Course from a different GT-AH category than the 1st. | 3 |
| Ìý | Total Credits | 14 |
Spring Semester 2
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHE 2111 | Organic Chemistry I with Lab | 5 |
| MAT 1260 | Intro to Statistics (GT-MA1) | 3 |
| Ìý | Guaranteed Transfer Social and Behavioral Sciences Course (GT-SS1, GT-SS2, or GT-SS3) | 3 |
| Ìý | Guaranteed Transfer Course in any one of the GT-AH or GT SS categories ORÌýfrom GT-HI1 | 3 |
| Ìý | Total Credits | 14 |
Total credits at your community college: 60
Completion of the four semesters of coursework above fulfills the requirements for a general AssociateÌýof Arts Degree at your community college and fulfills all the General Education Requirements at CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.
CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ (last two years)
Fall Semester 3
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MCDB 2150 | Principles of Genetics | 3 |
| MCDB 1161 OR MCDB 1171 OR MCDB 2171 | From Dirt to DNA: PhageÌýGenomics Lab I OR DrugÌýDiscovery Through Hands-on Screens OR Drug Discovery through Hands-on Screens 2 | 2 |
| Ìý | Lower-Division Elective | 3 |
| Ìý | Lower-Division Elective | 3 |
| Ìý | Upper-Division Non-Major Elective | 3 |
| Ìý | Total Credits | 14 |
Spring Semester 3
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MCDB 3135 | Molecular Biology | 3 |
| MCDB 3140 | Cell Biology Laboratory | 2 |
| Ìý | Upper-Division MCDB Major Elective | 3 |
| Ìý | Lower- or Upper-Division Elective | 2 |
| Ìý | Upper-Division Elective | 3 |
| Ìý | Upper-Division Non-Major Elective | 3 |
| Ìý | Total Credits | 16 |
Fall Semester 4
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MCDB 3145 | Cell Biology | 3 |
| BCHM 4611 | Principles of Biochemistry | 3 |
| Ìý | Upper-Division MCDB Major Elective | 3 |
| Ìý | MCDB Scientific Reasoning Major Course | 3 |
| Ìý | Upper-Division Elective | 3 |
| Ìý | Total Credits | 15 |
Spring Semester 4
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MCDB 4650 | Developmental Biology | 3 |
MCDB 4150 ORÌý MCDB 4300 OR MCDB 4325 OR MCDB 4520 OR MCDB 4777 OR Ìý | Biology of Aging and Longevity OR Immunology OR The Tools, Applications, and Ethics of Synthetic Biology OR Bioinformatics and Genomics OR Molecular Neurobiology OR Ìý | 3 |
| Ìý | MCDB Scientific Reasoning Major Course | 3 |
| Ìý | Upper Division Elective | 3 |
| Ìý | Upper Division Non- Major Elective | 3 |
| Ìý | Total Credits | 15 |
Total credits at CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½: 60
Completion of all eight semseters of coursework above fulfills the requirements for a general Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.
*Prep course for CHE 1111 General College Chemistry I. If student can start with CHE 111, replace credits with electives.

This material was supported by NSF grant #1649201. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not nec​essarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

