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Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Major

Effective Fall 2024

Exclusions:

Students who elect a major in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology may not elect the following majors: Biology; Biology, Health, and Society (formerly known as General Biology); Cellular and Molecular Biomedical Science (formerly known as CMB:BME); Microbiology; Plant Biology; Biochemistry; Biomolecular Science; or Neuroscience. They may also not elect a minor in Biology; Plant Biology; Chemistry; or Biochemistry.

Advising

Students interested in any major in the biological sciences are encouraged to meet with an advisor to discuss their academic plans as soon as possible! Students need not have completed all of the major prerequisites to declare, but should have completed the introductory biology sequence with a 2.0 or better and be in good academic standing. To make an appointment, go to the Program in Biology website at http://www.lsa.umich.edu/biology/.

Grade Policies

Total Credits and GPA Requirement for Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology:

Minimum 31 cr. in Major

Minimum 2.0 GPA in Major

GPA is calculated from all mandatory prerequisites, all courses used for major requirements (including cognates), and all courses in BIOLOGY, EEB, and MCDB.

The introductory biology sequence must be taken for a grade. Prerequisites other than introductory biology may be taken pass/fail; however, it is not recommended, especially for chemistry. Remember that at least a C- must be earned to pass a course taken pass/fail. 

Courses used for the major may not be taken pass/fail.

Prerequisites

Introductory Biology Sequence:

Choose Sequence A, B, or C:

A. BIOLOGY 171, BIOLOGY 172 or 174, & BIOLOGY 173; or
B. BIOLOGY 195 (AP/IB) & BIOLOGY 173; or

C. BIOLOGY 191 (transfer credit), BIOLOGY 192, & BIOLOGY 173

Chemistry Sequence:

  • CHEM 210 & 211; and
  • CHEM 215 & 216


Quantitative Analysis Sequence:

Choose four courses from the following:

  • Calculus I: MATH 115, 120 (AP), 175, 185, or 295
  • Calculus II: MATH 116, 121 (AP), 156, 176, 186, or 296
  • Physics I: PHYSICS 125, 135, 139 (AP), 140, 150 (only if elected F21 or later) or 160
  • Physics II: PHYSICS 126, 235, 239 (AP), 240, 250 (only if elected F21 or later) or 260
  • Computer Programming: EECS 183, 203, and/or 280
  • Statistics: [STATS 180 (AP), 206 (only if elected F20 or later), 250, or 280]; and/or STATS 400-level or above (min. 3 credits)
  • BIOLOGY 202; COMPFOR/BIOLOGY 131/BIOPHYS 117 (only one of COMPFOR/BIOLOGY 131 or BIOPHYS 117 may be used as a prerequisite)
  • BIOPHYS/PHYSICS 290

[Note: Any course used to fulfill this requirement cannot also be used as a major elective; i.e., a course cannot "double-count."]

Requirements

Minimum Credits: 31

Core Courses:

  • Fundamentals of Cell Biology (BIOLOGY 272) or Developmental Biology (BIOLOGY 205)
  • Genetics: BIOLOGY 305
  • Biochemistry: Choose from: MCDB 310, BIOLCHEM 415, or CHEM 351
  • Cellular or Molecular Biology: Choose one from: MCDB 427 or MCDB 428

Electives:

Group I - Advanced MCDB Laboratory Courses:

  • Choose two courses from: MCDB 306, 400 (3 cr. min./max.), 423, 424, 429

Group II - Advanced MCDB Courses:

  • Choose two courses from: MCDB 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 408, 409, 410, 411, 415, 416, 417, 418, 420, 421, 422, 425, 426, 427 (if not used for core), 428 (if not used for core), 430, 433, 434, 435, 436, 440, 441, 444, 447, 448, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 462, 463, 464 (only if elected FA20 or later), 465 (only if elected FA20 or later), 469, 471, 472 (only if elected FA20 or later), 489, 589, or an additional course from Group I

Group III - Biology & Chemistry Electives:

  • Choose course(s) from the following list to reach 31 credits in major:
    1. Additional courses from Group I or II (above)
    2. Any specific BIOLOGY, EEB, or MCDB course at the 200-, 300-, or 400-level not used to fulfill another requirement (except BIOLOGY 200, 201, 215, 241, 299; or EEB 300, 301, 302, 312; or MCDB 300, 301, 302, 320, 360, 412, 460, or 461) 
    3. Chemistry 230 or 260

Constraints

  • A maximum of three credits of independent research (MCDB 400) may be counted toward the major. Three credits must be completed in one term to meet the Advanced Laboratory requirement or the Advanced MCDB Course requirement.
  • Prerequisites, introductory science courses, and non-specific (departmental) transfer courses are EXCLUDED from the 31 cr. required for the major.

