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Cell Biology: Frequently Asked Questions

How does molecular and cell biology differ from a traditional biology degree?

Traditional biology programs cover the broad spectrum of life sciences, from the very smallest scale of the cell and its constituent parts to the collective organization and behavior of large animal and plant populations. Such programs generally include junior and senior level courses in botany, zoology and ecology. While these topics are not neglected in Lawrence Tech's molecular and cell biology program, the focus remains on the microscopic and submicroscopic: the cell, its machinery and its underlying functionality. ...
Source: www.ltu.edu

What is the difference between a major in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and the Cell Biology stream offered by the Biology department?

There are some similarities in core courses. Both departments require similar first and second year core courses in biology, chemistry, math, physics and biochemistry. - Upper division course requirements differ. MBB emphasizes studies on a cellular and nuclear level, while Biosciences requires both plant and animal biology courses.
Source: www.sfu.ca

How does chemical biology differ from a degree in molecular biology or in molecular and cell biology?

These disciplines have a lot in common. However, molecular biology is almost always taught as a sub-discipline of biology, often at the graduate level. The chemistry training in Lawrence Tech's chemical biology program is more extensive than in traditional molecular biology programs and prepares a student for graduate work in chemistry. For students with a stronger biology bent, Lawrence Tech has established new Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology. ...
Source: www.ltu.edu
These disciplines have a lot in common. However, molecular biology is almost always taught as a sub-discipline of biology, often at the graduate level. The chemistry training in Lawrence Tech’s chemical biology program is more extensive than in traditional molecular biology programs and prepares a student for graduate work in chemistry and biochemistry as well as in chemical biology. For students with a stronger biology bent, Lawrence Tech has established new Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology. ...
Source: www.ltu.edu

Why did you choose to major in molecular and cell biology?

At first, I chose it because it seemed like the right thing for premed preparation. After being there for a couple of years, I've come to love it insanely. I loved science to begin with, but this seemed like a whole new world for me! I love it because everyday I learn things that answer many of my questions about life and the nature of things, and it even makes me go a little further and ask new questions... to which I hope to get answers later. ...

How does the Committee on Genetics, Genomics & Systems Biology differ from the Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology?

The GGSB is designed to provide broad, in-depth training in diverse areas of genetics including population genetics, evolution, molecular genetics, genomics, systems biology, transmission genetics, model organism genetics, and human genetics.

How do I transfer cell biology credits from another University to Tulane?

Submit a copy of the course description from the other university, a copy of the syllabus, a transfer credit approval form from your Dean, and a CMB transfer credit request form . Omitting any of these will delay your request. Leave these four items with the office staff, and allow 3 or 4 working days for your request to be processed. After review, your materials will be available for pickup at the front desk during regular business hours. Submit the completed paperwork to the Registrar’s office.

Are there significant employment opportunities for molecular and cell biology graduates in Michigan?

The industry-education consortium, MichBio, has identified over 542 companies in the State of Michigan with substantial presence in the life sciences and biotechnology areas. Recently, this number has been increasing at a rate of 20 per year. About $2 billion are invested annually in these areas in Michigan. The State of Michigan has recently committed considerable funding to further encourage the growth of biotechnology within its borders. ...
Source: www.ltu.edu

What are the minimum requirements to apply to the Ph.D. Program in Molecular and Cell Biology?

You must hold (or expect to hold prior to the beginning of classes) a bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution. You must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B grade) on a 4.0 scale. You must take the General Graduate Record Exam (GRE). The average percentile for those being admitted to our program is ~80%. The GRE Subject Test is is not required but it is strongly recommended. You should have research laboratory experience. ...

My Ph.D. is in biochemistry/biophysics/biology/cell biology/etc. Am I eligible?

Possibly. The Career Awards at the Scientific Interface program is designed to support those working in biology with backgrounds in the physical/mathematical/computational sciences. If you can show evidence of significant accomplishment or competence in one of those areas (i.e., papers published, advanced coursework, or undergraduate major), and if your proposal draws on that background, you are eligible. You will need to make a case that your work is truly interdisciplinary, and making use of non-biological approaches.
Possibly. The Career Awards at the Scientific Interface program is designed to support those working in biology with backgrounds in the physical/mathematical/computational sciences. If you can show evidence of significant accomplishment or competence in one of those areas (i.e., papers published, advanced coursework, or undergraduate major), and if your proposal draws on that background, you are eligible. You will need to make a case that your work is truly interdisciplinary, and maing use of non-biological approaches.

Did the Dictionary of Cell Biology make you rich?

Dry laugh). Each entry in the first edition attracted about $1 in royalties, and when you add in the 500 h work it takes to put together, that comes out at around $1 per hour for each of us. A bit like being an academic, really. But, PLEASE buy it. If second edition sales drop, Academic have the right to pull this version off the Internet. ...

