Cell & Molecular Biology (BSc)
Bachelor of Science (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.
Program details
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.
Options:
- Honours in Cell and Molecular Biology (72 credits)
- Specialization in Cell and Molecular Biology (66 credits)
Degree requirements
Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements
- Quebec Cegep: 26 (Honours: 30)
- 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
(Honours: B+ overall, A- 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
- Completed courses in the disciplines of Calculus, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
- University Transfers (internal/external): C+ overall, C+ in math / sciences
(Honours: B+ overall, B+ in math / sciences)- Completed courses in the disciplines of Calculus, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
- Baccalauréat français: 12 overall, 12 in math / science
(Honours: 14 overall, 15 in math / science)- Première: Spécialité mathématiques AND Spécialité physique-chimie
Terminale: Spécialité mathématiques (also accepted, Spécialité Physique-Chimie AND Mathématiques Complémentaires)
- Première: Spécialité mathématiques AND Spécialité physique-chimie
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 27 overall, 4 math, 4 science
(Honours: 31 overall, 5 math, 6 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
You must meet Concordia’s minimum admission requirements.
Honours programs: Students applying directly to an honours program should list it as their first choice. If not admitted to honours, they will automatically be considered for the next highest program (i.e. specialization or major).
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.
We consider complete applications year round and we give priority to applicants who apply by official deadlines. Late applications will be considered if places are still available for the fall term only.
| You've sent your application from: | Fall term deadline | Winter term deadline |
| Inside Canada | March 1 Certain programs have extended their deadlines. Please check program availability. |
November 1 Not all programs are available for this term. Please check program availability. |
| Outside Canada (International) | February 1 | September 1 |
We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.
Sample classes
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Physiology
- Cellular Neuroscience
- Genetics and Cell Biology Laboratory
Curriculum requirements
Required Biology credits are as follows:
- Honours in Cell & Molecular Biology (72 credits)
- Specialization in Cell & Molecular Biology (66 credits)
Each option also has specific required and optional courses. See the curriculum for each option.
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 program.