Distribution Policy

No course used to fulfill a major requirement may be used toward the LSA Distribution Requirement. In addition, courses in the BIOLOGY, EEB, MCDB, and MICRBIOL subject areas may not be used toward the Distribution Requirement.

Honors

The Program in Biology administers an Honors Program to train students to conduct independent research in the biological sciences.  Participating in the honors program allows students to develop their research skills, deepen their understanding of the field, and form productive relationships with faculty and other students.  The achievement is noted on the diploma and official transcript.

In addition to completing all the requirements for the major, an honors degree requires:

  1. an overall and major GPA of at least 3.4,
  2. completion of the thesis program application via the Program in Biology web page,
  3. participation in at least two terms of independent research, and,
  4. the completion of a significant piece of independent research that is
    • reported in an honors thesis and
    • presented in a public forum.

Note that undergraduate research students typically register for an independent research course (as appropriate for their major) during each term of research. Formal course registration is encouraged, but not required. For more information, consult the Program in Biology Honors Program Information page or a Program in Biology advisor.

Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (Major) (Fall 2020 - Summer 2024)

Effective Fall 2020

Exclusions:

Students who elect a major in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology may not elect the following majors: Biology; Biology, Health, and Society (formerly known as General Biology); Cellular and Molecular Biomedical Science (formerly known as CMB:BME); Microbiology; Plant Biology; Biochemistry; Biomolecular Science; or Neuroscience. They may also not elect a minor in Biology; Plant Biology; Chemistry; or Biochemistry.

Advising

Students interested in any major in the biological sciences are encouraged to meet with an advisor to discuss their academic plans as soon as possible! Students need not have completed all of the major prerequisites to declare, but should have completed the introductory biology sequence with a 2.0 or better and be in good academic standing. To make an appointment, go to the Program in Biology website at http://www.lsa.umich.edu/biology/.

Grade Policies

Total Credits and GPA Requirement for Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology:

Minimum 31 cr. in Major

Minimum 2.0 GPA in Major

GPA is calculated from all mandatory prerequisites, all courses used for major requirements (including cognates), and all courses in BIOLOGY, EEB, and MCDB.

The introductory biology sequence must be taken for a grade. Prerequisites other than introductory biology may be taken pass/fail; however, it is not recommended, especially for chemistry. Remember that at least a C- must be earned to pass a course taken pass/fail. 

Courses used for the major may not be taken pass/fail.

Prerequisites

Introductory Biology Sequence:

Choose Sequence A, B, or C:

A. BIOLOGY 171, BIOLOGY 172 or 174, & BIOLOGY 173; or
B. BIOLOGY 195 (AP/IB) & BIOLOGY 173; or

C. BIOLOGY 191 (transfer credit), BIOLOGY 192, & BIOLOGY 173

Chemistry Sequence:

  • CHEM 210 & 211; and
  • CHEM 215 & 216


Quantitative Analysis Sequence:

Choose four courses from the following:

  • Calculus I: MATH 115, 120 (AP), 175, 185, or 295
  • Calculus II: MATH 116, 121 (AP), 156, 176, 186, or 296
  • Physics I: PHYSICS 125, 135, 139 (AP), 140, 150 (only if elected F21 or later) or 160
  • Physics II: PHYSICS 126, 235, 239 (AP), 240, 250 (only if elected F21 or later) or 260
  • Computer Programming: EECS 183, 203, and/or 280
  • Statistics: [STATS 180 (AP), 206 (only if elected F20 or later), 250, or 280]; and/or STATS 400-level or above (min. 3 credits)
  • BIOLOGY 202
  • BIOPHYS/PHYSICS 290

[Note: Any course used to fulfill this requirement cannot also be used as a major elective; i.e., a course cannot "double-count."]

