UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · UNITED STATES
Molecular and Cellular Biology + Data Science, BS
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- 120Total Credit Hours Required
- 40Upper-Division Credit Hours Required
- 3.25Minimum GPA for Distinction
- 3.90Minimum GPA for Highest Distinction
The Molecular and Cellular Biology + Data Science program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a Bachelor of Science degree that integrates a strong foundation in biological sciences with essential data science skills. This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge to understand life at the molecular and cellular levels, along with the technical abilities to manage, analyze, and interpret the large datasets characteristic of modern biological research. Students will gain comprehensive preparation in areas such as molecular genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, physiology, and structural biology through coursework, laboratory classes, and research opportunities. The data science component focuses on providing the tools and training necessary for handling and interpreting biological data effectively. This dual focus prepares graduates for diverse career paths in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, government agencies, and research-intensive fields that rely heavily on data analysis.
Curriculum
The curriculum requires a minimum of 120 credit hours, including 40 hours of upper-division coursework. General education requirements, as well as specific program requirements in Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) and Data Science (DS), must be fulfilled. Students are also required to complete a minimum of 6 credit hours in research or a discovery experience.
- Year 1
- Design Your First Year ExperienceLAS 101
- Success in LAS for International StudentsLAS 100
- General Chemistry ICHEM 102
- CalculusMATH 220
- Molecular & Cellular Basis of LifeMCB 150
- Year 2
- General Chemistry IICHEM 104
- Elementary Organic Chemistry ICHEM 232
- Linear Algebra for Data ScienceMATH 227
- Data Science DiscoverySTAT 107
- Molecular GeneticsMCB 250
- Exp Techniqs in Molecular BiolMCB 251
- Year 3
- Data Science ExplorationSTAT 207
- Modeling and Learning in Data ScienceCS 307
- Algorithms and Data Structures for Data ScienceCS 277
- Ethics and Policy for Data ScienceIS 467
- Data Management, Curation & ReproducibilityIS 477
- Biochem & Phys Basis of LifeMCB 354
- Year 4
- Advanced Courses Group A
- Advanced Courses Group B
- Research or Discovery Experience
Careers
Graduates of the Molecular and Cellular Biology + Data Science program are well-prepared for a variety of roles in data-intensive biological fields. The program equips students with skills sought after in sectors such as healthcare, the pharmaceutical industry, and government agencies, as well as in cutting-edge biological research.
- Data Scientist in biological research
- Bioinformatician
- Research Analyst
- Biostatistician
- Roles in healthcare systems
- Roles in the pharmaceutical industry
- Roles in government agencies
Entry requirements
High School Diploma or equivalentCompletion of secondary education is required for admission.
Students should consult with an academic advisor to ensure all university and program-specific requirements, including general education and language proficiency, are met.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the university's official tuition and fees schedule for the most up-to-date information.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the university's official tuition and fees schedule for the most up-to-date information.
LivingEstimated living costs are not specified on the program page.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. International students should verify costs directly with the university.
How to apply
1. Check Admission RequirementsReview the undergraduate admission requirements for international students on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign website. Pay close attention to academic prerequisites and any specific college or program requirements.
2. Prepare Application DocumentsGather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, standardized test scores (if required), proof of English proficiency, and any other supporting materials as specified by the university.
3. Complete the Application FormSubmit the online application form by the specified deadline through the university's admissions portal.
4. Submit Supporting DocumentsUpload or mail all required supporting documents to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
5. Check Application StatusMonitor your application status through the admissions portal and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
6. Accept Offer of AdmissionIf offered admission, follow the instructions to accept your offer and complete any necessary enrollment steps, including visa application procedures.
Accreditation
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.