Introduction
This program prepares students for post-graduate opportunities that would benefit with a background in Cell and Molecular Biology. Specifically, this program was designed for students with professional interests in the health professions and biotechnology. Career opportunities include Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Optometry, Biomedical Research and Laboratory Sciences. This is program is designed to prepare students for professional programs (Schools of Dentistry, Medicine, Pharmacy, etc.) and post-graduate Master and Ph.D. programs in these areas.
Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology - Learning Outcomes
Students are able to comprehend, apply, analyze, and synthesize the following core concepts in the biological sciences:
- Evolution.
- Biodiversity
- Structure and function.
- Information flow, exchange, and storage.
- Pathways and transformations of energy and matter.
- Systems.
Students will demonstrate the ability to apply the scientific process.
- Understand the defining characteristics of the process of science.
- Apply the methods of scientific inquiry.
- Develop testable hypotheses, design appropriate experiments, and present reasoned analyses and interpretations of results.
- Demonstrate proper and safe field and laboratory practices including the proper use of equipment and the ability to use basic field and lab techniques.
- Demonstrate the ability to employ modern library search tools to locate, retrieve, evaluate, and apply scientific information.
Students will be able to reason quantitatively.
- Understand common quantitative approaches in science.
- Evaluate and interpret quantitative data using the scientific method.
- Interpret and act on quantitative data from a variety of sources.
- Understand the role of uncertainty in science.
- Evaluate information by discriminating between science and non-science.
Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate within and outside the field of cell and molecular biology.
- Communicate concepts through peer interactions and collaboration.
- Communicate science through written, visual, and oral methods.
- Recognize the interdisciplinary nature of science.
Students will understand the relationship between science and society.
- Explain the historical context of scientific discoveries.
- Evaluate the impact of science on society.
- Evaluate the ethical implications of science.
- Explain why science is integral for addressing social and environmental problems.
- Explore how science is applied in a social context.
Graduates will demonstrate the ability to use their degrees to undertake careers in cell and molecular biology or to gain admittance to graduate or professional schools.
Dr. Zenaido (Tres) Camacho
Email: camachoz@wnmu.edu
Office: Harlan Hall 221
Office phone: 575-538-6251
Core Courses
Please see the official degree plan for more details.
CHEM 151/153. General Chemistry I & lab. Introductory course in chemistry; three lectures and one lab per week. Prerequisite: MATH 131 or equivalent (may be taken concurrently). (NMCCN CHEM 1213/1211) (Area III). (4)
CHEM 152/154. General Chemistry II & lab. Second introductory course in chemistry; three lectures and one lab per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 151/153. (NMCCN CHEM 1223/1221) (Area III). (4)
BIOL 202/203 Majors I: Plant Form, Function and Diversity. Introduction to plant biology: summarizes the major disciplines of botany and includes study of the more important plant groups: three lectures and one laboratory period per week. This course, BIOL 204, and BIOL 206 constitute the prerequisite for all biology related majors and minors. BIOL 202, 204 and 206 can be taken in any order. (NMCCN BIOL 1213/1211) (Area III). (4)
BIOL 204/205 Majors II. Animal Form, Function and Diversity. Introductory biology covering biological macromolecules, ecology, evolution, systematics, phylogeny, developmental biology, and a survey of major animal groups; three lectures and one two-hour laboratory a week. This course, BIOL 202, and BIOL 206 constitute the prerequisite for all biology related majors and minors. BIOL 202, 204, and 206 can be taken in any order.(NMCCN BIOL 1223/1221)(Area III). (4)
BIOL 206/207 Majors III: Intro Cell Biology & lab. Introductory biology for majors covering biological molecules, eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell form and function, cellular metabolism and mechanisms of heredity; three lectures and one two-hour laboratory a week. This course, BIOL 202 and 204 constitute the prerequisites for all biology related majors and minors. BIOL 202, 204, and 206 can be taken in any order. (4)
BIOL 301/303 Ecology & lab. The study of the interactions between organisms, their abiotic environment, and other biotic components of natural systems; the structure and function of biotic communities and ecosystems; three lectures and one laboratory or field period per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 202/203, 204/205, and ENGL 102. Offered every Spring. (4)
BIOL 360/362. Cell Biology & lab. Structure and functional dynamics of living cells; three lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 206/207 and either 202/203 or 204/205, CHEM 151/153, and ENGL 102. (4)
BIOL 366/368. Genetics & lab. Methods and results of the transmission of hereditary characteristics; three lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 202/203, 204/205, 206/207, and ENGL 102. (4)
BIOL 422. Evolution. The study of changes in natural populations of organisms and the dynamics underlying those changes. Evolutionary processes including mutation, genetic recombination, natural selection, migration, and genetic drift are reviewed, as well as their microevolutionary and macroevolutionary consequences; three lectures or discussion periods per week. Prerequisites: ENGL 102 and 15 credit hours of biology including BIOL 366. Offered alternate years. (3)
BIOL 460. Cell Physiology. Focuses primarily on cell metabolism, with emphasis on applications of thermodynamics in cell metabolism; enzyme structure, mechanism and regulations; oxygen-independent respiration (glycolysis, fermentation); aerobic respiration (Kreb cycle, electron transport system, chemiosmomosis); and photosynthesis. Prerequisites: BIOL 202/203, 204/205, 206/207, and ENGL 102. (3)
BIOL 465/467. Molecular Genetics & lab. Focus on the molecular basis of inheritance, including nucleic acid chemistry, protein synthesis, DNA mutation and repair, control of gene expression, genetics of cancer, transposable elements, extra nuclear inheritance and DNA technology; three lectures per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 366/368, and ENGL 102 or permission of instructor. (4)
BIOL 471/473. Majors Microbiology & lab. The study of microbial biology with a focus on structure, metabolism, taxonomy, and pathogenesis. This course is intended to give students a broad understanding of microbiology including the historical context of many advances in the field. Students will also become familiar with many commonly used laboratory techniques. Prerequisites: BIOL 202/203, 204/205, BIOL 206/207, and ENGL 102. Offered alternative years (odd years fall) (4)
BIOL 474. Virology. A broad view into the field of viral biology including animal and plant viruses. The course will describe viral morphology, taxonomy, reproduction, and viral-host interactions. Prerequisites: BIOL 202/203, 204/205, 206/207, and ENGL 102. (3)
BIOL 476/478. Immunology & lab. Will focus on the fundamentals of the mammalian immune system including innate, acquired, cellular, and humoral immunity. Vaccines, autoimmunity, and hematopoiesis will also be discussed. Prerequisites: BIOL 202/203, 204/205, 206/207, and ENGL 102. (4)
BIOL 486. Senior Project. Individually tailored research course involving a synthesis of biology disciplines and requiring use of data gathering principles and library facilities. All students must take an appropriate biology exit exam by the eighth week of the semester to receive a grade. Required of all senior students majoring in biology, botany, or zoology. Writing Intensive. Prerequisite: ENGL 102. (2)
Degree Plans
Advisor Contact
Dr. Zenaido (Tres) Camacho
Email: camachoz@wnmu.edu
Office: Harlan Hall 221
Office phone: 575-538-6251