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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of Southern CaliforniaThe B.S. in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at the University of Southern California is ideal for students who want to understand how genes, proteins and cellular processes work together to shape living organisms. The program combines biology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics and physics with hands-on research and advanced biological study, preparing students for careers in biomedical research, clinical practice and further postgraduate education.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1:
Students start by developing a strong foundation in biology and chemistry through courses such as BISC 120Lg General Biology: Organismal Biology and Evolution and BISC 220Lg General Biology: Cell Biology and Physiology. Courses such as CHEM 105aLg/bL General Chemistry and BISC 193 Introduction to Research I or BISC 194 Introduction to Research II also introduce students to scientific research and laboratory-based learning.
Year 2:
Students build on their scientific foundation and begin exploring molecular-level biology in greater depth through courses such as BISC 320Lg Molecular Biology and CHEM 322aL/bL Organic Chemistry. MATH 125g Calculus I strengthens their quantitative skills, helping them approach biological questions using mathematical and scientific methods.
Year 3:
The third year focuses more strongly on advanced biological concepts through courses such as BISC 325 Genetics and BISC 330L Biochemistry, while statistics and physics develop students' analytical and scientific problem-solving abilities. Students can also explore areas such as BISC 410 Applications of Molecular Biology to Medicine, BISC 411 Advanced Cell Biology, BISC 414 Biology of Cancer and BISC 434 Introduction to Genome Science.
Year 4:
In the final year, students deepen their knowledge through advanced courses such as BISC 403 Advanced Molecular Biology, BISC 435 Advanced Biochemistry and BISC 444 Practical Analysis of Biological Data in R. Research-focused options such as BISC 490x Directed Research, along with electives such as BISC 451 Protein Engineering, BISC 488 Microscopy and Spectroscopy of Biological Systems and QBIO 478 Computational Genome Analysis, allow students to develop expertise in areas that match their career or postgraduate interests.
Focus Areas:
Molecular biology, cellular biology, developmental biology, genetics, biochemistry, genomics, cancer biology, protein engineering, computational biology, biological data analysis, biomedical research
Learning Outcomes:
Students develop a strong understanding of genes, proteins and biological pathways and how they influence cellular function and organismal development. They gain hands-on research experience, learn to critically evaluate scientific literature, strengthen their quantitative and data-analysis skills, and build a solid foundation for postgraduate study and careers in biomedical research and clinical practice.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The program is offered through USC Dornsife's Biological Sciences department. USC's official sources do not identify a separate professional accreditation specifically for the Biological Sciences (Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology) B.S.
Reputation (Employability):
Students benefit from USC's strong research environment and opportunities to work with research-active faculty. The Biological Sciences department reports that around 100 undergraduate students participate in research each year, with many completing research for academic credit through courses such as BISC 290 and BISC 490, providing valuable preparation for research careers and postgraduate study.
The B.S. in Biological Sciences (Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology) gives students the opportunity to gain practical experience alongside their academic studies. The program places a strong emphasis on hands-on research, laboratory work and the analysis of current scientific literature, helping students connect what they learn in class with real biological research.
Students can build practical experience through:
Early Research Exposure: Courses such as BISC 193 Introduction to Research I and BISC 194 Introduction to Research II introduce students to research-active faculty and give them an early understanding of how biological research is carried out.
Directed Research: Students can participate in BISC 490x Directed Research, working with faculty on research projects and gaining experience in a real research environment. This provides an opportunity to apply knowledge from molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry and other areas of the degree.
Research-Based Seminars: Courses such as BISC 410 Applications of Molecular Biology to Medicine, BISC 411 Advanced Cell Biology, BISC 414 Biology of Cancer, BISC 425 Genetics through the Scientific Literature and BISC 434 Introduction to Genome Science expose students to current research and encourage them to critically evaluate scientific literature.
Cell and Molecular Laboratory Experience: Upper-division options such as BISC 314L Cell Culture, BISC 451 Protein Engineering and BISC 488 Microscopy and Spectroscopy of Biological Systems allow students to develop practical skills relevant to molecular and cellular biology.
Biological Data Analysis: BISC 444 Practical Analysis of Biological Data in R introduces students to analysing biological data using R, adding an important computational and quantitative element to their research skills.
