What is the Cell and Molecular Biology major program all about?

Cell and Molecular Biology as a major field aims to produce graduates with strong academic background on cell structure and function as well as molecular biology concepts and techniques. It focuses on how genes, gene products and other biomolecules interact in the organization and perpetuation of life. This field cuts across the different areas in biology with concepts applicable to all organisms.  It is a dynamic field in biology which requires the integration of various subject areas, like cytology, genetics, biochemistry, developmental biology, and physiology. Recent advances in genome sequencing have also revolutionized this major field with impacts on gene functions, cellular dynamics and metabolism, and other mechanisms used by the cell such as epigenetic controls to respond to different environmental stimuli.

What research topics can I work on?

As Cell and Molecular Biology majors, students have the opportunity to conduct original research in the laboratories of the division and the institute working with UP Scientists and outstanding faculty and researchers of GMBD and IBS. A broad range of research areas in cell and molecular biology is represented among the GMBD faculty and IBS-affiliated CMB advisers: from -Omics sciences, CRISPR gene editing technology, bioinformatics and computational biology, cell ultrastructural imaging, molecular phylogenetic studies, among others. Further, majors can pursue interdisciplinary interests by working with approved faculty in units within or outside the university including the Institute of Plant Breeding, Animal Science Institute, National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH), Department of Forest Biological Sciences, Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physics, and College of Veterinary Medicine, etc. Majors may also opt to work in outside laboratories, namely Philippine Genome Center, IRRI, RITM, PhiRice, PCC, NIH, and many others.

The core of the undergraduate research experience commences during the Senior Year, during which students identify and implement research topics they will pursue under the supervision of a faculty adviser with a possible co-adviser.

What are my possible career opportunities after graduating with this major field?

Opportunities of graduates with a major in Cell and Molecular Biology include teaching and/or research positions in the government and private sector, technical support in institutions involved in biodiversity studies and conservation, molecular phylogeny, medical and forensic fields, biology communication and extension work, and biotechnology among others. The said major fields also provide the academic background and skills for pursuing graduate studies in genetics, medicine, molecular biology and biotechnology, and other allied fields.

Contact Us

Genetics and Molecular Biology Division

Email: ibsdo.uplb@up.edu.ph
Website: https://ibs.cas.uplb.edu.ph/
Phone: +63 49 536 3368

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