Cell and Molecular Biology

Cell and molecular biology is the study of how cellular components interact to promote life processes. It includes the study of how DNA and RNA are synthesized, how genes expressed to allow differentiation of a single-celled egg into a complex multicellular organism. Cell and molecular biologists study protein synthesis, cell ultastructure, organelle structure and function, enzymology, and the collection of concepts and procedures commonly known as "biotechnology" or "genetic engineering."

With the advent of modern molecular biology, studies of the fundamental processes of living cells have taken dramatic strides. The cell and molecular biology major at Oklahoma State University has been designed to allow students to acquire training in a multidisciplinary atmosphere that prepares them for employment in the rapidly growing field of biotechnology. Students following this avenue of study will be well prepared to continue toward the M.S. or Ph.D. degrees at this or other institutions or to find employment directly upon graduation.

Opportunities for employment exist at all scholarly levels, in many local, state and national government agencies and in varied industries. The record for employment of cell biologists has been excellent for many years and with the increased interest in biotechnology, employment opportunities look even brighter in the future.

These fields require a solid knowledge of other sciences and students should take high school courses in mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics. Students should have broad interests in how living cells work and have aptitudes for biology and chemistry.