Cell Biology and Physiology
Department of Cell Biology and Physiology
Administration
Chair: Michael Brown
Department Information:
4005 LSB
801-422-2006
cell@byu.edu
Advisement Center:
2060 LSB
801-422-3042
lifesciences@byu.edu
Admission to Degree Program
All degree programs in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology are open enrollment.
The Discipline
Cell Biology and Physiology are exciting branches of biology that study the structure, function, and molecular mechanisms of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems of living organisms. Knowledge and advancement in these fields underlies our modern understanding of human health and disease. Faculty and students work to understand such remarkable processes as how the heart develops and works to pump blood, how brain cells communicate with one another, how insulin regulates blood sugar, and how specific gene products determine the morphology and functional capacity of the nervous system. Building on a foundation of chemistry, physics, and biology, the integration of molecular, cellular, systems, and whole-body function is what distinguishes the Cell Biology and Physiology major from other life science majors. The related Biophysics major uses methods of physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology to investigate the physical basis of life.
Career Opportunities
Degree programs in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology prepare students to pursue advanced professional or graduate degrees or to enter directly into employment. Majors provide outstanding preparation for students seeking admittance into professional programs in medicine, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, chiropractic, or pharmacy. Students who have aspirations of doing health-related research, postsecondary life science teaching, or biotech innovation will find excellent preparation for entrance into graduate programs and beyond. Graduates will also have the academic and laboratory skills necessary for employment in medical, biotech, and pharmaceutical industries. Programs offer students pursuing advanced degrees in business, public management, or law the knowledge and training necessary for admission to professional schools and work in governmental agencies, health care and biotechnical industries, and patent or health care law.
Graduation Requirements
To receive a BYU bachelor's degree a student must complete, in addition to all requirements for a specific major, the following university requirements:
The University Core, consisting of requirements in general and religious education.
At least 30 credit hours must be earned in residence on the BYU campus in Provo as an admitted day student
A minimum of 120 credit hours
A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
Be in good standing with the Honor Code Office
Students should see their college advisement center for help or information concerning the undergraduate programs.
Graduate Programs Available
This department also offers graduate degree programs. For more information, see Graduate Studies.
