Bachelor of Science in Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Purdue University West Lafayette

Program Overview

Purdue University’s Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology (CMDB), BS helps students understand how cells, genes and molecular processes control the growth, development and functioning of living organisms. It is a great choice for students interested in areas such as disease research, biotechnology, genetics, healthcare and laboratory science, with opportunities to explore animal and plant systems.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin by developing a strong foundation in biology through BIOL 12100 – Biology I: Diversity, Ecology and Behavior and BIOL 13100 – Biology II: Development, Structure, and Function of Organisms. They also gain their first laboratory experience through BIOL 13500 – 1st Year Biology Lab, supported by chemistry, calculus and other science courses.

Year 2: Students move into the cellular and molecular side of biology through BIOL 23100 – Biology III: Cell Structure and Function and BIOL 24100 – Biology IV: Genetics and Molecular Biology. Practical skills are strengthened through BIOL 23200 – Laboratory in Biology III: Cell Structure and Function and BIOL 24200 – Laboratory in Genetics and Molecular Biology, while organic chemistry and biochemistry add important molecular knowledge.

Year 3: Students start developing more specialized knowledge through an Intermediate Biology Selective and advanced CMDB-related courses. Options can include BIOL 41500 – Introduction to Molecular Biology, BIOL 42000 – Eukaryotic Cell Biology and BIOL 36700 – Principles of Development, helping students understand how molecular processes influence cells and organismal development.

Year 4: Students take advanced coursework through CMDB Selectives I and II, giving them the chance to explore areas that match their interests. Courses such as BIOL 51600 – Molecular Biology of Cancer, BIOL 51606 – Pathways in Human Health & Disease, BIOL 55101 – Theory of Molecular Methods and BIOL 59500CMA – CRISPR Mechanisms & Applications allow students to explore modern topics in molecular biology, health and genetic engineering.

Focus Areas

Cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, developmental biology, gene expression, cellular signaling, animal systems, plant systems, disease biology, biotechnology, genetic engineering and health-related sciences.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop a strong understanding of how cells function, how genes are expressed and how molecular processes influence growth, development and disease. They also build skills in experimental design, laboratory research, data analysis and scientific communication, preparing them to work with modern biological research methods.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The CMDB, BS is a specialized biological sciences degree rather than a professional licensure program. It provides a strong foundation for careers and further study in academic and industrial research, biotechnology, genetic engineering, medicine, veterinary medicine and other health-related fields.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Purdue University has a strong reputation for science and research, and the university reports a ranking of #7 among U.S. public universities for interdisciplinary sciences in the Times Higher Education 2025 ranking. Students also benefit from Purdue’s extensive research environment, with access to research centers and institutes working across areas such as cell and molecular biology, genomics, cancer research, infectious diseases and computational biology.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Purdue’s Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology (CMDB), BS gives students opportunities to build practical skills through laboratory classes and real research experiences. Students work with modern laboratory equipment and can explore areas such as cell signaling, genetics, genomics, cancer biology, proteomics and developmental biology, while Purdue’s research facilities provide access to advanced technologies used in contemporary biological research. Students can also work alongside faculty researchers, gaining experience with the techniques and processes used in professional laboratories. These opportunities include:

Hands-on laboratory training: Students complete dedicated laboratory courses such as BIOL 13500 – 1st Year Biology Lab, BIOL 23200 – Laboratory in Biology III: Cell Structure and Function, and BIOL 24200 – Laboratory in Genetics and Molecular Biology.
Modern laboratory equipment: Purdue provides biology students with access to computers and state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, supporting practical work throughout the degree.
Undergraduate research: Students can participate in faculty-led research through BIOL 29400RES, BIOL 49400RES or BIOL 49900HONRES. Depending on the research project, students may conduct laboratory experiments, review scientific literature, attend lab meetings, assist with animal care or prepare laboratory materials.
Cell and molecular research: Students can explore research areas including cell signaling and differentiation, molecular biology, proteomics, genomics, genetics and advanced cell imaging.
CRISPR and gene-editing research: Purdue provides research capabilities involving CRISPR knockout and knock-in cell lines, vector construction and validation of gene-editing approaches, giving students exposure to modern genetic engineering research.
Advanced microscopy: Purdue’s specialized Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility supports research involving detailed imaging of biological structures and contributes to the university’s wider biological research environment.
Cancer and disease research: Students can connect their studies with research involving cancer biology, cellular dynamics, plant biology and bioenergetics, helping them see how cell and molecular biology is applied to current scientific questions.
Specialized research institutes: Students can benefit from facilities such as the Bindley Bioscience Center and the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, where researchers work across areas including molecular biology, biomedical research and drug discovery.
Drug discovery research: Purdue’s Drug Discovery Facility includes laboratories supporting cell culture, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, molecule purification and fluorescent imaging.
Interdisciplinary research: CMDB students can benefit from research connections between Biological Sciences and areas such as Biomedical Engineering, the College of Agriculture and the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, providing opportunities to experience biology within a wider scientific environment.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Purdue’s Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology (CMDB), BS prepares students for a wide range of careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, genetic engineering, biological research and health-related fields. The degree also provides a strong foundation for students who want to continue into graduate school or professional programs such as medicine, veterinary medicine or dentistry.

Typical career directions include:

Biotechnology Research Professional
Molecular Biology Researcher
Genetic Engineering Professional
Pharmaceutical Research Professional

Students can strengthen their career prospects through these opportunities:

Career support: Purdue’s Center for Career Opportunities (CCO) offers career advising, career fairs, workshops, interview preparation, job-search resources and online tools to help students prepare for employment.
Professional experience: Purdue’s May 2026 university-wide outcomes data shows that 83.2% of undergraduate students had completed at least one professional experience before graduation, highlighting the university’s focus on career preparation.
Research experience: CMDB students can participate in undergraduate research through courses such as BIOL 29400RES, BIOL 49400RES and BIOL 49900HONRES, giving them the opportunity to work directly with Purdue faculty researchers.
Industry career pathways: Purdue specifically identifies biotechnology, pharmaceutical and chemical industries as career areas for CMDB graduates, along with genetic engineering and health-related professions.
Salary information: Purdue provides salary information through its career-outcomes resources, based on graduate-reported data. Purdue does not publish a specific starting-salary figure for CMDB graduates on the official program page, so a program-specific salary should not be assumed.
Research and industry exposure: The program’s focus on molecular biology, genetics, developmental biology and disease-related processes gives students a strong foundation for careers in applied biological research, biotechnology and pharmaceutical research.
Long-term value: The CMDB degree provides a foundation for long-term progression into academic and industrial research, biotechnology, healthcare and professional programs such as medicine, veterinary medicine and dentistry.
Graduation outcomes: Purdue’s May 2026 university-wide data reports 90.3% of graduates achieved successful career outcomes, 25.9% pursued higher education, and 83.2% of undergraduates completed at least one professional experience before graduation. These figures are university-wide and are not specific to CMDB.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the CMDB, BS, students can continue into graduate programs in biology and related life-science fields, with opportunities to specialize further in areas such as cell biology, molecular biology, genetics or developmental biology. The degree also provides a strong foundation for applying to professional programs in medicine, veterinary medicine and dentistry, as well as for pursuing advanced research and postgraduate study.