Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology

The Molecular, Cellular and Developmental program (formerly Molecular Genetics) introduces students to molecular structures and processes of cellular life and their roles in the function, reproduction, and development of living organisms. Courses cover a broad range of topics including molecular biology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, cell biology, developmental biology, microbiology, and molecular plant genetics.

It has equivalent undergraduate training in genetics, microbiology and plant molecular genetics the first two years of the program, after that students can chose emphasis and focus in final years of program.

Topics of study in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology

Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology is a program that includes aspects of multiple fields including:

  • Molecular Biology,
  • Genetics,
  • Medical Genetics,
  • Cell Biology,
  • Biotechnology,
  • Developmental Biology,
  • Evolutionary Biology,
  • Genomics
  • and Bioinformatics.

At its fundamental level, it is the study of the molecules of life, and how they are produced and regulated by genetic information. Most studies in molecular genetics are based upon the analysis and manipulation of DNA. In the past, this has been confined to the study of organisms that could be studied using the tools of 'classical' genetics. However, modern molecular genetics has been influenced by the genome sequencing projects of many organisms, including humans, and a student studying in this area may find a wealth of potential questions available to explore.


Effective 2018, this program was renamed to Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. Please see program planners on this page for course requirements. The renaming of the program means that we will no longer be admitting students into the Molecular Genetics Program. Rather, students will only be admitted into the Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program. Students who entered program prior to 2018 will graduate with a degree in Molecular Genetics. Students who entered the program after that will graduate with a degree in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology.


What are my career options with this degree?

Many careers in molecular, cellular and developmental biology (as in most areas of the biological, life and medical sciences) require some postgraduate training or qualifications, such as an advanced degree or diploma, beyond a B.Sc.

Learn more about our Graduate Program options here or, if you have questions about specific career requirements, contact one of the program advisors listed on this page.


Program Faculty

Program admissions Ready to apply? Start here.
Program planners

Remember: use the program planner for the year you most recently entered the program.


Honors Course Listings
Specialization Course Listings

2022-2023 (Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology)

2021-2022 (Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology)

2020-2021 (Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology)

2019-2020 (Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology)

2018-2019 (Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology)

Program Advisors

Last name beginning with Letter A-K

Molecular Biology Students Association

The Molecular Genetics program endorses the Molecular Biology Students Association (MBSA). The MBSA provides both members and non-members with a great source of information on the club, courses in genetics, and genetics in general. This club can be a benefit for students in the Molecular Genetics program.

Visit the MBSA site for more info