molecular biology student in lab

Molecular & Integrative Biology Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Solve complex problems by studying different levels of biology and how they interact.

To solve modern biological and medical problems, you need a broad skill set. The Molecular & Integrative Biology program will give you the breadth of knowledge, analytical skills, and computational tools needed to approach complex problems in Biology.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120

Why earn a molecular biology degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

The future of Biology involves solving complex problems that require broad knowledge. The Molecular & Integrative Biology program at UND emphasizes knowledge that spans across levels of biological organization, from the gene and cell, to the development and physiology of organisms, all the way up to species interacting in their environments.

  • Students in the program are encouraged to gain the computational skills needed to analyze complex biological systems and datasets, learn about cutting edge genomic and molecular tools, and put that learning to practice.
  • Students can pursue their passion by gaining valuable independent research experiences with excellent research faculty and laboratory environments.

This major is especially well suited for students interested in pursuing opportunities in various biology research areas or working in biotechnology development.

Molecular Biology Degree at UND

  • Get hands-on experience. Internship or research experiences are required parts of curriculum.

  • Develop your skills in an area of study with increasing demand for experts in their field.

  • Join a number of organizations on campus to meet with peers and conduct research, discuss industry topics and network.

  • Participate in internships or experiential learning supported by local and national programs such as the McNair and U-RISE programs, the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF-REU) and the National Institutes of Health Summer Undergraduate Biomedical Research Experience (SUBRE)

  • Engage in internships under direct faculty supervision, early in your college career.

  • Work in state-of-the-art facilities including greenhouses, animal rooms for terrestrial and aquatic organisms, tissue culture facilities, a biology core molecular facility and four field stations.

What can I do with a molecular biology degree?

5%

Projected job outlook for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians through 2032

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

91K

Median annual salary for biological scientists, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

UND molecular biology degree holders have built rewarding careers in a wide range of industries, including:

  • Biotechnology
  • Conservation biology/ecology
  • Education (secondary and higher education)
  • Health sciences
  • Medical laboratory research
  • Medicine
  • Scientific research

Molecular Biology Degree Courses

BIOL 418. Systems Biology. 3 Credits.

Living organisms are complex systems composed of numerous interacting parts. Systems biology seeks to understand biological phenomena by integrating the coordinated action of many components of a system using a multidisciplinary approach. This class introduces basic concepts and methods in systems biology with an emphasis on biological networks, gene regulation, intracellular signaling, development and pattern formation, metabolism, and the analysis of high-throughput "omics" data. Computer simulations are used heavily to gain deeper insight into system function. Counts as an upper-division laboratory course. Prerequisite: BIOL 315, BIOL 341, and MATH 103. F, even years.

BIOL 378. Developmental Biology. 3 Credits.

An overview of general stages and mechanisms of development, experimental approaches used to study developmental processes, and genetic and environmental influences that govern development. Prerequisite: BIOL 150, BIOL 150L, BIOL 151, BIOL 151L, BIOL 315 and BIOL 341. F.

BIOL 332. General Ecology. 3 Credits.

An introduction to ecology. Covers the relationship of individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems to their biotic and abiotic environments. Prerequisite: BIOL 150, BIOL 150L, BIOL 151, and BIOL 151L or an equivalent approved by the department. F.

BIOL 442. Physiology of Organs and Systems. 3 Credits.

Study of the physiology of organs and organ systems in vertebrates. Prerequisite: BIOL 150, BIOL 150L, BIOL 151, BIOL 151L, and Junior or Senior standing or an equivalent approved by the department. F.

BIOL 410. Molecular Biology Techniques. 4 Credits.

Applications of DNA and RNA analysis and recombinant DNA technologies, emphasizing practical experience in the laboratory. This class will meet twice a week for 50 minutes in the classroom, and students will be expected to work approximately 4-6 hours a week in the lab during open lab times. Counts as an upper-division laboratory course. Prerequisite: BIOL 315 is recommended. S.

BIOL 415. Genomics. 4 Credits.

Genomics describes the determination of the complete nucleotide sequence of an organism and subsequent analyses to decode the structural and functional information of all genes and regulatory sequences in the genome. This four-credit course will consist of lectures, computer lab sessions, in-class exercises, take-home assignments, student presentations, and discussion of research articles. Counts as an upper-division laboratory course. Prerequisite: BIOL 150, BIOL 150L, BIOL 151, BIOL 151L and BIOL 315. S.

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