About
Cellular/molecular biology focuses on the cellular and molecular level, the workings of molecules toward the biology of cells and the working of cells that make up an organism. It is best applied to genetic, cell and physiological-based research, pharmaceutical research or bio-technology research. Appalachian’s Biology (BS) - Cellular/Molecular Biology degree is designed to prepare students for successful admission into professional schools or to continue their studies in graduate and health-care programs. Many students choose this concentration as a pre-medical, pre-veterinary or pre-dental school curriculum.
Students may apply to the biology honors program which includes two research courses and an honors thesis. Students often join faculty as research assistants. Recently, faculty research topics have included pre-term birth, cholera and cancer. Students do not compete with graduate students for research positions, giving Appalachian undergraduate students an advantage when applying for research opportunities.
All biology students may apply to the biology honors program which includes two research courses and an honors thesis.
After Graduation
Graduate schools: Most students continue on to professional schools. Students have attended Dartmouth College, University of Michigan, UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, UNC-Chapel Hill School of Dentistry and University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine
Employment: After completing their graduate educations, students have gone on to work with NCBioTech and as technicians in research laboratories.
People
Courses
In addition to biology core classes, students must complete at least one course selected from these areas of study:
- Evolution/Ecology
- Cellular/Subcellular
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Biodiversity
There are also required courses in chemistry, physics, math and statistics.
Related Programs
Minors
A minor is optional. However, many students graduate with a minor in Chemistry because their concentration curriculum requires close to enough chemistry classes to complete a minor.
Engagement Outside the Classroom
Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society - TriBeta was established to recognize academic achievement and promote research in the biological sciences. Membership is by invitation.
Highlands Biology Club - a student club that works to advance knowledge, inspire the community, as well as open doors of opportunity for members through events involving Biology while having fun.
Annual Celebration of Student Research and Creative Endeavors - a day held at Appalachian where students showcase their research projects and present their results in either a performance, platform talk or poster.
Department Seminars - hosted by the Department of Biology for all biology students every Wednesday. Seminar topics range from research to animal biology and ecology to bioengineering. See the department calendar.
Global Learning
Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.
Department of Biology faculty members have led short-term study abroad programs to Zambia, South Africa, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand.
Admission Requirements
There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.
Why Appalachian?
- The cellular/molecular biology concentration can be used as pre-medical, pre-veterinary or pre-dental school curriculum.
- The department offers a Master of Science in Biology.
- Students are taught by faculty with diverse research interests and expertise.
- The Department of Biology has 23 specialized research facilities including the William and Ruth Dewel Microscopy Facility, Animal Care Facility, Scientific Computing and Visualization Laboratory, I.W. Carpenter Herbarium, Greenhouse, campus Nature Preserve, Robert Gilley Field Station and the Elicia Caroon Johnston Biological Reserve.
- Undergraduates have the opportunity to participate in graduate-level research projects with department faculty.
- The Department of Biology offers scholarships.
Research Facilities
Research facilities include:
- William and Ruth Dewel Microscopy Facility
- Appalachian State University Animal Care Facility
- I.W. Carpenter Herbarium
- Department of Biology Greenhouse
Number of Students
530 undergraduate students in the Department of Biology
Method of Delivery
On campus
Careers
- Medical Doctor
- Dentist
- Veterinarian
- Microbiologist
- Biomedical Research Scientist
- Laboratory Technician
- Laboratory Scientist
- Pharmaceutical Salesperson
- Genetic Counselor
- Physician Assistant
- Chiropractor
- Osteopath
- Pharmacist
- Forensic Scientist
- Food scientist
- Biochemist
- Bioengineer
- Biomedical Engineer
- Bioinformatician
- Immunologist
- Pathologist
- Physician Assistant
- Optometrist
- Pharmacist
- Teacher/Educator/Lecturer/Professor
- Environmental toxicologist
- Research and Development Scientist
View more career possibilities
Contacts
Dr. Zack Murrell
murrellze@appstate.edu
828-262-3025