Molecular and Cell BiologyMolecular and Cell Biology
Cell biologists are interested in a broad range of problems relating to the structure and activities of microbial, plant, and animal cells. Among the many problems of fundamental importance investigated by cell biologists are: how cells respond to external stimuli, such as hormones; cell motility; secretion and uptake of substances; how cancer cells differ from normal cells; the assembly of cellular elements; cell-cell interactions; and the fine structure of cells. The experimental approaches include microscopy (electron and optical), molecular genetics, biochemistry, and biophysics. Cell culture techniques are an important aspect of research in cell biology. Yeast, insect, avian, plant, and mammalian cells are under active study at Cornell. Faculty in several units are carrying out research in cell biology. These faculty members are distributed among several departments in the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine.
Students interested in the Molecular and Cell Biology concentration should enroll in the more rigorous courses in physical sciences and be well prepared in mathematics. Genetics and biochemistry are of prime importance in cell biology. In fact, there is no sharp division between biochemistry, genetics, and cell biology. Cell biology may be considered as the application of biochemical and genetic approaches to the solution of problems at the cellular level.
The Molecular and Cell Biology concentration requires a cell biology survey course, an extensive laboratory course in biochemistry, and at least seven credits chosen from a list of advanced courses ranging from aspects of development through plant anatomy. Students are also encouraged to gain an appreciation for experimental cell biology by carrying out independent research projects. Although it is not required, students are also encouraged to take a physical chemistry course sequence.
Cell biology is a dynamic field. Students graduating with a concentration in molecular and cell biology at Cornell usually continue their education in graduate, medical, or veterinary schools. The demand for research scientists interested in cell biology is high, not only in academic institutions but also in industrial and government laboratories as well. Technical positions for bachelor’s-level graduates are also prevalent.
Molecular and Cell Biology Requirements
Students electing this concentration should be sure to complete CHEM 2070-CHEM 2080 or CHEM 2150 during their freshman year.
General and organic chemistry:
- CHEM 2070 - General Chemistry I plus
- CHEM 2080 - General Chemistry II plus
- CHEM 3570 - Organic Chemistry for the Life Sciences plus
- CHEM 3580 - Organic Chemistry for the Life Sciences plus
- CHEM 2510 - Introduction to Experimental Organic Chemistry
or
- CHEM 2150 - Honors General and Inorganic Chemistry plus
- CHEM 3590 - Honors Organic Chemistry I plus
- CHEM 3600 - Honors Organic Chemistry II plus
- CHEM 2510 - Introduction to Experimental Organic Chemistry or
- CHEM 3010 - Honors Experimental Chemistry I
or
- CHEM 2070 - General Chemistry I plus
- CHEM 2080 - General Chemistry II plus
- CHEM 3590 - Honors Organic Chemistry I plus
- CHEM 3600 - Honors Organic Chemistry II plus
- CHEM 2510 - Introduction to Experimental Organic Chemistry or
- CHEM 3010 - Honors Experimental Chemistry I
5 credits of biochemistry:
- BIOMG 3310 - Principles of Biochemistry: Proteins and Metabolism plus
- BIOMG 3320 - Principles of Biochemistry: Molecular Biology
or
- BIOMG 3300 - Principles of Biochemistry, Individualized Instruction plus
- BIOMG 3340 - Computer Graphics and Molecular Biology
Cell biology:
- BIOMG 4320 - Survey of Cell Biology
A laboratory course in molecular biology:
- BIOMG 4400 - Laboratory in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
or
- BIONB 4300 - [Experimental Molecular Neurobiology]
At least 7 additional credits of courses that have a cell biological or molecular biological orientation:
The 7 additional hours should include at least two 2-credit or above courses from the following list:
- Any BIOMG course at the 3000 level or above (Note: graduate-level BIOMG courses are acceptable with permission of your advisor)
- BIOG 4990 (or the equivalent in other departments) can be used for up to three of these credits, with the approval of the advisor, if the research has a substantial molecular or cell biology component.
Related courses in other departments:
- BIOMS 3150 - Basic Immunology
- BIOMI 4090 - Principles of Virology (crosslisted)
- BIOMI 4200 - [Microbial Genomics]
- BIOMI 4850 - Bacterial Genetics
- BIONB 4900 - Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Neurophysiology
- BIONB 3950 - [Molecular and Genetic Approaches to Neuroscience]
- BIOPL 3420 - Plant Physiology, Lectures
- BIOPL 3430 - [Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering of Plants]
- BIOPL 4220 - [Plant Development]
- BIOPL 4440 - Plant Cell Biology
- BIOPL 4620 - Plant Biochemistry
Note:
* It is recommended that when selecting freshman-level core biology choice courses that one of them be BIOMG 1350 - Introductory Biology: Cell and Developmental Biology.