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Introduction to the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program

The major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is designed to provide a comprehensive background in the modern, conceptual understanding of biology. This program is ideal for students who wish to begin in-depth study of the molecular basis in various fields, including development, gene expression, immunology, pathogenesis, disease, virology, and evolution.

Program Overview

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major is based on required courses in Advanced Biochemistry and Advanced Molecular Biology. These courses, along with a wide variety of elective course offerings, provide majors the choice to either explore the breadth of the field or follow a more in-depth study of any of its subdisciplines. The program articulates well with a second major in Chemistry, making it especially attractive to students interested in the interface between biology and chemistry.

Program Structure

The program of study emphasizes laboratory experience and its integration with basic theory. This is accomplished through:

• Coordination between advanced courses in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and laboratory courses in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, which provide students with basic laboratory skills and an appreciation for the experimental foundations of the field.
• Advanced laboratories in Immunology and Virology, which provide students with the opportunity to develop cutting-edge research skills.
• Emphasis on independent research sponsored by a participating faculty member, allowing students to pursue research interests in subdisciplines other than immunology or virology.

Career Opportunities

The major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is designed to provide students with the appropriate tools and training to successfully pursue graduate degrees that emphasize basic scientific research, including Ph.D. and M.S. training, as well as combined M.D./Ph.D. programs. Graduates can also use their backgrounds to pursue careers in business, education, law, and public affairs, particularly with the explosive growth in biotechnology.

Admission Requirements

The major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is open to junior- and senior-level students only. Applications to declare the major are due in the spring, typically of the second year. Review of applications and selection to the major by the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Board is completed during the summer. Double majors within the School of Biological Sciences or with Public Health Sciences, Biomedical Engineering: Premedical, Nursing Science, or Pharmaceutical Sciences are not permitted.

Major Requirements

Required Major Courses

• BIO SCI M114: Advanced Biochemistry
• BIO SCI M116: Advanced Molecular Biology

Upper-Division Laboratories

• BIO SCI M114L: Biochemistry Laboratory
• BIO SCI M116L: Molecular Biology Laboratory
• Select one of the following:
  • BIO SCI M118L: Experimental Microbiology Laboratory
  • BIO SCI M121L: Advanced Immunology Laboratory
  • BIO SCI M128L: Introductory Bioinformatics Lab
  • BIO SCI 199: Study in Biological Science Research (Approved by the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Board)

Upper-Division Biology Electives

• Select three of the following: BIO SCI M119M189
• Select one of the following:
  • BIO SCI D137: Eukaryotic and Human Genetics
  • BIO SCI D145: Genomics, Development, and Medicine
  • BIO SCI M119M190
  • CHEM 128: Introduction to Chemical Biology
  • CHEM 132A: Chemical Thermodynamics, Kinetics, and Dynamics
  • CHEM 132B: Quantum Principles, Spectroscopy, and Bonding
  • CHEM 132C: Molecular Structure and Elementary Statistical Mechanics
  • PHRMSCI 170A: Molecular Pharmacology I
  • PHRMSCI 171: Physical Biochemistry
• Select two four-unit courses from the following:
  • BIO SCI D103D189, E106E189, M119M190, N110N189
  • CHEM 128: Introduction to Chemical Biology
  • CHEM 132A: Chemical Thermodynamics, Kinetics, and Dynamics
  • CHEM 132B: Quantum Principles, Spectroscopy, and Bonding
  • CHEM 132C: Molecular Structure and Elementary Statistical Mechanics
  • PHRMSCI 170A: Molecular Pharmacology I
  • PHRMSCI 171: Physical Biochemistry

Sample Program

The sample program for the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major is outlined as follows:

Freshman

• Fall: BIO SCI 93, CHEM 1C & CHEM 1LC, BIO SCI 90L, CHEM 1A
• Winter: BIO SCI 94, CHEM 1B, Lower-Division Writing, BIO SCI 2A
• Spring: CHEM 1C & CHEM 1LC, STATS 7 or 8 (or Math 5A or General Education), Lower-Division Writing

Sophomore

• Fall: BIO SCI 97, CHEM 51A, CHEM 1LD, MATH 5A or 5B
• Winter: BIO SCI 98, CHEM 51B & CHEM 51LB
• Spring: BIO SCI 99, CHEM 51C & CHEM 51LC, MATH 5B (or General Education)

Junior

• Fall: Biochem./Mol. elective, BIO SCI M114, Research/Elective, PHYSICS 3B & PHYSICS 3LB, BIO SCI 100
• Winter: BIO SCI M116, Biochem./Mol. elective, PHYSICS 3C & PHYSICS 3LC
• Spring: Biochem./Mol. elective, Biochem./Mol. elective

Senior

• Fall: BIO SCI M114L, Biochem./Mol. elective, Research/Elective, General Education/Elective
• Winter: BIO SCI M116L, Research/Elective, General Education/Elective
• Spring: Bio. Sci. elective or lab, Research/Elective, General Education/Elective