BS with a Major in Biological Sciences—Molecular, Cellular, and Organismal Biology Concentration

The B.S. in Biological Sciences—Molecular, Cellular, and Organismal Biology (MCOB) Concentration at the University of Illinois Chicago builds practical skills through substantial laboratory and experimental training. Students complete Genetics Laboratory, Cell Biology Laboratory, and Animal Physiological Systems, while the major requires at least 9 credit hours in Experimental Techniques and Data Analyses, giving students repeated opportunities to work with biological methods, collect data, and interpret experimental results.

Program-specific practical opportunities include:

• Genetics Laboratory: BIOS 310 Genetics Laboratory develops advanced skills in genetic engineering, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and statistical analysis while investigating gene inheritance, expression and regulation.
• Cell Biology Laboratory: BIOS 312 Cell Biology Laboratory provides dedicated laboratory training aligned with the MCOB concentration and develops practical understanding of cellular processes and experimental methods.
• Animal Physiology: BIOS 343 Animal Physiological Systems provides focused study of physiological systems as part of the MCOB concentration, complementing the program's molecular and cellular laboratory work.
• Bioinformatics and Data Analysis: The Genetics Laboratory specifically incorporates bioinformatic and statistical analysis, giving students experience with computational approaches to biological research.
• Experimental Techniques: The degree requires at least 9 hours of Experimental Techniques and Data Analyses, ensuring that practical and analytical work forms a substantial part of the major rather than being limited to introductory courses.
• Independent Research: Students may count up to 5 hours of BIOS independent study and research toward the major, providing an opportunity to undertake supervised research alongside their coursework.
• Laboratory-Integrated Biology: BIOS 110 Biology of Cells and Organisms requires students to enroll in both a lecture and a Laboratory-Discussion, introducing scientific skills alongside molecular genetics, cell structure, metabolism, anatomy and physiology.
• Advanced Subject Options: Students can build additional practical and research-oriented expertise through options such as BIOS 420 Genomics, BIOS 450 Advanced Microbiology, BIOS 458 Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, and BIOS 472 Molecular Genetics Epigenetics.
• Fieldwork: A field-trip component is specifically documented for BIOS 336 Animal Behavior Laboratory, although this course is an elective option rather than a required MCOB course.
• Software/Digital Tools: The official course description specifically identifies bioinformatic and statistical analysis in Genetics Laboratory; no particular commercial software package is named on the official program page.
• Group Projects: The official MCOB degree information does not specifically state that a particular group project is required, so no specific group-project requirement is claimed here.
• Internships: The official MCOB degree requirements emphasize laboratory, experimental techniques, data analysis and independent research; a dedicated internship requirement is not stated.

The B.S. in Biological Sciences—Molecular, Cellular, and Organismal Biology (MCOB) gives students a strong foundation for careers spanning biotechnology, biomedical research, healthcare, microbiology and scientific analysis. The concentration combines core biology with genetics, cell biology, physiology and experimental techniques, while options such as Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genomics, Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, and Independent Research can help students build a more specialized professional profile.

• Career roles: Medical Information Manager, Medical Technologist, Research Associate, and Biotechnology professional are among the types of professional paths represented by UIC Biological Sciences alumni and career resources.
• Career services: LAS Career Development and Internships helps Biological Sciences students connect their major with career paths and provides access to internship and career resources; UIC also documents a Biological Sciences student internship at Rush University Medical Center's microbiology and immunology laboratory completed alongside graduate and postdoctoral researchers.
• Employment sectors: UIC identifies biotechnology, healthcare/public health, science and research, education, engineering and technology, government, and environment/conservation among the industry clusters into which Biological Sciences students can move.
• Salary figures: Program-specific graduate salary statistics are not stated on the official UIC Biological Sciences career page, so a program-specific median salary should not be assumed. UIC does provide the Occupational Outlook Handbook and CareerOneStop as official career-research resources for students.
• Industry exposure: UIC's documented internship example places a Biological Sciences student in the Cohn Research Building at Rush University Medical Center, working in a microbiology and immunology laboratory with research staff, a master's student and a postdoctoral fellow.
• Research opportunities: The MCOB curriculum allows up to 5 hours of BIOS 399 Independent Research toward the major, alongside laboratory courses such as Genetics Laboratory, Cell Biology Laboratory, Molecular Biology Laboratory, Microbiology Laboratory and Animal Physiological Systems Laboratory.
• Long-term accreditation value: Program-specific professional accreditation is not stated for this Biological Sciences B.S. on UIC's official program or catalog pages. UIC does maintain institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, providing institutional accreditation context rather than a specialized professional accreditation for this degree.
• Graduation outcomes: The concentration can prepare students for professional opportunities across biotechnology, healthcare, research and related scientific sectors, while its experimental-techniques requirement and independent research option can also provide preparation for advanced study.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the bachelor's degree, students can pursue UIC's Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, with research tracks including Adaptable Biology Curriculum, Ecology & Evolution, Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology, and Neurobiology. UIC also offers an M.S. in Biological Sciences, although the department states that M.S. admission is limited and requires written support from a potential advisor, primarily for the Ecology & Evolution track. Students interested in biomedical or health-focused progression can also explore UIC graduate programs such as Medical Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and other life- and health-science programs listed in the Graduate College catalog.