Honors Research and Thesis: Students admitted to the honors program can undertake BISC 490x Directed Research, participate in BISC 493x Honors Seminar and complete a BISC 494x Honors Thesis, giving them the opportunity to carry out research and formally communicate their findings.
Advanced Research Environment: Students benefit from USC Dornsife's research environment, including specialized biological research laboratories and facilities that support work across molecular, cellular and related areas of biological science.
Faculty-Led Research: Students have opportunities to engage with research-active faculty working across areas such as molecular and computational biology, human and evolutionary biology, marine and environmental biology, and neurobiology.
Overall, the experiential component of the program helps students develop research, laboratory, scientific communication and data-analysis skills that can support careers in biomedical research and biotechnology as well as preparation for postgraduate study.
The B.S. in Biological Sciences with a Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology emphasis gives students a strong foundation for careers in molecular biology, biotechnology, biomedical research and related life-science fields. The combination of advanced biology, laboratory work, research experience and data analysis also prepares students who want to continue into graduate or professional education.
Career opportunities may include:
Molecular Biology Researcher
Cell Biology Researcher
Biomedical Research Assistant
Biotechnology Researcher
Genetics Researcher
Biochemistry Researcher
Genomics Researcher
Cancer Biology Researcher
Developmental Biology Researcher
Research Laboratory Professional
Biological Data Analyst
Pharmaceutical Research Professional
Career Development:
Students can strengthen their career profile through research, internships, fellowships and other practical experiences. USC Dornsife provides career resources that help students explore different professional directions, develop workplace skills and connect their academic interests with potential career opportunities.
Research Opportunities:
Research is an important part of the Biological Sciences experience at USC. Around 100 Biological Sciences undergraduates participate in research each year, with many completing BISC 290 or BISC 490 for academic credit. Students can explore research areas including molecular and computational biology, human and evolutionary biology, marine and environmental biology and neurobiology.
Industry and Professional Preparation:
The research and laboratory experience gained during the degree can help students build skills relevant to careers in biotechnology, biomedical research, pharmaceutical research and other life-science areas. Students also have opportunities to work with research-active faculty, develop scientific communication skills and gain experience evaluating current research literature.
Further Academic Progression:
The degree provides a strong foundation for master's, doctoral and professional education in biological and health-related fields. Students interested in research can continue into advanced graduate study, while those interested in healthcare and clinical careers can use their biological sciences background as preparation for professional education.
Overall, this program is a good fit for students who want flexibility after graduation, whether they plan to enter the life-sciences workforce, gain additional research experience or continue into advanced graduate or professional study.
Applicants apply through the Common Application and must submit official academic records. For first-year admission, students should complete the equivalent of U.S. high school education (Grades 9–12).
IB: Applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance, with scores of 5–7 in all Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) subjects. Predicted grades should be included with the transcript.
Applicants should have completed I/GCSE examinations and two years of GCE A-Level study in at least three subjects. The most competitive applicants typically achieve grades of 7–9 in I/GCSE subjects and predicted grades of A/A* at A-Level US universities use a holistic admissions review. Beyond grades and standardized test scores, they weigh the strength of your overall profile to understand who you are as a student and a person.
Profile Assessment: Science applicants are generally assessed on the rigour of their Mathematics and laboratory-science coursework. Relevant preparation may include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus or Statistics, depending on the intended field. Research, science fairs, Olympiads, laboratory exposure, independent investigation and environmental or community-science projects can demonstrate scientific curiosity and analytical thinking.Advanced Placement(AP) Guidance: AP availability depends on the student's school. Relevant APs can strengthen an application and may earn university credit, but are not compulsory unless the university or programme explicitly requires them.Essays & recommendations: Personal essays and teacher/counselor recommendations give context to your achievements and help demonstrate fit with the program.Molecular Biology ResearcherCell Biology ResearcherBiomedical ResearcherBiotechnology ResearcherGenetics ResearcherBiochemistry ResearcherGenomics ResearcherCancer Biology ResearcherDevelopmental Biology ResearcherBiological Research ScientistBiological Data AnalystPharmaceutical ResearcherClinical Research ProfessionalBiomedical Laboratory Researcher
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