Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

The Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology B.S. and B.A. degrees provide students with a broad understanding of biological systems at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. The MCDB degree includes study of genetics, cell biology, developmental biology, cancer biology, and neurobiology. Students have the option of elective courses in these areas for an advanced, in-depth learning experience.

Major Hours & Major GPA

While completing all required courses, majors must also meet each of the following hour and grade-point average minimum standards:

Major Hours
Satisfied by 37 hours of major courses.

Major Hours in Residence
Satisfied by a minimum of 15 hours of KU resident credit in the major. 

Major Junior/Senior Hours
Satisfied by a minimum of 29 hours from junior/senior courses (300+) in the major.

Major Junior/Senior Graduation GPA
Satisfied by a minimum of a 2.0 KU GPA in junior/senior courses (300+) in the major. GPA calculations include all junior/senior courses in the field of study including F’s and repeated courses. See the Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator.

Below is a sample 4-year plan for students pursuing the B.A. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. To view the list of courses approved to fulfill Core 34, please visit the KU Core 34 page.

This degree plan assumes students will have the equivalent of MATH 101 or MATH 104, or equivalent prior to the freshman year, fall semester.

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MATH 115 and CHEM 130 require a MATH ACT scores of 26+, a comparable SAT or KU Math Placement Exam score, or credit for a MATH 101 or MATH 104 equivalent course. MATH 125 requires a MATH ACT score of 28+, a comparable SAT or KU Math Placement Exam score, or credit for MATH 104.

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Concurrent or prior enrollment in CHEM 130 is required. BIOL 151 is the honors equivalent of BIOL 150 and is offered in the fall semesters. BIOL 153 is the honors equivalent of BIOL 152 and is offered in the spring semesters.

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BIOL 412, BIOL 417, BIOL 426, and BIOL 672 are offered only in the spring.

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Most medical schools require the full CHEM 330, CHEM 331, and CHEM 335.

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BIOL 405, BIOL 435, and BIOL 688 are offered only in the fall.

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Choose BIOL 405 or BIOL 426. BIOL 405 is offered only in the fall, and BIOL 426 is offered only in the spring.

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6 credit hours of BIOL courses at 400+ level, with no more than 3 hours of BIOL 423 and/or BIOL 424 (combined) applied toward the elective requirement.

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Choose BIOL 435, BIOL 672, or BIOL 688. BIOL 435 and BIOL 688 are offered only in the fall, and BIOL 672 is offered only in the spring. BIOL 680 offering varies.

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BIOL 105 Biology Orientation Seminar (1 hour online course) is required for the major. It can be taken the summer prior to your freshman year.

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Hour requirements (incl. 45 jr/sr hrs) are typically met through Core 34, degree, major, second area of study and/or elective hours.  Students completing the BGS with a major must choose a secondary area of study.  Individual degree mapping is done in partnership with your advisor.

At the completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• Explain the sources of genetic variation within populations, how variation is maintained or lost in populations and mechanisms of evolutionary change operating in populations and how these may lead to the formation of biological species. Use the principles of evolution to explain the diversity of life on Earth; describe evidence that supports the conclusion that evolution explains the diversity of life on Earth.
• Describe how organisms inherit genetic information that influences the location, timing, and intensity of gene expression. Explain that cells/organs/organisms have multiple mechanisms to perceive and respond to changing environmental conditions.
• Describe how complex networks are formed by interactions at many biological scales (i.e., molecules, genes, cells, tissues, organs, individuals and ecosystems), and that organisms integrate internal and external information to respond to environmental changes.
• Explain that biological structures exist at all levels of organization, from molecules to ecosystems, and the physical and chemical characteristics of a structure influence its function.
• Apply the scientific method and communicate scientific arguments, ideas, and results clearly and explicitly through writing and speech. Demonstrate a knowledge of the ethical considerations related to scientific research.
• Apply quantitative reasoning, mathematical, statistical, and/or informatics tools to explain, evaluate, and effectively interpret claims, theories, and assumptions in the biological sciences.

Departmental Honors

Undergraduate majors are eligible to graduate with honors in biology if they fulfill the following requirements:

1. Complete all course work required for the appropriate degree in biology.
2. Achieve a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 in the major.
3. Complete BIOL 499 Introduction to Honors Research with a grade of B or higher, or complete two credits total of BIOL 423 and/or BIOL 424 with a grade of B or higher
4. Complete BIOL 699 Biology Honors Research Colloquium with a grade of B or higher.
5. Complete an independent research project under the supervision of a faculty member in an area appropriate to the degree sought.
6. Submit an honors thesis to the honors committee once the research is complete and present the results of the completed research at the honors research symposium.

Specific guidelines and intent forms are available in the Undergraduate Biology Program office and online. Candidates must declare their intent to graduate with honors at least 2 semesters before graduation.

Study Abroad

Consult an advisor at least 4 months before undertaking study abroad. Consult the Office of Study Abroad, 108 Lippincott Hall, for information about study in one of the many countries (e.g., Scotland, Australia, Switzerland) with special arrangements with KU.