Program Description

Research at the macromolecular, molecular, and atomic levels is revolutionizing our understanding of the fundamental processes of life. Students interested in joining this search are best prepared by undertaking course work in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science. Toward this end, an undergraduate major in biochemistry and molecular biology (BMB) is offered by faculty who are actively engaged in research on biological systems.

Students who declare the BMB major earn a bachelor of science degree. The BMB major constitutes an integrated curriculum of basic instruction in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, followed by the opportunity to pursue advanced study in specialized areas of interest. In modern, well-equipped laboratories, distinguished faculty are engaged in frontline research. The Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Biological Sciences host a very active seminar series of national and international scholars in which advanced undergraduates are encouraged to participate.

The BMB program features close faculty-student interaction, small upper-division classes, stimulating learning environments, and opportunities for independent research and study. Students majoring in BMB are encouraged to become involved in research under the guidance of a faculty sponsor. Many students participating in this aspect of the program have made important contributions to the scientific literature.

Given the wide scope and interdisciplinary nature of this program, a considerable degree of flexibility has been incorporated into the major. All prospective majors should consult the Chemistry Department to be assigned a BMB adviser as early as possible. Junior transfer students or others with questions should consult the Chemistry Department undergraduate programs adviser. To become a BMB major, a student must file a declaration of major petition through the Chemistry Department. A double major of BMB with the biological sciences majors or chemistry is not permitted. There is no minor offered.

Requirements for the B.S. Degree

Core Courses

Chemistry 1B/M and 1C/N, General Chemistry/ Laboratory
Biology 20A and 20B, Introductory Biology Sequence
Biology 20L, Experimental Biology Laboratory
Mathematics 11A-B or 19A-B, and 22, Calculus
Physics 5A/L, 5B/M, and 5C/N; or 6A/L, 6B/M, and 6C/N, Introductory Physics/Laboratory
Biology 105, Genetics
Biology 110, Cell Biology
Biology 115, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
Chemistry 108A/L and 108B/M; or 112A/L, 112B/M, and 112C/N, Organic Chemistry/ Laboratory
Chemistry 163A and 163B, Physical Chemistry
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 100A, 100B, and 100C, Biochemistry

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Planner

The following is a recommended academic plan for students to complete during their first two years as preparation for the biochemistry and molecular biology major.

Laboratory Elective

One laboratory course selected from the following list is required. Students should be sure to plan for completing appropriate prerequisites.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
110, Biochemistry Laboratory

Biology
102L, Biochemistry of Macromolecules Laboratory
105L, Genetics Laboratory
109L, Yeast Molecular Genetics Laboratory
116L, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology Laboratory
119L, Microbiology Laboratory
187L, Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory

Comprehensive Requirement

Students have two options for fulfilling the senior comprehensive requirement: (a) achieving a score at or above the 50th percentile on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Subject Test, or (b) completing a senior thesis sponsored or cosponsored by a faculty member affiliated with the biochemistry and molecular biology program.

Program Planning Notes

Students who do not begin the lower-division requirements during their first year may have difficulty completing the program within four years. Transfer students may also have problems completing the program within the usual time, depending upon whether or not equivalent courses have been taken at their previous institutions. The department adviser works closely with students interested in pursuing the major to insure that they begin the program immediately and follow the appropriate steps toward its completion.

It is strongly recommended that students avail themselves of the opportunities to obtain firsthand research experience through either independent study or senior thesis research. A tutorial course or a senior thesis research course may not be substituted for the required laboratory elective.

A number of graduate courses in biochemistry and molecular biology are offered by the biology, chemistry, and biochemistry programs. Advanced undergraduates with the necessary background may take one or more of these courses with the consent of the instructor; however, graduate courses may not be substituted for the required elective courses.

Major Disqualification Policy

All biochemistry and molecular biology majors are covered by the biology major disqualification policy, which limits the number of times a student may receive a No Pass, D, and/or F in the introductory biology sequence and still remain a biological sciences major and which also limits the number of times a student may receive a No Pass, D, and/or F in upper-division biology courses. Students should refer to the Biological Sciences section for more information.

Materials Fee

Biochemistry and molecular biology students should be aware of the materials fee required for some laboratory courses. The fee is billed to the student’s account for specific laboratory materials purchased by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry through the university. Fees generally range from $20 to $40 per course. Students may incur additional expense purchasing individual supplies.