What is Molecular Biology?
Students and faculty in the Department of Molecular Biology at UW have contributed greatly to advance our collective understanding of fundamental biology and to biotechnological progress. An undergraduate degree in molecular biology will prepare you to be part of the exciting discoveries that are sure to come.
Our faculty are great educators and world-class researchers in molecular biology. Their expertise
lends enriched learning to our program.
For example, Drs. Mark Gomelsky, Don Jarvis and Dan Wall are all Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Like
many of our faculty, they have made significant advancements in molecular biology
research here at UW.
Students have a great opportunity to get hands-on experience at UW with renowned faculty
who are leaders in their field.
Molecular Biology Minor
A molecular biology minor includes courses in basic sciences, molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, electives and research opportunities, preparing students for postgraduate studies. If this sounds interesting to you, consider adding a molecular biology minor to your primary undergraduate degree!
Learn MoreWhat can you do with a B.S. in Molecular Biology?
A B.S. in molecular biology prepares you for careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology and education. You’ll gain hands-on lab experience and study the molecular processes behind life, opening doors to roles in clinical labs, biotech companies, genetic research and more. It’s also a strong foundation for graduate or professional programs in medicine, genetic counseling or advanced molecular biology. If you’re curious about how cells work and want to be part of scientific discovery, this degree offers exciting and impactful opportunities.
- Lab Technician
- Research Associate/Scientist
- Physician
- Optometrist
- Veterinarian
- Postsecondary Teacher
- And more!
Here are a few places our University of Wyoming alumni are now working and making an impact:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- WWAMI
- Columbia University
- Harvard University
Molecular biology is the study of the molecules that make up living organisms—especially DNA, RNA and proteins—and how they interact to control the functions of cells. It focuses on understanding how genetic information is stored, transmitted and used to build and regulate life at the cellular level. This field is at the core of many breakthroughs in medicine, genetics and biotechnology and it plays a key role in everything from disease research to drug development.
Molecular biology is a rigorous and rewarding major that blends biology, chemistry and genetics with hands-on lab experience and critical thinking. You'll dive deep into how cells function at a molecular level and learn to apply that knowledge to real-world challenges. While it can be complex, students who are curious about life sciences, enjoy problem-solving and thrive in lab settings often find it an exciting and fulfilling path with lots of opportunities.
Groundbreaking Biotech Starts at UW
Meet Christoph Geisler, a Ph.D. graduate in molecular biology from the University of Wyoming who turned his research into real-world impact. Geisler launched his startup, Unlocked Labs, right here in Laramie. Unlocked Labs is developing next-generation probiotics that help prevent and treat conditions like kidney stones, gout and heart attacks. In this video, see how UW’s molecular biology program helped launch a scientist, innovator and entrepreneur—right in the heart of Wyoming.
"Within their first semester, students gain a solid foundation of knowledge and foreshadow some of the really amazing material covered in the more advanced courses that come later."
- Jesse Gatlin | Professor of Molecular Biology
