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Advanced technologies in computer science have streamlined the capturing, computing, and interpreting of information, turning biology into a science of big data. Systems biology analyzes cells on a system or network level for a better understanding of an organism. Students earning a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a subplan in Systems and Big Data Biology study a combination of mathematics, statistics and computing in addition to core coursework in biology. The subplan educates students on the applications of data science to research and analysis methods and the communication of findings. Undergraduates gain first-hand experience in laboratory research through the senior thesis and capstone units. This major and emphasis primes students for graduate-level study and careers in high demand.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Demonstrate understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern life and apply that understanding to novel scenarios. Including: how chemical principles govern the activity of life how cells sense and respond to internal and external cues how traits are inherited how molecules, cells, and organisms evolve how phenotypes emerge from interactions among molecules and cells how research with model organisms sheds light on all these questions

Demonstrate understanding of the ways that chemical principles govern the ability of biological molecules to form cellular structures, tissues, organs, and organisms, and the energy transformations that make these steps possible.

Explain mechanisms and outcomes of the ability of cells to sense and respond to internal and external cues.

Explain the role of and mechanisms by which the genome and its products generate biological structures and phenotypes, including human disease, including: Differentiate among replication, transcription, and translation with regard to mechanisms and biological roles. Analyze mechanisms of inheritance and their consequences for phenotypes. Differentiate among various types of mutations and predict their outcomes at the molecular, cellular, and organismal level.

Describe how evolution affects molecules, cells, and organisms and shapes the diversity of life on Earth.

Explain how the properties of biological systems emerge from the interactions among individual components of those systems.

Describe ways that research in different experimental organisms sheds light on the important biological processes described above.

Communicate effectively about scientific ideas and methods. This includes oral and/or written presentation. This includes appropriate choice of data-presentation modes (tables, diagrams, graphs, etc.).

Read and interpret primary scientific literature in cell and molecular biology, linking the results to prior understanding of biological processes. Evaluate the reliability of sources of information about biology.

Apply analytical thinking to biological problems: Understand and/or build models that generate testable hypotheses about biological processes. Critique experimental design in existing research and apply principles of experimental design to new research problems. Apply quantitative strategies to analyze and understand biological processes.

Demonstrate ability to analyze the role of biology in societal decisions and to apply ethical decision-making to evaluate existing and new scientific approaches.

CAREER FIELDS

Healthcare

Research

Medical research

Genetics

Government

Academic research

Biotechnology