Program Contact:  Deborah Clark   203-582-8270

The Department of Biological Sciences offers a Dual-Degree BS in Biology and MS in Molecular and Cell Biology. The MS in Molecular and Cell Biology provides an excellent foundation for students intending to pursue studies in professional healthcare fields and doctoral programs. It also offers a competitive edge for students wishing to pursue a career in the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries.

Upon satisfactory completion of all of the undergraduate curriculum requirements, students receive a Bachelor of Science in Biology. The requirements and policies for the undergraduate degree are the same as described on the Bachelor of Science in Biology page. Students complete graduate-level biology courses during their senior year; the requirements and policies for the graduate degree are the same as described on the Master of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology page. Students earn the MS in Molecular and Cell Biology upon satisfactory completion of all of the graduate curriculum requirements.

Students who choose to pursue the Dual-Degree BS in Biology/MS in Molecular and Cell Biology (4+1) are required to complete the following courses by the end of their junior year:

CHE 210
210L
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry I Lab
4
CHE 211
211L
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry II Lab
4
PHY 110
110L
General Physics I
and General Physics I Lab
4
PHY 111
111L
General Physics II
and General Physics II Lab
4
A minimum of two Biology Electives in separate elective categories (Molecular and Cellular Biology, Organismal, Physiology, or Experiential Learning). An elective in Molecular and Cellular Biology is strongly recommended.

Sample Course Plan

Shown below is one of several possible paths through the curriculum. Students choose courses and follow a curriculum determined in consultation with their adviser; individual planning will vary based on a number of factors, including, for instance, Advanced Placement and/or transfer credits.

The minimum number of credits required for the undergraduate degree is 120, and the minimum number of credits required for the graduate degree is 34. At least 18 credits must be completed after conferral of the bachelor’s degree and cannot be double counted.

Courses taken to fulfill the undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Biology are identical to those listed in the BS in Biology curriculum.

Courses to taken to fulfill the graduate Master of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology are identical to those listed in the MS in Molecular and Biology curriculum.

First Year
Milestones: Earn 30 credits, an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher, and a science GPA of 2.25. Meet with your advisor at least once each semester.
Fall Semester
BIO 150
150L
General Biology for Majors
and General Biology for Majors Laboratory
4
CHE 110
110L
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Lab
4
EN 101Introduction to Academic Reading and Writing 13
FYS 101First-Year Seminar3
Open Electives1-2
Spring Semester
BIO 151
151L
Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics
and Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics Lab
4
CHE 111
111L
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry II Lab
4
EN 102Academic Writing and Research3
MA 140Pre-Calculus 13
Open Electives1-2
Second Year
Milestones: Earn 60 credits, an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher, and a science GPA of 2.25. Meet with your advisor at least once per semester to discuss academic, experiential learning, career, and co-curricular opportunities.
Fall Semester
BIO 252
252L
Ecology and Biodiversity
and Ecology and Biodiversity Laboratory 2
4
CHE 210
210L
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry I Lab
4
MA 141Calculus of a Single Variable3
Language at the 101 level3
Open Electives1-2
Spring Semester
BIO 298Research Methods in Biology 23
CHE 211
211L
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry II Lab
4
Language at the 102 level (Satisfies CAS Language Requirement)3
University Curriculum (UC) Course3
Open Electives2-3
Third Year
Milestones: Earn 90 credits, an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher (a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00 is preferred), and a science GPA of 2.25. Meet with your advisor at least once per semester. Participate in study abroad, complete internship or research opportunities. Complete one year of organic chemistry and one year of physics. Meet with 4+1 program advisor to discuss plan to pursue the MS degree.
Fall Semester
Biology Elective3-4
PHY 110
110L
General Physics I
and General Physics I Lab
4
University Curriculum (UC) Course3
University Curriculum (UC) Course3
Open Electives2-3
Spring Semester
Biology Elective3-4
PHY 111
111L
General Physics II
and General Physics II Lab
4
University Curriculum (UC) Course3
University Curriculum (UC) Course3
Open Electives2-3
Fourth Year
Milestones: Earn 120 credits, an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher (a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00 is preferred), and a science GPA of 2.25. Complete graduate coursework listed below and possible minor or double major, and prepare for graduation.
Fall Semester
Biology Elective3-4
BIO 571Molecular Genetics4
Graduate Elective3-4
CAS 420CAS Integrative Capstone3
Open Electives1-3
Spring Semester
BIO 515Advanced Biochemistry4
BIO 605DNA Methods Laboratory4
Biology Elective (Experiential Learning)1-2
Open Elective3
Open Electives2-3
Fifth Year
Milestones: Earn at least 34 graduate credits with a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.00 or higher. Prepare for graduation.
Fall Semester
BIO 568Molecular and Cell Biology4
BIO 606Protein Methods Laboratory4
Graduate Elective3-4
Spring Semester
Graduate Elective3-4
Graduate Elective3-4
BIO 675Comp Exam in Molecular and Cell Biology2
Minimum total combined credits138
1

Initial placement in the English and mathematics courses is determined by placement exam and an evaluation of high school units presented. Students intending to pursue graduate or professional studies (medicine, dentistry, osteopathy or veterinary medicine) are advised to complete at least one semester of calculus. A minimum of MA 141 is required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.

2

Students may take either BIO 252 and 252L or BIO 298 in either order or concurrently.

The Dual-Degree BS in Biology/MS in Molecular and Cell Biology (4+1) program is designed for highly motivated biology majors who are particularly interested in Molecular and Cell Biology. Interested students should contact program directors Alexandre de Lencastre and Tom Torello, and apply for the +1 year by March 30 of their third year using this application formA cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00 is preferred.

Students are offered formal acceptance into the MS in Molecular and Cell Biology program after successful completion of the undergraduate degree. 

Admission Requirements: College of Arts and Sciences

The requirements for admission into the undergraduate College of Arts and Sciences programs are the same as those for admission to Quinnipiac University.

Admission to the university is competitive, and applicants are expected to present a strong college prep program in high school. Prospective first-year students are strongly encouraged to file an application as early in the senior year as possible, and arrange to have first quarter grades sent from their high school counselor as soon as they are available.

For detailed admission requirements, including required documents, please visit the Admissions page of this catalog.