Requirements

Minimum Credits: 31

Core Courses:

  • Fundamentals of Cell Biology (BIOLOGY 272) or Developmental Biology (BIOLOGY 205)
  • Genetics: BIOLOGY 305
  • Biochemistry: Choose from: MCDB 310, BIOLCHEM 415, or CHEM 351
  • Cellular or Molecular Biology: Choose one from: MCDB 427 or MCDB 428

Electives:

Group I - Advanced MCDB Laboratory Courses:

  • Choose two courses from: MCDB 306, 400 (3 cr. min./max.), 423, 424, 429

Group II - Advanced MCDB Courses:

  • Choose two courses from: MCDB 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 408, 409, 410, 411, 415, 416, 417, 418, 420, 421, 422, 425, 426, 427 (if not used for core), 428 (if not used for core), 430, 433, 434, 435, 436, 440, 441, 444, 447, 448, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 462, 463, 464 (only if elected FA20 or later), 465 (only if elected FA20 or later), 469, 471, 472 (only if elected FA20 or later), 489, 589, or an additional course from Group I

Group III - Biology & Chemistry Electives:

  • Choose course(s) from the following list to reach 31 credits in major:
    1. Additional courses from Group I or II (above)
    2. Any specific BIOLOGY, EEB, or MCDB course at the 200-, 300-, or 400-level not used to fulfill another requirement (except BIOLOGY 200, 201, 215, 241, 299; or EEB 300, 301, 302; or MCDB 300, 301, 302, 320, 360, 412, 460, or 461) 
    3. Chemistry 230 or 260

Constraints

  • A maximum of three credits of independent research (MCDB 400) may be counted toward the major. Three credits must be completed in one term to meet the Advanced Laboratory requirement or the Advanced MCDB Course requirement.
  • Prerequisites, introductory science courses, and non-specific (departmental) transfer courses are EXCLUDED from the 31 cr. required for the major.

Distribution Policy

No course used to fulfill a major requirement may be used toward the LSA Distribution Requirement. In addition, courses in the BIOLOGY, EEB, MCDB, and MICRBIOL subject areas may not be used toward the Distribution Requirement.

Honors

The Program in Biology administers an Honors Program to train students to conduct independent research in the biological sciences.  Participating in the honors program allows students to develop their research skills, deepen their understanding of the field, and form productive relationships with faculty and other students.  The achievement is noted on the diploma and official transcript.

In addition to completing all the requirements for the major, an honors degree requires:

  1. an overall and major GPA of at least 3.4,
  2. complete the thesis program application via the Program in Biology web page,
  3. participation in at least two terms of independent research, and,
  4. the completion of a significant piece of independent research that is
    • reported in an honors thesis and
    • presented in a public forum.

Note that undergraduate research students typically register for an independent research course (as appropriate for their major) during each term of research. Formal course registration is encouraged, but not required. For more information, consult the Program in Biology Honors Program Information page or a Program in Biology advisor.

Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (Major) (Winter 2019 - Summer 2020)

Effective Winter 2019

Exclusions:

Students who elect a major in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology may not elect the following majors: Biology; Biology, Health, and Society (formerly known as General Biology); Cellular and Molecular Biomedical Science (formerly known as CMB:BME); Microbiology; Plant Biology; Biochemistry; Biomolecular Science; or Neuroscience. They may also not elect a minor in Biology; Plant Biology; Chemistry; or Biochemistry.

Advising

Students are advised by a combination of Undergraduate Biology Office staff and faculty department advisors. Advising topics include investigating majors, declaring a major, course planning, research and honors, major releases, graduate school and career advice. Students who are interested in the MCDB major should consult a general advisor during the freshman year, and are strongly encouraged to meet with a department advisor early in their academic career, but no later than the second term of their sophomore year. It is not necessary to complete every prerequisite before declaring a major. To make an appointment, go to the Program in Biology website at http://www.lsa.umich.edu/biology/.

Grade Policies

Total Credits and GPA Requirement for Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology:

Minimum 32 cr. in Major

Minimum 2.0 GPA in Major

GPA is calculated from all mandatory prerequisites, all courses used for major requirements (including cognates), and all courses in BIOLOGY, EEB, and MCDB.

The introductory biology sequence must be taken for a grade. Prerequisites other than introductory biology may be taken pass/fail; however, it is not recommended, especially for chemistry. Remember that at least a C- must be earned to pass a course taken pass/fail. 

Courses used for the major may not be taken pass/fail.

Prerequisites

Introductory Biology Sequence:

Choose Sequence A, B, or C:

A. BIOLOGY 171, BIOLOGY 172 or 174, & BIOLOGY 173; or
B. BIOLOGY 195 (AP/IB) & BIOLOGY 173; or

C. BIOLOGY 191 (transfer credit), BIOLOGY 192, & BIOLOGY 173

Chemistry Sequence:

  • CHEM 210 & 211; and
  • CHEM 215 & 216


Quantitative Analysis Sequence:

  • Quantitative Analysis 1: CALCULUS I: MATH 115, 120 (AP), 175, 185, or 295; and,
  • Quantitative Analysis 2: One course from: MATH 116, 121 (AP), 156, 176, 186, or 296; STATS 180 (AP), 206 (only if elected F20 or later), 250 or 280; STATS 400-level or above (min. 3 credits); BIOLOGY 202; BIOPHYS / PHYSICS 290, EECS 183, 203 or 280; EARTH 468; or other course with a MATH 115 prereq. chosen in consultation with a major advisor.

