Cell and Molecular Biology (BSc)

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.

Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements

• Quebec CEGEP: 26
  • Admission is based on the CRC requirements indicated above and completion of the following classes as part of their DEC: Calculus 1 and Calculus 2; Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism and Wave, Optics and Modern Physics; General Chemistry and Chemistry of Solutions; General Biology (OR Cellular Biology AND Ecology and Evolution)
  • 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 completed at the HL level
• International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (CP): 4.5/7 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 completed at the HL level
  • Additional Career-related Programme (CP) course requirements
• 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.

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.

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