Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, B.A.

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE:
Dean Fraga (Biology), Chair
Paul Edmiston (Chemistry)
William Morgan (Biology)
Melissa Mullen Davis (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
Erzsébet Regan (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
Mark Snider (Chemistry)
Stephanie Strand (Biology) (on leave 2016-17)
James West (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) (on leave 2016-17)

This interdisciplinary program, jointly administered by faculty from the Departments of Biology and Chemistry, enables students to ask and explore fundamental questions concerning the molecular events that occur in organisms. Students who complete this program will possess an understanding of the structures of biological molecules, the reactions involved in biological energy conversions, the formation nd organization of complex cellular structures, and the communication of biological information spatially and temporally.

Through its curriculum, the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program seeks to develop students who:

Possess a broad and fundamental understanding of biology and chemistry with particular focus on how molecules found in biological systems confer the properties of living organisms.
Are able to perform the common methods and use the tools of the field including laboratory and computational techniques.
Can conduct independent scientific investigation and scientific inquiry.
Are able to locate, evaluate, and communicate scientific information effectively both by written and oral presentation.

Major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Consists of fifteen courses:

Course Sequence

To complete the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major, students should follow the sequence below:

First Year:

Sophomore Year:

Junior Year:

Senior Year:

Special Notes

The MATH 11100 requirement may be fulfilled by successful completion of both MATH 10700 and MATH 10800 .
There is no minor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
A student may not double major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with Biology, Chemistry, or Neuroscience.
A student who desires to replace a course listed above with a different course to count toward the major can petition the BCMB Curriculum Committee.
A BCMB major who desires an American Chemical Society-Certified Biochemistry Degree is required to take the following courses in addition to the course requirements for the BCMB major: CHEM 21500 , CHEM 31800 , MATH 11200 , and PHYS 11200 . The A.C.S.-certified degree is encouraged for those students who plan to enter a graduate program in a biochemical discipline.
Required courses in the major, including Physics and Mathematics, must be passed with a grade of C- or higher. Courses in the major exceeding the number required in the major may be taken S/NC with permission of the instructor. All courses must be taken concurrently with the corresponding laboratory.
All students are encouraged to broaden their perspective on the major by taking additional upper level Chemistry, Biology, and/or Biochemistry and Molecular Biology course