[Note: Any course used to fulfill this requirement cannot also be used as a major elective; i.e. a course cannot "double-count."]

Physics Sequence:

  • Physics I (lecture & lab): One of the following combinations: PHYSICS 125 & 127; 135 & 136; 140 & 141; 150 & 151 (only if elected FA21 or later), or 160 & 161.  PHYSICS 139 (AP) will also fulfill this requirement.
  • Physics II (lecture & lab): One of the following combinations: PHYSICS 126 & 128; 235 & 236; 240 & 241; 250 (only if elected F21 or later) or 260 & 261.  PHYSICS 239 (AP) will also fulfill this requirement.

Requirements

Minimum Credits: 32

Core Courses:

  • Genetics: BIOLOGY 305
  • Biochemistry: Choose from: MCDB 310, BIOLCHEM 415, or CHEM 351
  • Molecular Biology: MCDB 427
  • Cell Biology: MCDB 428

Electives:
Group I - Advanced MCDB Laboratory Courses:

  • Choose two courses from: MCDB 306, 400 (3 cr. min./max.), 423, 424, 429, 464, 472

Group II - Advanced MCDB Courses:

  • Choose two courses from: MCDB 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 408, 409 (W19), 410, 411, 415, 416, 417, 418, 420 (W19), 421, 422, 425, 426, 430, 433, 434 (only if elected FA19 or later), 435, 436, 440, 441, 444, 447 (only if elected FA19 or later), 448, 450, 451 (only if elected FA19 or later), 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 462, 463, 464 (only if elected FA20 or later), 465 (only if elected FA20 or later), 469, 471, 472 (only if elected FA20 or later), 489, 589, or an additional course from Group I

Group III - Biology/Chemistry Elective:

  • Choose one course from: BIOLOGY 205, 207, 222, 225, 272; MCDB 308, 321; CHEM 230, 260, 241/242, 245/246/247, 452, or an additional course from Groups I or II

Group IV - Additional Electives:

  • Choose course(s) from the following list, if needed, to reach 32 credits in major:
    1. Additional courses from Group I, II, or III (above)
    2. Any specific BIOLOGY, EEB, or MCDB course at the 200-, 300-, or 400-level (except BIOLOGY 200, 201, 215, 241, 299; or EEB 300, 301, 302; or MCDB 300, 301, 302, 320, 360 (only if elected WN21 or later) 412, 460 (only if elected WN21 or later) or 461 (only if elected WN21 or later))*
    3. Any Chemistry course that has CHEM 260 as a prerequisite
    4. MATH courses that have a MATH 116 prerequisite; or STATS 401, 412, or 425
    5. BIOLCHEM 650 - Eukaryotic Gene Expression
    6. PHRMACOL 310 - Pharmacology and Therapeutics
    7. PHRMACOL 425 - Development of New Medications: Pharmacology in Action
    8. MICRBIOL 405 - Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

(*BIOLOGY 202 allowed if elected Fall 2011 or later)

Constraints

  • A maximum of three credits of independent research (MCDB 400) may be counted toward the major. Three credits must be completed in one term to meet the Advanced Laboratory requirement or the Advanced MCDB Course requirement.
  • Prerequisites, introductory science courses, and non-specific (departmental) transfer courses are EXCLUDED from the 32 cr. required for the major.

Distribution Policy

No course used to fulfill a major requirement may be used toward the LSA Distribution Requirement. In addition, courses in the BIOLOGY, EEB, MCDB, and MICRBIOL subject areas may not be used toward the Distribution Requirement.

Honors

The Program in Biology administers an Honors Program to train students to conduct independent research in the biological sciences.  Participating in the honors program allows students to develop their research skills, deepen their understanding of the field, and form productive relationships with faculty and other students.  The achievement is noted on the diploma and official transcript.

In addition to completing all the requirements for the major, an honors degree requires:

  1. an overall and major GPA of at least 3.4, and
  2. the completion of a significant piece of independent research that is
    • reported in an honors thesis and
    • presented in a public forum.

For more information, consult the Program in Biology Honors Program Information page or a Program in Biology advisor.

