They should consult the catalogs of the schools of their choice for specific requirements. Premedical students are referred to the requirements given in the Academic Program section. The Cell Biology course at Wellesley College is an introduction to the central questions, concepts, and methods of experimental analysis in cell biology. Topics include cell structure and function, biological macromolecules and biochemical processes, genetics, and photosynthesis. Laboratory work includes microscopy, DNA isolation and quantification, paper chromatography, centrifugation, sterile technique, enzyme assays, spectrophotometry, and use of computers for data analysis.
Material is presented and tested in both lecture and laboratory formats.
Laboratory reports also require some research in the primary literature. Sample syllabi for lecture and lab components of the course are included on the following pages. The course is taught in three lecture and six laboratory sections each semester, and minor differences in content exist among sections. If you have exceptional preparation in cell biology with some lab experience, you may choose to take the exemption exam and to turn in your high school laboratory manual for evaluation. Successful completion of the exam allows you to take courses for which BISC 110 is a prerequisite, but does not confer any credit toward the major or toward graduation.