Academics 
Molecular and Cell
Biology
Molecular and Cell Biology
Programs of Study
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 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 Program of Study 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 Program of Study requires coursework in quantitative chemistry, a cell biology survey course, an extensive laboratory course in cell biology or 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 Program of Study 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.
Course Descriptions
Room and Time Rosters
Department Website
Required Classes for Program of Study in Molecular and Cell Biology:
Students electing this program of study should be sure to complete CHEM 2070-2080 or CHEM 2150-2160 during their freshman year.
- CHEM 2070-2080, General Chemistry
- or
- CHEM 2150-2160, Honors General and Inorganic Chemistry
- CHEM 3570-3580, Organic Chemistry for the Life Sciences
- or
- CHEM 3590-3600, Honors Organic Chemistry I & II
- BIOBM 4320, Survey of Cell Biology
- BIOBM 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, which should include at least 2 courses
from the following list:
- Any BIOBM course at the 4000 level or above*
- Any BIOGD course at the 3000 level or above*
- BIOMI 4090, Principals of Virology
- BIOMI 4200, Microbial Genomics
- BIOMI 4850, Bacterial Genetics
- BIONB 4250, Molecular Neurophysiology
- BIOMS 3150, Basic Immunology
- BIONB 4950, Molecular and Genetic Approaches to Neurosciences
- BIOPL 3420, Plant Physiology
- BIOPL 3430, Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering of Plants
- BIOPL 4220, Plant Development
- BIOPL 4440, Plant Cell Biology
- BIOPL 4490, Green Signals and Triggers—The Plant Hormones
- BIOPL 4620, Plant Biochemistry
* Graduate level BIOBM and BIOGD courses are acceptable with permission of your advisor
