Explore the science of life from minute strands of DNA to complex ecosystems that stretch for miles and miles.
Our program offers opportunities for research and study using the latest technology and equipment, in the lab or in the field. In faraway tropical rainforests and coral reef habitats or New Hampshire’s own lakes and forests, PSU students work hands-on with faculty members to answer some of life’s toughest questions.
The BS in Cell and Molecular Biology prepares students for graduate studies or work in biomedical fields. Laboratory experiences include opportunities for students to conduct original research working closely with a faculty mentor. This degree is also appropriate for professional schools including medical, dental, and veterinary schools. Note that some professional/graduate schools require a full year of physics. Students should work closely with their academic advisor to plan their coursework.
As a cell and molecular biology major you will experience:
- Hands-on experience from molecules and cells to ecosystems
- Degree programs in Biology (B.A. and B.S.) and Environmental Biology
- State-of-the-art laboratory and research facilities, including a 1,400-liter marine aquarium, fully equipped human physiology lab, BSL-2 microbiology and cell biology labs, herbarium and specimen room, and a rooftop greenhouse
- Opportunities for local, national, and international field studies
- Partnerships with New Hampshire Fish and Game, Hubbard Brook Research Forest, NH-INBRE grant to further studies of human health in New Hampshire, and others
- One-on-one advising sessions with a biology faculty member at least once every semester
- A talented and dedicated faculty
Degree
The B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology is the newest biology degree program at Plymouth State. Our Cell and Molecular Biology prepares students for graduate school, health professions, or careers in biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry. Laboratory experiences applicable to your career begin in the first year and include opportunities for students to conduct original research working closely with a faculty mentor. Our summer research program in collaboration with the NH-INBRE program gives students a chance to work as full-time researchers. This degree is also designed to prepare students for professional schools including medical, dental, and veterinary schools.
Plymouth State University also offers B.S. in Biology, B.S. in Environmental Biology, B.A. in Biology, and the Biology Honors programs. Click the links in the degree names to find out more.
Careers
Opportunities for careers in healthcare and biotechnology are areas of active growth, particularly in the Northeast. Students with a B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology are qualified for careers with companies such as Bristol Meyers Squibb, Lonza, Mascoma, Boston Analytical, and many others. The degree is also a pathway to pursue further education to become a nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, nurse, dentist, veterinarian, pharmacist or other areas of healthcare. Graduates are also qualified to pursue a Masters in Biology at Plymouth State and other schools or a PhD in Biology or a related field.
Explore Program Details
Biology Majors can take up to 1-2 Minors, including those below.
While a biology major is based in the interdisciplinary studies of biology, chemistry, physics, and math there are also opportunities to extend your interest to some of the other 40+ minors that are offered at Plymouth State, including those below. It’s a great time to be a biology major at PSU!
- Adventure Education
- Chemistry
- Computing
- Criminal Justice (especially for those interested in becoming a Fish and Game officer)
- Global Health
- Health
- Neuroscience (especially for those considering Medical School)
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Sustainability
- Women’s Studies
The heart of scientific research and study at PSU is the Boyd Science Center. The University’s proximity to the lakes, rivers and mountains of New Hampshire gives students access to a unique natural laboratory. Resources at Boyd provide students with a place to explore nature’s questions, generated in the great outdoors or under the microscope.
Resources at Boyd
- Climate-controlled chambers for whole organism research
- Dedicated spaces for student research
- PCR, Rt-PCR, Western blotting, Immunohistochemistry
- Animal behavior lab with advanced video tracking
- BSL-2 Microbiology lab
- Six 300-liter marine aquariums
- Human physiology lab
- Collection of bird specimens
- Dedicated tissue culture facility
- Rooftop greenhouse with computerized temperature controls and separate areas for preparation and growing
- PSH, an herbarium of 20K preserved and mounted specimens
More to Explore
Explore Today.
Realize Tomorrow.
