Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology), BS
Program Description
The BS program in biological sciences with a concentration in genetics, cell and developmental biology integrates the study of three exciting, closely related areas of life science research.
Genetics examines the blueprints of life, such as DNA sequence and gene expression, while cell biology studies the machinery of life enclosed within the boundaries of cells. Developmental biology uses both genetics and cell biology to understand how genes and the environment interact to produce a whole new individual from a single cell as well as to understand the various developmental changes that organisms undergo throughout life.
The combined study of genetics, cell biology and development has resulted in a better understanding of many diseases and promises to prove even more important in the future.
Students are encouraged to engage in independent research projects or internship opportunities to develop a better sense of how science is done.
This program is available as an accelerated degree program.
In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit the college's website for more information and requirements.
Major core
Note: Once you start a General BIO sequence, you must complete the full sequence (BIO 181 & 182 OR BIO 281 & 282)
- BIO 181 General Biology I (4) or BIO 281 Conceptual Approaches to Biology for Majors I (4)
- BIO 182 General Biology II (4) or BIO 282 Conceptual Approaches to Biology for Majors II (4)
- BIO 340 General Genetics (4)
- BIO 345 Evolution (3)
Major concentration courses
- BIO 351 Developmental Biology (3)
- BIO 353 Cell Biology (3)
- BCH 361 Principles of Biochemistry (3) or BCH 461 General Biochemistry (3)
Additional major concentration courses
- BIO 308 Plant Physiology (4)
- BIO 360 Animal Physiology (3)
- BIO/ASM 446 Principles of Human Genetics (3)
- BIO/MBB 440 Functional Genomics (3)
- BIO/MIC 420 Immunology: Molecular and Cellular Foundations (3)
Major laboratory courses (complete two of the following)
- BIO 308 Plant Physiology (4)
- BIO 342 General Genetics Laboratory (2)
- BIO/MBB 343 Genetic Engineering and Society (4)
- BIO 352 Laboratory in Vertebrate Developmental Anatomy (2)
- BIO 451 Cell Biotechnology Laboratory (4)
- BIO/HPS/MIC/MBB 495 Undergraduate Research or BIO/HPS/MIC/MBB 484 Internship or BIO/MIC/MBB 492 Honors Directed Study may be substituted for one lab course (1-3, only 3 credits from any of these can be used toward a lab)
- MBB 350 Applied Genetics (4)
- MIC 220 Biology of Microorganisms and MIC 206 Microbiology Lab (4)
- MIC 302 Advanced Bacteriology Lab (2)
- MIC 421 Experimental Immunology (2)
- BCH 367 Elementary Biochemistry Laboratory (1) or BCH 467 Analytical Biochemistry Lab (3)
Please see an advisor if the above courses are not offered in the term you wish to take them
Major electives
Any SOLS upper division coursework (300 and 400 level BIO/HPS/MIC/MBB) will count in this area, including BCH 361, that has not already been used in the major area.
Requirements in related fields
General chemistry
- CHM 113 General Chemistry I (4)
- CHM 116 General Chemistry II (4)
Organic chemistry (take general or pre-health sequence)
- CHM 231 Elementary Organic Chemistry (3)
- CHM 235 Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1)
OR pre-health sequence
- CHM 233 General Organic Chemistry I (3)
- CHM 234 General Organic Chemistry II (3)
- CHM 237 General Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1)
- CHM 238 General Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (1)
Physics (take general or pre-health sequence)
- PHY 101 Introduction to Physics (4)
OR pre-health sequence
- PHY 111 General Physics I (3)
- PHY 112 General Physics II (3)
- PHY 113 General Physics Laboratory I (1)
- PHY 114 General Physics Laboratory II (1)
Math (complete one of the following)
- MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences (3)
- MAT 210 Brief Calculus (3)
Statistics (complete one of the following)
- STP 231 Statistics for Biosciences (3)
- STP 226 Elementary Statistics (3)
For more information on requirements and recommendations specific to this degree please see our Did you know for on-campus degrees page.
Required Courses (Major Map)
What if: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus, or online
- Additional Program Fee: Yes
- Second Language Requirement: No
- First Required Math Course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
-
Math Intensity:
Moderate
Admission Requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Freshman Transfer International Readmission
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.
Change of Major Requirements
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
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Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
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Career Outlook
Graduates of this concentration have learned critical thinking skills that can be applied to many scientific problems and professions as well as to the challenges of daily life, and they have a variety of career options.
This degree provides the fundamental coursework necessary for admission into medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy or graduate schools or any of the health professions. There also are many employment opportunities that can be pursued upon receipt of the Bachelor of Science with this concentration, such as:
- animal breeder technician
- bioinformaticist or biotechnologist
- crime lab technician
- cytotechnologist
- drug or vaccine design technician
- genetic counselor
- histologist
- in-vitro fertilization technician
- teacher
- technical writer
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
Biological Sciences Professor
- Growth: 8.6%
- Median Salary*: $81,650
Clinical Trial Manager
- Growth: 4.8%
- Median Salary*: $144,440
Cytotechnologist
- Growth: 4.9%
- Median Salary*: $57,380
Epidemiologist
- Growth: 26.7%
- Median Salary*: $78,520
Genetic Counselor
- Growth: 16.1%
- Median Salary*: $89,990
Geneticist
- Growth: 3.9%
- Median Salary*: $87,300
High School Teacher
- Growth: 1.0%
- Median Salary*: $62,360
Medical Scientist
- Growth: 9.8%
- Median Salary*: $99,930
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu
Attend Online
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.