Cellular and Molecular Biology (Major) (Fall 2018)

Effective Fall 2018

Exclusions:

Students who elect a major in Cellular and Molecular Biology may not elect the following majors: Biology; Biology, Health, and Society (formerly known as General Biology); CMB:BME, Microbiology; Plant Biology; Biochemistry; Biomolecular Science; or Neuroscience. They may also not elect a minor in Biology; Plant Biology; Chemistry; or Biochemistry.

Advising

Students are advised by a combination of Undergraduate Biology Office staff and faculty department advisors. Advising topics include investigating majors, declaring a major, course planning, research and honors, major releases, graduate school and career advice. Students who are interested in the CMB majors or minors should consult a general advisor during the freshman year, and are strongly encouraged to meet with a department advisor early in their academic career, but no later than the second term of their sophomore year. It is not necessary to complete every prerequisite before declaring a major. To make an appointment, go to the Program in Biology website at http://www.lsa.umich.edu/biology/.

Grade Policies

Total Credits and GPA Requirement for Cellular and Molecular Biology:

Minimum 32 cr. in Major

Minimum 2.0 GPA in Major

GPA is calculated from all mandatory prerequisites, all courses used for major requirements (including cognates), and all courses in BIOLOGY, EEB, and MCDB.

The introductory biology sequence must be taken for a grade. Prerequisites other than introductory biology may be taken pass/fail; however, it is not recommended, especially for chemistry. Remember that at least a C- must be earned to pass a course taken pass/fail. 

Courses used for the major may not be taken pass/fail.

Prerequisites

Introductory Biology Sequence:

Choose Sequence A, B, or C:

A. BIOLOGY 171, BIOLOGY 172 or 174, & BIOLOGY 173; or
B. BIOLOGY 195 (AP/IB) & BIOLOGY 173; or

C. BIOLOGY 191 (transfer credit), BIOLOGY 192, & BIOLOGY 173

Chemistry Sequence:

  • CHEM 210 & 211; and
  • CHEM 215 & 216


Quantitative Analysis Sequence:

  • CALCULUS I: MATH 115, 120 (AP), 175, 185, or 295; and,
  • One course from: MATH 116, 121 (AP), 156, 176, 186, or 296; STATS 180 (AP), 250 or 280; STATS 400-level or above (min. 3 credits); BIOLOGY 202; BIOPHYS/PHYSICS 290, EECS 183, 203 or 280; EARTH 468; or other course with a MATH 115 prereq. chosen in consultation with a major advisor. [Note: Any course used to fulfill this requirement cannot also be used as a major elective; i.e. a course cannot "double-count."]

Physics Sequence:

  • Physics I (lecture & lab): One of the following combinations: PHYSICS 125 & 127, 135 & 136, 140 & 141, or 160 & 161.  PHYSICS 139 (AP) will also fulfill this requirement.
  • Physics II (lecture & lab): One of the following combinations: PHYSICS 126 & 128, 235 & 236, 240 & 241, or 260 & 261.  PHYSICS 239 (AP) will also fulfill this requirement.

Requirements

Minimum Credits: 32

Core Courses:

  • Genetics: BIOLOGY 305
  • Biochemistry: Choose from: MCDB 310, BIOLCHEM 415, or CHEM 351
  • Molecular Biology: MCDB 427
  • Cell Biology: MCDB 428

Electives:
Group I - Advanced CMB Laboratory Courses:

  • Choose two courses from: MCDB 306, 400 (3 cr. min./max.), 413, 419, 423, 424, 429

Group II - Advanced CMB Courses:

  • Choose two courses from: MCDB 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 408, 409 (only if elected Winter 2019 or later), 410, 411, 415, 416, 417, 418, 420 (only if elected Winter 2019 or later), 421, 422, 425, 426, 430, 433, 435, 436, 440, 441, 444, 448, 450, 452 (only if elected Winter 2019 or later), 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 462, 463 (only if elected Winter 2019 or later), 469, 471, 489, 589, or an additional course from Group I

Group III - Biology/Chemistry Elective:

  • Choose one course from: BIOLOGY 205, 207, 222, 225, 272; MCDB 308, 321; CHEM 230, 260, 241/242, 245/246/247, 452, or an additional course from Groups I or II

Group IV - Additional Electives:

  • Choose course(s) from the following list, to reach 32 credits in major:
    1. Additional courses from Group I, II, or III (above)
    2. Any specific BIOLOGY, EEB, or MCDB course at the 200-, 300-, or 400-level (except BIOLOGY 200, 201 (only if elected prior to Fall 2015), 215, 241, 299 (only if elected Winter 2019 or later); or EEB 300, 301, 302; or MCDB 300, 301, 302, 320, or 412)*
    3. Any Chemistry course that has CHEM 260 as a prerequisite
    4. MATH courses that have a MATH 116 prerequisite; or STATS 401, 412, or 425; or BIOSTAT 503
    5. BIOLCHEM 650 - Eukaryotic Gene Expression
    6. PHRMACOL 425 - Development of New Medications: Pharmacology in Action
    7. MICRBIOL 405 - Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

