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Biological Sciences

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Biological Sciences students at CMU-Q do more than study science: they learn to follow their curiosity, explore hypotheses, and contribute in a meaningful way as young scientists and researchers.

As a Biological Sciences student, you will receive rigorous training in biology, while building a strong foundation in all of the natural sciences. You will study biology at the macro and micro scales, focusing on five core areas:

Genetics and molecular biology
Biochemistry and biophysics
Cell and developmental biology
Neuroscience
Computational biology

Students also choose electives in biology, humanities, social science and fine arts, shaping their degree programs according to their unique interests and goals.

Most of our students participate in research during their undergraduate years, often in labs within CMU-Q, in summer research programs or on their own independent projects.

The Carnegie Mellon Approach

The Biological Sciences Program at the Qatar campus falls within CMU’s Mellon College of Science, which is nationally recognized for its approach to science education.

CMU-Q biological sciences graduates are trained to be:

scholars, deeply trained in their discipline
professionals, adept at communicating, accustomed to working in diverse teams, keenly aware of the global context
citizens, actively involved, globally engaged
persons, growing with a sense of wellness and balance

Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences

The Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences has a distinctive core curriculum that provides a foundation in biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physics. Students also choose electives in biology, humanities, social science and fine arts, shaping their degree programs according to their unique interests and goals.

Biological sciences students who wish to have a specialized focus can tailor their education to include a minor in disciplines such as computational biology or neuroscience. Many students broaden their education by pursuing minors in disciplines outside of the Mellon College of Science in areas such as psychology and business.

Our program offers the best of both worlds: the small size of a liberal arts program, and the educational opportunities of a large research institution.

Biological sciences students have identical graduation requirements as students on the main campus
CMU-Q graduates have CMU degrees, conferred from the main campus

Laboratory courses

One of the most important features of the Biological Sciences Program is the opportunity to learn through inquiry-based, hands-on courses that incorporate a wide range of topics and interests. These courses kick-start the transformation of science students to scientists, and often lead to more in-depth projects with faculty members in their research labs.

Frontiers, Analysis, and Discovery in Biological Sciences
In the spring of their first year, students can take an exciting course where they learn to use a cutting-edge genetic modification tool, CRISPR, on yeast and mammalian cells.

Applied Cell Biology
This elective course in the sophomore year allows students to obtain hands-on experience for many of the laboratory techniques that are essential in cell biology research.

Honors Modern Biology
This combination lecture and lab course provides students with a foundation in cellular and molecular biology, reinforcing experimental concepts and the analysis of experimental data.

Experimental Techniques in Molecular Biology
Students conduct experiments in microbial genetics, molecular biology and eukaryotic genetics, with an emphasis on understanding and applying the biological principles of each experiment.

Experimental Biochemistry
Students learn methods for investigating the structure and function of biological molecules, including enzyme kinetics, spectroscopy, tissue culture and flow cytometry. During several experiments, students design their own projects.

Sample plan

View a sample four year plan for the Biological Sciences degree.

What will I do with my degree?

Many biological sciences graduates pursue careers in research science in academic, government, biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry laboratories. Others work in the fields of health, forensics, law and education.

Students may choose to pursue graduate studies in a variety of areas such as science, public health, law or business. A degree in biological sciences provides excellent preparation for medical school.

Biological sciences grads are across Qatar and around the world.

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“When I joined Carnegie Mellon, I knew little about the tremendous opportunities in biological sciences. During my studies I became deeply involved in cancer research, presented my findings in the US and Qatar and found a field that I love.”

Ettaib El Marabti, Class of 2017

Research opportunities

Students at CMU-Q have many opportunities to engage in research: they have the option of a senior thesis project, independent study guided by a faculty mentor, and summer research opportunities in a variety of laboratories within Carnegie Mellon University and Education City.

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