Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

230 Physical Sciences Building
(831) 459-4125
http://www.chemistry.ucsc.edu

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 at UCSC. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry hosts 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 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry to be assigned a BMB adviser as early as possible. Junior transfer students or others with questions should consult the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry undergraduate program adviser. To become a BMB major, a student must file a declaration of major petition through the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. A double major of BMB with the biological sciences majors or chemistry is not permitted. No minor is offered.

Requirements for the B.S. Degree

Core Courses

• Chemistry 1A, 1B/M, and 1C/N, General Chemistry/ Laboratory
• Biology: Molecular, Cell, and Developmental 20A, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Biology 20B, Development and Physiology
• Mathematics 11A-B, Calculus with Applications or 19A-B, Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics; and 22, Introduction to Calculus of Several Variables
• Physics 5A/L, 5B/M, 5CN or 6A/L, 6B/M, 6C/N, Introductory Physics/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, Quantum Mechanics and Basic Spectroscopy and 163B, Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory
• 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 the biochemistry and molecular biology major.

Laboratory Elective

Two laboratory courses selected from the following list are required. Students should be sure to plan for completing appropriate prerequisites.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

110     Biochemistry Laboratory

Biology

100L  Biochemistry Laboratory
105L  Eukaryotic Genetics Laboratory
105M Microbial Genetics
109L  Yeast Molecular Genetics Laboratory
110L  Cell Biology Laboratory
115L  Eukaryotic Molecular Biology Laboratory
180/L Research Programming for Biologists and Chemists
119L  Microbiology Laboratory
186L  Undergraduate Research in MCD Biology
187L  Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory

Chemistry

195A, B, C Senior Research

Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement

Students of every major must satisfy that major's upper-division Disciplinary Communication (DC) requirement. The DC requirement will normally be met within one to three courses already required for the major. For detailed information on this major’s DC requirement, consult your major adviser or see the 2010-11 general catalog.

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 co-sponsored 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 they took equivalent courses 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 molecular, cell, and developmental (MCD) biology, and 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.

Letter Grade Policy

For all students entering UCSC in fall 2001 and later, all courses used to satisfy any of the biological sciences majors must be taken for a letter grade.

Major Disqualification Policy

All biochemistry and molecular biology majors are covered by the biology major disqualification and letter grade policies in the Biological Sciences section.

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 $15 to $75 per course. Students may incur additional expenses purchasing individual supplies.