The Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Track provides a broad background in biology, with a focus on the molecular, cellular, and integrative mechanisms by which organisms regulate life processes.  Students will learn about the molecular and cellular mechanisms that provide the basis for biological structure, growth, evolution, embryonic development, and genetic inheritance. Students will understand how eukaryotic cells process information from their environment and initiate programs of gene expression leading to growth, development, and functional specification.

A degree in biology with an emphasis in Cellular, Molecular, and Development will prepare students for a career in the life sciences, whether they are interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cell growth, or the complex patterns of organismal development. This can help prepare students for a career in academic or industrial research, biotechnology, genetic engineering, or any of the health professions. 

For both the Biology B.S. and the Biology B.A. (with Topical Focus)

• 12 of the upper-level elective hours must be completed from the courses listed below (for the B.S. this represents 12 out of a total 15 upper-level elective hours; for the B.A. this represents 12 out of a total 13-15 upper-level elective hours, depending on the topical focus courses)
• A maximum of 3 credit hours of BIO 394/395/397 will count towards these 12 hours
• The remaining upper-level elective hours can be completed with any approved upper-level biology elective course (including BIO 394/395/397) - see full list
• A maximum of 6 credit hours of BIO 394/395/397 will count towards a biology degree
• At least 9 credit hours of upper-level electives must have a BIO prefix

For full course descriptions, please continue to the course bulletin: B.A. / B.S.

Click here for track course prerequisites and which semesters they are offered

BIO 308: General Microbiology (3)

BIO 309: Microbiology Lab (2)

BIO 394/395/397: Research in Neuroscience/Biology/Microbiology (max 3 credit hours toward track) (1-3)

BIO 410: Vertebrate Endocrinology (3)

BIO 429:  Developmental Biology (3)

BIO 494G: Immunobiology (3)

BIO 495G: Bacterial Pathogenesis (3)

BIO 502: Principles of Systems, Cellular and Molecular Physiology (5)

BIO 510: Recombinant DNA Techniques Laboratory (4)

BIO 520: Bioinformatics (3)

BIO 527: Stem Cells, Tissue Engineering, and Regenerative Medicine (3)

BIO 542: Histology (5)

BIO 582: Virology (3)

BIO 380: Special Topics in Biology (Intermediate Level) (Subtitle required). Subtitle must be approved by Director of Undergraduate Studies (1-4)

Courses from outside the Biology Department:

BCH 401G: Fundamentals of Biochemistry (3)

CHE 233: Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (1)

CHE 532: Spectrometric Identification of Organic Molecules (2)

CHE 533: Advanced Organic Chemistry Laboratory (2)

CHE 550: Biological Chemistry I (3)

CHE 552: Biological Chemistry II (3)

MI 598: Clinical Microbiology (same as PAT 598) (3)

ANA 442: Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology (3)

Other courses can be accepted by the Director of Undergraduate Studies on a case by case basis.

*Only for students who do not use the course to fulfill the 2nd Tier Core

*For questions regarding the Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Track, please email biology@uky.edu.