 (*BIOLOGY 202 is allowed if elected Fall 2011 or later)

Constraints

  • A maximum of three credits of independent research (MCDB 400) may be counted toward the major. Three credits must be completed in one term to meet the Advanced Laboratory requirement or the Advanced CMB Course requirement.
  • Prerequisites, introductory science courses, and non-specific (departmental) transfer courses are EXCLUDED from the 32 cr. required for the major.

Distribution Policy

No course used to fulfill a major requirement may be used toward the LSA Distribution Requirement. In addition, courses in the BIOLOGY, EEB, MCDB, and MICRBIOL subject areas may not be used toward the Distribution Requirement.

Honors

The Program in Biology administers an Honors Program to train students to conduct independent research in the biological sciences.  Participating in the honors program allows students to develop their research skills, deepen their understanding of the field, and form productive relationships with faculty and other students.  The achievement is noted on the diploma and official transcript.

In addition to completing all the requirements for the major, an honors degree requires:

  1. a major GPA of at least 3.4, and
  2. the completion of a significant piece of independent research that is
    • reported in an honors thesis and
    • presented in a public forum.

For more information, consult the Program in Biology Honors Program Information page or a Program in Biology advisor.

Cellular and Molecular Biology (Major) (Winter 2017 - Summer 2018)

Effective Winter 2017

Exclusions:

Students who elect a major in Cellular and Molecular Biology may not elect the following majors: Biology; Biology, Health, and Society (formerly known as General Biology); CMB:BME, Microbiology; Plant Biology; Biochemistry; Biomolecular Science; or Neuroscience. They may also not elect a minor in Biology; Plant Biology; Chemistry; or Biochemistry.

Advising

Students are advised by a combination of Undergraduate Biology Office staff and faculty department advisors. Advising topics include investigating majors, declaring a major, course planning, research and honors, major releases, graduate school and career advice. Students who are interested in the CMB majors or minors should consult a general advisor during the freshman year, and are strongly encouraged to meet with a department advisor early in their academic career, but no later than the second term of their sophomore year. It is not necessary to complete every prerequisite before declaring a major. To make an appointment, go to the Program in Biology website at http://www.lsa.umich.edu/biology/.

Grade Policies

Total Credits and GPA Requirement for Cellular and Molecular Biology:

Minimum 32 cr. in Major

Minimum 2.0 GPA in Major

GPA is calculated from all mandatory prerequisites, all courses used for major requirements (including cognates), and all courses in BIOLOGY, EEB, and MCDB.

The introductory biology sequence must be taken for a grade. Prerequisites other than introductory biology may be taken pass/fail; however, it is not recommended, especially for chemistry. Remember that at least a C- must be earned to pass a course taken pass/fail. 

Courses used for the major may not be taken pass/fail.

Prerequisites

Introductory Biology Sequence:

Choose Sequence A or B:

A. BIOLOGY 171, 172 or 174, & 173; or,
B. BIOLOGY 195 (AP) & 173

Chemistry Sequence:

  • CHEM 210 & 211; and
  • CHEM 215 & 216


Quantitative Analysis Sequence:

  • CALCULUS I: MATH 115, 120 (AP), 175, 185, or 295; and,
  • One course from: MATH 116, 121 (AP), 156, 176, 186, or 296; STATS 180, 250 or 280; STATS 400-level or above (min. 3 credits); BIOLOGY 202; BIOPHYS/PHYSICS 290, EECS 183 (W18), 203 or 280; EARTH 468; or other course with a MATH 115 prereq. chosen in consultation with a major advisor. [Note: Any course used to fulfill this requirement cannot also be used as a major elective; i.e. a course cannot "double-count."]

Physics Sequence:

  • Physics I (lecture & lab): One of the following combinations: PHYSICS 125 & 127, 135 & 136, 140 & 141, or 160 & 161.  PHYSICS 139 (AP) will also fulfill this requirement.
  • Physics II (lecture & lab): One of the following combinations: PHYSICS 126 & 128, 235 & 236, 240 & 241, or 260 & 261.  PHYSICS 239 (AP) will also fulfill this requirement.