What is the difference between the Cell and Molecular Stream in Biological Sciences and the Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Department (MBB)?

Although some requirements for both programs in the first two years are similar, the upper division requirements are not the same. The Cell and Molecular Stream allows students to focus on the study of cell and molecular biology while having a broad training in all aspects of contemporary biology, from cells through organisms to their ecology. The MBB program focuses on the sub-cellular and nuclear level as well as in biochemistry, without the broad context available to students in Biological Sciences.
Source: fas.sfu.ca
Although some requirements for both programs in the first two years are similar, the upper division requirements are not the same. The Cell and Molecular Stream allows students to focus on the study of cell and molecular biology while having a broad training in all aspects of contemporary biology, from cells through organisms to their ecology. The MBB program focuses on the sub-cellular and nuclear level as well as in biochemistry, without the broad context available to students in Biological Sciences. ...
Source: www.sfu.ca

Why do we have to take Engineering Biology, CHE353F if we wish to take Cell and Molecular Biology, CHE354S as a technical elective? Can we use Engineering Physics MIE333F as a substitute?

CHE353F has to be taken because it is a prerequisite. Therefore you cannot take CHE354S without having taken CHE353F. If you wish to take CHE354S as your technical elective in the spring term you will have to take CHE353F in the fall term. CHE353F can be used as a technical elective substitute.

Why do I have to install so many programs to run Cell Biology Interactive?

In order to deliver the variety of media on the CD, it is necessary to use many different software packages. Please visit the installation page for an overview what the various software packages do. I keep getting the following alert message: "Director Player Error, Unexpected Error has Occurred. If your processor's speed is below the minimum specification needed for the CD, or if you are low on memory, you may encounter this message from time to time. ...

Where can I find more information about potential employers of persons with cell and molecular biology degrees?

The Career Center 715 W. Wright Street Champaign, IL (217) 333-0820 The MCB Advising Program 127 Burrill Hall (217) 333-6774 The Biotechnology Center 103 Observatory 901 S. Mathews, Urbana, IL (217) 333-1695 Note: The Biotechnology Center Placement Office is mainly for use by M.S. and Ph.D students. Their Web site however can provide you with an excellent idea of the types of employers and individuals who use this service. ...

My library subscribes to the paper version of Molecular Biology of the Cell, and I can't get access to it online. Why?

A subscription on paper and a subscription online are two different things. You or your institution must separately subscribe to the Online Edition to have access to the full text online. See How to Subscribe for details.

In the event of a change of address, should I notify the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology?

Yes. Occasionally we mail out updated information about our donor program, etc. Notifying us of your new address will make sure that you are kept informed of any new information concerning the Program. If you move outside of the immediate area or state, you should make arrangements for the donation of your body to the medical school nearest your new location.
Source: www.etsu.edu

Can students interested in vision problems in bioengineering, cell biology, psychology, or computer science earn a PhD with research mentors in these disciplines?

Yes! The Vision Science Group includes members in a number of departments across the UC Berkeley campus. Most members have joint appointments in two departments, e.g., Optometry & Bioengineering or Neuroscience & Biology. Please review specific details at faculty research .

I am interested in your custom cell biology products. What are your minimum requirements for customized reagents?

We are committed to providing the very best custom manufacturing service and we are pleased to assist with both small and large volume requirements. If the product of interest must be sterile filtered, our minimum requirement is 25L; whereas for products that can be autoclaved, our minimum is only 5L. Custom products can be packaged into 1mL to 20L size containers. Molecular Biology FAQ’s

Will the materials you recommended to improve my soil biology add the microbes I need and should I check with my supplier about cell counts in his products?

SWEP does not recommend adding microbes to the soil. Things like kelp extracts, fish emulsions, humates and so on may well contain bacteria and other microbes, but research has repeatedly shown that these organisms contribute little or nothing to the effectiveness of the product and this is also confirmed by a generally greater storage stability for these products. ...

I’m an incoming freshman who is interested in majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology. Where can I find out more about the major? And what courses should I register for this fall?

Detailed information about our curriculum, courses offered, syllabi, faculty, and more can be found on our website, http://cell.tulane.edu . Most freshmen majoring in CELL take two semesters of General Chemistry with laboratory in their first year (CHEM 107/117, 108/118). Freshmen should also take CELL 101 during their freshman year, either in the fall or in the spring semester.

I understand that there are many environmentally induced defects in cell biology, but do you think that over time, our bodies will evolve and learn to protect itself from these environmental factors?

That's the rule in evolution, so, the answer is yes. Will we be here when it happens? Uh-uh.
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