A primary mission of the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics is to provide undergraduate students with an education that integrates theoretical concepts with laboratory and research skills, while giving students opportunities to grow and build a knowledge base for productive careers. Our faculty has also been committed to offering a number of courses for non-majors in order to provide those students with opportunities to learn and think about the larger issues in the biological sciences and in biotechnology.
The Undergraduate Curricula
The College of Chemical and Life Sciences administers the Biological Sciences Program.
The Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics contributes to the teaching of this program through
Undergraduates majoring in the Biological Sciences have the option to choose an emphasis area in biology. The Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics administers and advises students for two emphasis areas:
Honors and Awards
Students working in CBMG faculty laboratories may apply to participate in the Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics Departmental Honors Program.
This program offers students opportunity to work for an extended period in a faculty laboratory. Students receive academic credit and an honors citation upon graduation for their completion of the program. This experience is highly recommended for students interested in attending graduate school in the sciences.
The Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics recognizes outstanding seniors through an annual award ceremony. Awards given to undergraduates include:
- The P. Arne Hansen Award: presented to the outstanding Departmental Honors student.
- High Honors: presented to all students whom the faculty deem exceptional with respect to the completion and presentation of the Departmental Honors Thesis.
- The Sigma Alpha Omicron Award for outstanding performance in Microbiology.
- The Appleman-Norton Award for outstanding performance in Plant Biology.
- Membership within the departmentally-based Microbiology Honors Society: SAO
Student Organization
The Department houses the University of Maryland student chapter of the American Society for Microbiology, the professional scientific society for microbiologists. This group holds social and academic activities that are of interest to students of microbiology and related disciplines. Information on this organization may be obtained through the department office.
Contact Us
For information on undergraduate advising, research opportunities in Microbiology, Cell Biology and Genetics, and Plant Biology, please contact:
Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics
Office of Undergraduate Programs
1225 H. J. Patterson Hall
Margaret Jenkins
Undergraduate Office Secretary
301.405.2766
Dr. David Straney
Director of Undergraduate Programs
301.405.1622