Requirements

Minimum Credits: 32

Core Courses:

  • Genetics: BIOLOGY 305
  • Biochemistry: Choose from: MCDB 310, BIOLCHEM 415, or CHEM 351
  • Molecular Biology: MCDB 427
  • Cell Biology: MCDB 428

Electives:
Group I - Advanced CMB Laboratory Courses:

  • Choose two courses from: MCDB 306, 400 (3 cr. min./max.), 413, 419, 423, 424, 429

Three credits must be completed in one term to meet the Advanced Laboratory requirement or the Advanced CMB Course requirement.

Group II - Advanced CMB Courses:

  • Choose two courses from: MCDB 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 408, 409 (only if elected Winter 2019 or later), 410, 411, 415, 416, 417, 418, 420 (only if elected Winter 2019 or later), 421, 422, 425, 426, 430, 433, 435, 436, 440, 441, 444, 448, 450, 452 (only if elected Winter 2019 or later), 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 462, 463 (only if elected Winter 2019 or later), 464 (only if elected Fall 2019 or later), 465 (only if elected Fall 2019 or later), 469, 471, 472 (only if elected Fall 2019 or later), 489, 589, or an additional course from Group I

Three credits must be completed in one term to meet the Advanced Laboratory requirement or the Advanced CMB Course requirement.

Group III - Biology/Chemistry Elective:

  • Choose one course from: BIOLOGY 205, 207, 225, 272; MCDB 308, 321; CHEM 230, 260, 241/242, 245/246/247, 452, or an additional course from Groups I or II

Group IV - Additional Electives:

  • Choose course(s) from the following list, to reach 32 credits in major:
    1. Additional courses from Group I, II, or III (above)
    2. Any specific BIOLOGY, EEB, or MCDB course at the 200-, 300-, or 400-level (except BIOLOGY 200, 201, 215, 241, 262, 299 (only if elected Winter 2019 or later); or EEB 300, 301, 302; or MCDB 300, 301, 302, 320, or 412)*
    3. Any Chemistry course that has CHEM 260 as a prerequisite
    4. MATH courses that have a MATH 116 prerequisite; or STATS 401, 412, or 425; or BIOSTAT 503
    5. BIOLCHEM 650 - Eukaryotic Gene Expression
    6. PHRMACOL 425 - Development of New Medications: Pharmacology in Action
    7. MICRBIOL 405 - Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

  (*BIOLOGY 202 is allowed if elected Fall 2011 or later)

Constraints

  • A maximum of three credits of independent research (MCDB 400) may be counted toward the major. 
  • Prerequisites, introductory science courses, and non-specific (departmental) transfer courses are EXCLUDED from the 32 cr. required for the major.

Distribution Policy

No course used to fulfill a major requirement may be used toward the LSA Distribution Requirement. In addition, courses in the BIOLOGY, EEB, MCDB, and MICRBIOL subject areas may not be used toward the Distribution Requirement.

Honors

The Program in Biology administers an Honors Program to train students to conduct independent research in the biological sciences.  Participating in the honors program allows students to develop their research skills, deepen their understanding of the field, and form productive relationships with faculty and other students.  The achievement is noted on the diploma and official transcript.

In addition to completing all the requirements for the major, an honors degree requires:

  1. a major GPA of at least 3.4, and
  2. the completion of a significant piece of independent research that is
    • reported in an honors thesis and
    • presented in a public forum.

For more information, consult the Program in Biology Honors Program Information page or a Program in Biology advisor.

Cellular and Molecular Biology (Major) (Winter 2015 - Fall 2016)

Effective Winter 2015

Exclusions:

Students who elect a major in Cellular and Molecular Biology may not elect the following majors: Biology; General Biology; CMB:BME, Microbiology; Plant Biology; Biochemistry; Biomolecular Science; or Neuroscience. They may also not elect a minor in Biology; Plant Biology; Chemistry; or Biochemistry.

Advising

Students are advised by a combination of Undergraduate Biology Office staff and faculty department advisors. Advising topics include investigating majors, declaring a major, course planning, research and honors, major releases, graduate school and career advice. Students who are interested in the CMB majors or minors should consult a general advisor during the freshman year, and are strongly encouraged to meet with a department advisor early in their academic career, but no later than the second term of their sophomore year. It is not necessary to complete every prerequisite before declaring a major. To make an appointment, go to the Program in Biology website at http://www.lsa.umich.edu/biology/.

Grade Policies

Total Credits and GPA Requirement for Cellular and Molecular Biology:

Minimum 32 cr. in Major

Minimum 2.0 GPA in Major

GPA is calculated from all mandatory prerequisites, all courses used for major requirements (including cognates), and all courses in BIOLOGY, EEB, and MCDB.

