Note: MSU's programs in the biological sciences are distributed across multiple departments.  MSU does not have a single Department of Biology.  For additional options see   Biological Sciences at MSU.

Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience

Two options are available in the Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience which lead to the B.S. in Cell Biology and Neuroscience with options in Biomedical Sciences and in Cell Biology and Neuroscience.

Premedicine, Predentistry, and Preoptometry

Students may prepare for admission to medical, dental, or optometry school by following the option in Biomedical Sciences in the Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience. The Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience provides advising on matters pertaining to the biomedical sciences curriculum; advising on matters pertaining to admission to professional schools is provided by the Pre-Health Professions advisor in the Division of Health Sciences.

Requirements for Admission to Upper Division Courses in Biology

For admission to upper division (numbered 300 and above) courses taught in the Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, students must have completed at least 30 total university credits with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for all courses.

Grade Requirements for Fulfillment of Degree Options

In order to graduate with a B.S. in the department, students must earn a grade of "C-" or better for every course required for the specific option, including courses taken to fulfill required elective credits.

Graduation in Absentia

Some professional programs accept students before their degree requirements are completed. It is often possible to transfer credits from the first year of professional school to MSU to graduate in absentia. The mechanics involve sending an official copy of the year one professional school transcript to the MSU academic advisor; he/she then writes a letter to the MSU Registrar explaining which credits transfer and how they fulfill the degree requirements. The student then registers in absentia at MSU for the semester in which the B.S. degree will be awarded.

Curricula in the Cell Biology and Neuroscience Department

• Biomedical Sciences Option
• Cell Biology and Neuroscience Option

BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES OPTION

The curriculum of the biomedical sciences option provides a strong background for students who are (1) interested in a biomedical sciences career in research or teaching, or (2) plan on a career in medicine or other health professions. The curriculum has sufficient breadth to introduce the student to a wide range of disciplines, but is flexible enough so that students can focus in their last two years on areas of specific interest. Students interested in a career in a health science profession should consult the Pre-Health Professions Advisor for information regarding admission to professional schools while those interested in veterinary medicine should consult the Pre-Veterinary Advisor in the Department of Veterinary Molecular Biology.

Employment opportunities, especially at the technical level, are available with a B.S. in Cell Biology and Neuroscience with a biomedical sciences option. However, this curriculum is designed to better prepare students for professional or graduate training.

The biomedical sciences curriculum is designed to allow the students to take basic courses in physical sciences while tailoring the courses in life sciences to meet their personal objectives and interests. This is done by allowing 24 of the required 44 credits in Biology to be elective credits in life sciences; biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or other appropriate fields. Advanced students are strongly encouraged to enroll in Biol 470, Individual Problems and, or Biol 490, Undergraduate Research. These courses provide an opportunity to gain valuable experience in biomedical research.

Additional Requirements

A minimum of 24 additional elective credits of courses in the life sciences must be completed, most typically from courses in Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Microbiology, and Biochemistry. Of these 24 credits, at least 18 must be upper division; no more than 6 credits of Biol 470, 489, 490 and no more than 2 credits of Biol 401 can be applied toward these 24 elective credits. See the department office for a full list of electives.

CELL BIOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE OPTION

The curriculum in the cell biology and neuroscience option provides a strong background for students who are interested in a career in research or teaching in cell biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, or neuroscience. The curriculum provides the opportunity to take the courses necessary to make a competitive application to graduate school or to obtain a technical position. There is a possibility to focus the curriculum in one of the three areas listed by using elective credits in specific disciplines. Advisor approved substitutions are possible for upper division courses to tailor the degree to the student's interests.

Advanced students are strongly encouraged to enroll in BIOL 470 Individual Problems and/or BIOL 490 Undergraduate Research. These courses provide an opportunity to gain valuable experience in biomedical research. Such experiences are useful for both an appreciation of the research effort required in graduate school and for gaining experience in technical methods for a technical position.

* Students should take either CHEM 311 and 312 or CHEM 215 and 301

Additional Requirements

A minimum of 15 additional upper division elective credits in the life sciences must be completed from Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Microbiology or Biochemistry courses. Of these 15, at least 6 must be from 400 level courses. No more than 6 credits of BIOL 470, 489, 490 and no more than 2 credits of BIOL 401 can be applied toward the 15 elective credits.

Following is a list of suggested courses that students can choose as electives to focus their major on a particular area of interest. 

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Return to regular view	Text-only	Updated: 6/09/06
Return to regular view	Text-only	Updated: 6/09/06