Academic Programs
School of Molecular and Cellular Biology Curricula
Overview
Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) is the study of living organisms through the understanding of basic molecular and cellular structure and function as well as the metabolic, genetic and physiological processes common to all organisms. Made up of the departments of biochemistry, cell and developmental biology, microbiology, and molecular and integrative physiology, the MCB major offers courses that explore unique aspects differentiating living organisms; how cells are organized; how cells and organisms respond to each other and their environment; how cells communicate signals and regulate gene expression; and how these processes go awry during injury, infection or genetic diseases. Our curriculum imparts not only basic principles of modern biology, but also the fundamental, critical and analytical skills necessary for a successful career. Students may choose to major in one of our four programs below, minor in MCB and/or earn one of our certificates.Video overview: MCB - Preparation for a Career and Life
How we prepare you: The Story of MCB
Undergraduate Major in MCB
Students completing this program earn a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Science and are prepared for a multitude of career options related to molecular genetics, cell biology, developmental biology, physiology, and biochemistry. Our curriculum is proven to successfully prepare students for biomedical careers, most health professions, biotechnology and pharmaceutical careers, as well as academic research. MCB sends more students to medical school than any other major on this campus.- Official Degree Requirements (PDF)
- Learning Outcomes
- Typical MCB 4-Year Plan (PDF)
- Typical MCB Premed 4-Year Plan (PDF)
MCB Honors Concentration
The MCB Honors Concentration is designed for exceptional MCB Majors who demonstrate personal motivation to explore a fuller complement of experiences in biology during their undergraduate training. MCB honors students typically plan to enter graduate or professional programs to reach their career goals and want an intensive undergraduate education as preparation. Interested students typically apply to this program just prior to their sophomore year.Neuroscience Major
Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system and brain function at multiple levels, including information processing, systems and integrative physiology, and behavior. The neuroscience curriculum combines the study of molecular and cellular biology with neuroscience, neurophysiology, neurochemistry, and neuropathology. It looks at the causes of a variety of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, from brain cancer to epilepsy and teaches how to develop biomedical treatments for them. Students are encouraged to participate in faculty led research programs in areas such as sensory processing, neuroendocrinology, physiology of neurons and glia, regeneration, and cell signaling.MCB + Teacher Licensure Program
Students who enjoy explaining ideas, have an interest in contributing to the improvement of our schools or getting others excited about biology may consider this program, which provides certification to teach biology at the high school level. The program allows students to take courses for the MCB major, in addition to the requirements for a Minor in Secondary Education. Students will apply to the Secondary Education Minor after their sophomore year. Students who complete this program historically have had a 100% job placement rate upon graduation.Biochemistry, Specialized Curriculum
Students earning a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry apply directly to this major within the School of MCB and the College of LAS.Minor in MCB
A minor in Molecular and Cellular Biology will prepare students for training in medicine and other health sciences, for graduate studies in related disciplines, as well as for employment opportunities in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Please attend an information meeting or meet with an MCB Advisor to learn more.Certificate Programs in MCB
All MCB Certificates, except for Infection Biology and Quantitative Biology, are open to all UIUC undergraduate students, however, no priority will be given for course enrollment. Please consult with an MCB advisor if you are interested in completing a certificate program.MCB Certificate in Cell and Developmental Biology
***NEW*** MCB Certificate in Infection Biology
MCB Certificate in Microbiology
MCB Certificate in Neuroscience
MCB Certificate in Quantitative Biology
Other Certificate Programs of Possible Interest for MCB Students
ACDIS Undergraduate Certificate in Global Security
Computational Science and Engineering Certification for Molecular and Cellular Biology
Certificate in Forensic Science
Certificate in Biology of Global Change
Undergraduate Research Certificate Program
Leadership Certificate Program
Graduation
How to Graduate, College of LAS
School of MCB Convocation Information
Campuswide Commencement Ceremony Information
Note: Students in MCB are required to maintain a major GPA and cumulative GPA of 2.00 or better in order to graduate.
Graduation with Distinction
To be eligible for graduation with distinction, students must complete the MCB degree requirements with a grade point average of 3.25 or higher and present a poster on an undergraduate research project (MCB 290) for approval by the MCB Distinction Committee. Students must also be enrolled in at least 2 credit hours of MCB 290 during their final semester on campus.
To be eligible for graduation with high or highest distinction, students must complete the MCB degree requirements with a grade point average of 3.25 or higher, submit a thesis and present a poster on an undergraduate research project (MCB 290) for approval by the MCB Distinction Committee. Students must also be enrolled in at least 3 credit hours of MCB 492 during their final semester on campus. To be eligible for enrollment in MCB 492 students must have completed a minimum of 2 semesters of at least 2 credit hours of MCB 290 under the guidance of the same professor. Detailed information about research distinction is available here.
To be eligible for graduation with academic distinction, students must complete the MCB degree requirements with a major grade point average of 3.90 or higher. Detailed information about academic distinction is available here.