Prerequisites

Introductory Biology Sequence:

Choose Sequence A or B:

  1. BIOLOGY 171, 172 or 174, & 173; or,
  2. BIOLOGY 195 (AP) & 173

Chemistry Sequence:

  • CHEM 210 & 211; and
  • CHEM 215 & 216


Quantitative Analysis Sequence:

  • CALCULUS I: MATH 115, 120 (AP), 175, 185, or 295; and,
  • One course from: MATH 116, 121 (AP), 156, 176, 186, or 296; STATS 180, 250 or 280; STATS 400-level or above (min. 3 credits); BIOLOGY 202; BIOPHYS/PHYSICS 290, EECS 203 or 280; EARTH 468; or other course with a MATH 115 prereq. chosen in consultation with a major advisor. [Note: Any course used to fulfill this requirement cannot also be used as a major elective; i.e. a course cannot "double-count."]

Physics Sequence:

  • Physics I (lecture & lab): One of the following combinations: PHYSICS 125 & 127, 135 & 136, 140 & 141, or 160 & 161.  PHYSICS 139 (AP) will also fulfill this requirement.
  • Physics II (lecture & lab): One of the following combinations: PHYSICS 126 & 128, 235 & 236, 240 & 241, or 260 & 261.  PHYSICS 239 (AP) will also fulfill this requirement.

Requirements

Minimum Credits: 32

Core Courses:

  • Genetics: BIOLOGY 305
  • Biochemistry: Choose from: MCDB 310, BIOLCHEM 415, or CHEM 351
  • Molecular Biology: MCDB 427
  • Cell Biology: MCDB 428

Electives:
Group I - Advanced CMB Laboratory Courses:

  • Choose two courses from: MCDB 306, 400 (3 cr. min./max.), 413, 419, 423, 424, 429

Group II - Advanced CMB Courses:

  • Choose two courses from: MCDB 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 408, 409 (only if elected Winter 2019 or later), 410, 411, 415, 416, 417, 418, 420 (only if elected Winter 2019 or later), 421, 422, 425, 426, 430, 433, 435, 436, 440, 441, 444, 448, 450, 452 (only if elected Winter 2019 or later), 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 459, 462, 463 (only if elected Winter 2019 or later), 469, 471, 489, 589, or an additional course from Group I

Group III - Biology/Chemistry Elective:

  • Choose one course from: BIOLOGY 205, 207, 222, 225; MCDB 308, 321; CHEM 230, 260, 241/242, 245/246/247, 452, or an additional course from Groups I or II

Group IV - Additional Electives:

  • Choose course(s) from the following list, to reach 32 credits in major:
    1. Additional courses from Group I, II, or III (above)
    2. Any specific BIOLOGY, EEB, or MCDB course at the 200-, 300-, or 400-level (except BIOLOGY 200, 201, 215, 241, 262, 299 (only if elected Winter 2019 or later); or EEB 300, 301, 302; or MCDB 300, 301, 302, 320, or 412)*
    3. Any Chemistry course that has CHEM 260 as a prerequisite
    4. MATH courses that have a MATH 116 prerequisite; or STATS 401, 412, or 425; or BIOSTAT 503
    5. BIOLCHEM 650 - Eukaryotic Gene Expression
    6. PHRMACOL 425 - Development of New Medications: Pharmacology in Action
    7. MICRBIOL 405 - Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

  (*BIOLOGY 202 is allowed if elected Fall 2011 or later)

Constraints

  • Prerequisites, introductory science courses, and non-specific (departmental) transfer courses are EXCLUDED from the 32 cr. required for the major.
  • A maximum of three credits of independent research (MCDB 400) may be counted toward the major.  Three credits must be completed in one term to meet the Advanced Laboratory requirement or the Advanced CMB Course requirement.

Distribution Policy

No course used to fulfill a major requirement may be used toward the LSA Distribution Requirement. In addition, courses in the BIOLOGY, EEB, MCDB, and MICRBIOL subject areas may not be used toward the Distribution Requirement.

Honors

The Program in Biology administers an Honors Program to train students to conduct independent research in the biological sciences.  Participating in the honors program allows students to develop their research skills, deepen their understanding of the field, and form productive relationships with faculty and other students.  The achievement is noted on the diploma and official transcript.

In addition to completing all the requirements for the major, an honors degree requires:

  1. a major GPA of at least 3.4, and
  2. the completion of a significant piece of independent research that is
  3. reported in an honors thesis and
  4. presented in a public forum.

For more information, consult the Program in Biology Honors Program Information page or a Program in Biology advisor.