Cell and Molecular Biology (BSc)

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Degree

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Department

Biology

Faculty

Faculty of Arts & Science

Program type

Honours, Specialization

Primary campus

Loyola (LOY)

Duration

3 to 4 years

Start term

Fall, Winter

Experiential learning

Co-op

Why study Cell and Molecular Biology?

Map genes. Examine microbes. Crack the secrets of the genome, the program of life. When you study Cell and Molecular Biology, you get a front-row seat to study the basic processes that run life’s playbook. As a cell and molecular biologist, you can discover how genes shape organisms, how immune cells protect our body and how biotechnology can develop pest- or drought-resistant crops for the developing world.

Our Biology Department laboratories feature modern equipment and protocols that introduce you to state-of-the-art technologies for cell physiology and molecular biology. Small class sizes foster strong student-professor relationships. As a Cell and Molecular Biology student, you'll follow both the biology core curriculum and courses focused within your specialization. Through labs, lectures and tutorials you will:

Study the mechanisms of cellular interactions and genetic controls in plants and animals
Study the structure and function of microbes
Learn the techniques used to study genetic function, gene mapping and genome analysis
Perform original research as an undergraduate

Concordia’s hands-on approach provides a solid foundation for a career in the life and health sciences or paves the way for future graduate studies.

Special funding for out-of-province students

Up to $4000 for undergraduate programs.

Undergraduate applicants

Program structure

A Bachelor of Science degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90 – 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.

Program options

Honours in Cell and Molecular Biology (72 credits)*
Specialization in Cell and Molecular Biology (66 credits)

*Honours is a highly concentrated program, ideal for students planning to continue to graduate studies. If you are interested in Honours, speak with your program advisor in your first year of study at Concordia. Students applying to the University are able to apply to the specialization.

See the full degree requirements for each option in the Undergraduate Calendar

Courses

See the complete list of courses in the Undergraduate Calendar

Co-op program

The Co-op program gives you the chance to complete paid work terms that last 12 to 16 weeks. Work positions are available in industry, national and provincial research institutes, health organizations and universities located throughout Canada.

Learn more about our Co-op programs

United States students: A U.S. Federal Student Aid-eligible version of this program is offered. This version meets all U.S. regulations (such as no co-operative education or e-courses) for eligible programs.

Get the full details about U.S. loan eligibility and requirements

Admission criteria

Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements

Quebec CEGEP: 26
- Calculus 1 and Calculus 2 – Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism and Wave, Optics and Modern Physics – General Chemistry and Chemistry of Solutions – General Biology OR Natural Science DEC OR DEC intégré en sciences, lettres et arts.
- Additional information for CEGEP applicants
High School: B- overall, B- in math / sciences
- Completed courses in the disciplines of Calculus, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
  - One math from Pre-Calculus, Calculus, or equivalent
  - Two sciences (from Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
- ACT or SAT is NOT required
- Canadian curricula course requirements
- Accepted international qualifications
International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 27 overall, 4 math, 4 science
- one math (Applications and Interpretations HL, Analysis and Approaches HL or Analysis and Approaches SL)
- one science (Physics, Chemistry or Biology, either SL or HL)
- one of the science or math courses must be competed at the HL level
Baccalauréat français: 12 overall, 12 in math / science
- Première: Spécialité mathématiques AND Spécialité physique-chimie
  Terminale: Spécialité mathématiques (also accepted, Spécialité Physique-Chimie AND Mathématiques Complémentaires)
British system of education (GCE):
- A-levels: At least two A-level exams CD, C in math, C in science or
- AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
- BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
- Students without math or science A-levels may be admissible based on AS-level or iGCSE/GCSE/O-Level exam results. Students should include all their exam results from iGCSE (or equivalent) onwards to support their application.
- Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
University Transfers (internal/external): C+ overall, C+ in math / sciences
- Completed courses in the disciplines of Calculus, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

You must meet Concordia's minimum admission requirements

Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.

Application deadlines

It’s not too late to apply

Some undergraduate programs are still accepting applications for fall 2024.

Check program availability

FALL TERM

March 1 is the deadline to apply for fall term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by February 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.

WINTER

November 1 is the deadline to apply for winter term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by September 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.

Not all programs are available for winter term entry. Please check program availability for the term, before you start your application.

We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.

After your degree

Biology undergraduates have the foundation to pursue graduate studies or medicine. Cell and Molecular Biology alumni have established careers in fields including:

Biotechnology
Systems Biology
Medicine
Pharmacology
Medical research

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