Undergraduate
Program Overview
The Department of Molecular Biosciences (MBS) offers Bachelor of Science degrees in
Cell and Molecular Biology (CBO, Program: ) and Microbiology (MIC, Program: ). Both degrees are excellent preparation for careers in the biomedical sciences,
pharmaceutical industry, and medicine, which includes further study to the Master’s,
MD, and Ph.D. levels.
Students undertaking these degrees will receive an education in the core topics of
cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, and microbiology, as well being exposed
to more specialized areas (e.g., cancer biology, mechanisms of aging and age-related
diseases, genetic engineering/recombinant DNA technology) that require detailed knowledge.
Opportunities for research training and experience are also available to students
undertaking CBO and MIC, both as part of our degrees, and within the world-famous
laboratories of our faculty (MBS Research Focus Areas | Cell Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology | College
of Arts & Sciences | ßÙßÇÂþ» (usf.edu)). For example, the combined Cell Biology/Genetics research-based laboratory curriculum
and the SEA PHAGES () research guided program at an early stage in their degree progress. Together, these
unique course-based research experiences will support the student’s development of
research skills and critical thinking abilities.
Within the MIC program, our unique coursework, led by internationally renowned scientists
(including Dr. Prahathees Eswara, Dr. Wenqi Yu, and Dr. James Riordan), includes advanced
microbiology topics such as Medical Bacteriology, Molecular Microbiology, and Bacterial
Stress Responses.
Within the CBO program, our unique course offerings, led by internationally renowned
scientists (including Dr. Sandra Westerheide, Dr. Libin Ye, and Dr. Huzefa Dungrawala),
include Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology of the Gene, and Molecular Biology of the
Cell (a High Impact Practice and Undergraduate Research course).
The course offerings in MBS are also designed to meet the needs of students majoring
in other science disciplines as well as non-science areas. The MBS faculty are dedicated
to excellence in this mission.
For further information, please contact the MBS Undergraduate Program Director (Faculty | Cell Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology | College of Arts & Sciences
| ßÙßÇÂþ» (usf.edu)).
To find out how to apply, please refer to About Us (usf.edu)