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Genetics and Cell Biology

College of Sciences

	QUICK JUMP
	Genetics and Cell Biology
	Requirements and Core Courses
	Genetics and Cell Biology Facilities
	Careers in Genetics and Cell Biology
	Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation
	Scholarships and Financial Aid
	Contact Information

Genetics and Cell Biology

Genetics and cell biology is the science of heredity. It is studied at the level of whole organisms (classical or transmission genetics), the DNA gene (molecular genetics), or whole populations (population and evolutionary genetics). Geneticists use molecular approaches to investigate how genes determine physical traits, including susceptibility to diseases and inherited disorders. Cell biology focuses on the structure and function of the components of living cells (such as the cell membrane, the flagella responsible for cell movements, cell differentiation in developing organisms, abnormal cell division, and metabolic interactions between cell compartments). • Offered at WSU: Bachelor of science, minor (also minor in pre-genetics counseling), master of science, doctorate • Available at: Pullman

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Requirements and Core Courses

—Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Cell Biology Students take the following core courses as well as other University, college, and degree requirements. CORE COURSES Biol 106 & 107—Introductory Biology I & II Chem 105 & 106—Principles of Chemistry I & II Math 140—Math for Life Sciences      or 171—Calculus I Chem 345—Elementary Organic Chemistry I Phys 101 & 102—General Physics I & II      or 201 & 202—Physics for Scientists and Engineers I & II MBioS 301—General Genetics MBioS 303 & 304—Introductory Biochemistry & Lab Math 172—Calculus II      or Math 212—Intro to Statistical Methods      or Stat 412—Biometry MBioS 402—General Genetics Lab MBioS 404—Molecular Genetics MBioS 454—Techniques in Molecular Biology MBioS 494—Senior Project MBioS 401—Cell Biology MBioS 478—Bioinformatics MBioS 305—General Microbiology Lecture Degree Electives Pre-med students and those interested in advanced degrees should take a year of organic chemistry, which includes Chem 345, 346, and 348. NOTE: Students should consult the General Catalog for course planning and must meet course requirements as outlined in the General Catalog in order to graduate.

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Genetics and Cell Biology Facilities

Genetics and cell biology students have access to the following outstanding lab facilities: • Equipment for ultracentrifugation, recombinant DNA techniques, HPLC, protein analysis and purification, DNA sequencing and synthesizing, and more • Bioanalytical Laboratory • Electron Microscopy Center • Nuclear Radiation Center • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Center • X-ray Crystallography Laboratory • Science Learning and Instruction Center (SLIC), a resource center for science majors that provides computer access, science software and videos, old tests, and other study aids • Owen Science and Engineering Library, the largest of its kind in the Northwest

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Careers in Genetics and Cell Biology

Genetics and cell biology majors have wide and diverse career opportunities in the life sciences. Careers possibilities include technical positions in the food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries, private or governmental laboratories, and nonprofit institutions such as clinical and hospital laboratories or institutes that focus on research. Graduates are also prepared to pursue advanced degree work in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and other fields. Advanced degrees can lead to work teaching at the college level or conducting basic or applied research in the government, higher education, or private industry. Other careers include consulting, management, and administration.

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Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation

• A good high school preparation in biology, chemistry, and mathematics • At least three years of sciences and math in high school recommended • Strong reading, writing, reasoning, and computer skills

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

Genetics and cell biology majors are eligible for scholarships offered by the College of Sciences and the School of Molecular Biosciences. Additionally, a variety of federal, state, and University-sponsored programs are available to assist qualified students with education costs.

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Contact Information

School of Molecular Biosciences

Washington State University PO Box 647520 Pullman, WA 99164-7520

smbugrad@wsu.edu

509-335-1276

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Strengths of the Program

• Study with faculty noted for their work in protein biochemistry, DNA repair, structural biology, and reproductive biology.
• Undertake a research project of your own under a noted faculty researcher.
• Learn research techniques and operate advanced equipment.
• Individualize your course of study within the School of Molecular Biosciences.
• You can join a math, science, and engineering community residence hall at WSU Pullman—share classes with your neighbors, study together, get free tutoring, and use the hall’s computer lab.

Office of Enrollment Management, PO Box 641067, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-1067, 888-GO TO WSU (888-468-6978), Contact Us