Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology Major (B.S.)

Program Overview

The Biochemistry, Molecular & Cellular Biology (BMCB) program at UNH provides students with a comprehensive understanding of life at the molecular and cellular levels. Through a combination of core courses, laboratory experiences, and research opportunities, students develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a strong foundation for careers in biomedical research, biotechnology, healthcare, and education. The program also offers individualized mentorship, experiential learning, and a research-intensive curriculum to enhance student success and career preparedness.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Program Overview

The Biochemistry, Molecular & Cellular Biology (BMCB) major at UNH will equip students with conceptual competence, critical thinking, analytical skills and extensive laboratory experiences that will provide a strong foundation to understand life at the molecular and cellular levels, thus enabling its graduates to excel in various fields such as biomedical research, biotechnology, healthcare and education, as well as pursue further education in medicine, dentistry or other health-related professions.

Program Objectives

Upon completion of the program, students will:

• Have a comprehensive understanding of Biochemistry, Molecular & Cell biology.
• Be proficient in critical thinking and analytical skills, experimental design and troubleshooting, data analysis, and scientific communication.

Outline:

The BMCB program consists of the following core elements: Foundation Core Courses

• CHEM 403: General Chemistry I
• CHEM 404: General Chemistry II
• CHEM 547& CHEM 549: Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory
• CHEM 548& CHEM 550: Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Laboratory
• MATH 424B: Calculus for Life Sciences
• BIOL 528: Applied Biostatistics
• PHYS 401: Introduction to Physics I
• PHYS 402: Introduction to Physics II

Bioscience Core Courses

• BIOL 411: Introductory Biology: Molecular and Cellular
• BIOL 412: Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology
• BMS 503 & BMS 504: General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory
• GEN 604: Principles of Genetics

BMCB Core Courses

• BMCB 401: Professional Perspectives in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology
• BMCB 605: Principles of Cell Biology
• BMCB 751: Principles of Biochemistry
• BMCB 752: Principles of Biochemistry
• GEN 704: Genetics of Prokaryotic Microbes

Laboratory Techniques Courses (Select one)

• BMCB 753: Cell Culture
• BMCB 754: Molecular Biology Research Methods
• BMCB 755: Protein Biochemistry Laboratory
• BMS 725: Cell Phenotyping and Tissue Engineering Laboratory

BMCB Major Electives (Select Three) A total of three unique major electives is required. Sample Electives include, but are not limited to:

• BMCB 750: Physical Biochemistry
• BMCB 753: Cell Culture
• BMCB 754: Molecular Biology Research Methods
• BMCB 755: Protein Biochemistry Laboratory
• BMCB 760: Pharmacology
• BMCB 763: Biochemistry of Cancer
• BMCB 794: Protein Structure and Function
• BMCB 795: Investigations in Molecular and Cellular Biology
• BMCB 795W: Investigations in Molecular and Cellular Biology
• BMCB 799: Senior Thesis
• BMCB 799H: Honors Senior Thesis
• ANSC 701: Physiology of Reproduction
• ANSC 715: Physiology of Lactation
• BIOL 706: Data Science with R for the Life Sciences
• BMS 507& BMS 508: Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology II
• BMS 702: Endocrinology
• BMS 704: Pathologic Basis of Disease
• BMS 705 & BMS 715: Immunology and Immunology Laboratory
• BMS 706 & BMS 708: Virology and Virology Laboratory
• BMS 718: Mammalian Physiology
• BMS 725: Cell Phenotyping and Tissue Engineering Laboratory
• CHBE 755: Computational Molecular Bioengineering
• CHEM 740: Chemical Biology
• CHEM 755: Advanced Organic Chemistry
• GEN 725: Population Genetics Lab
• GEN 704: Genetics of Prokaryotic Microbes
• GEN 705: Population Genetics
• GEN 706: Human Genetics
• GEN 711: Genomics and Bioinformatics
• GEN 713: Microbial Ecology and Evolution
• GEN 715: Molecular Evolution
• GEN 717: Molecular Microbiology
• GEN721: Comparative Genomics
• GEN771: Molecular Genetics
• NUTR 750: Nutritional Biochemistry
• PSYC 731: Brain and Behavior
• ZOOL 777W: Neuroethology

Approved Capstone Courses (Select One) The capstone requirement may be satisfied through a course, created piece of work, or some form of experiential learning. Students taking the experiential learning route must submit a Capstone Approval Form prior to beginning their experience.

Assessment:

Criteria

Students are evaluated based on a range of criteria including:

• Class participation
• Assignments
• Quizzes
• Exams
• Projects

Methods

The program utilizes various assessment methods such as:

• In-class activities
• Homework assignments
• Quizzes
• Midterm and Final exams
• Presentations
• Research projects

Teaching:

Teaching Methods

• The program utilizes a combination of teaching methods to deliver its curriculum including:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Laboratory sessions
• Research

Faculty

• The program is supported by faculty who are experienced researchers in their respective areas of expertise.
• The faculty members are dedicated to teaching, mentoring and ensuring the academic success of all students.

Unique Approaches

• Experiential learning opportunities: The program offers numerous experiential learning opportunities such as internships, co-ops and research experiences that provide hands-on experiences that enhance student's learning and career preparedness.
• Individualized mentorship: Students have access to personalized mentorship and advising throughout their academic journey, ensuring that they have the support they need to thrive in their studies and career aspirations.
• Research-intensive curriculum: The BMCB curriculum is designed to integrate research into the learning process, allowing students to actively participate in groundbreaking research projects and gain valuable experience in the field.

Careers:

Career Paths

Graduates of the BMCB program can pursue diverse careers including, but not limited to, the following:

• Research Scientist: Work in academia, government, or industry to conduct research in various areas of biochemistry, molecular biology, and cellular biology.
• Laboratory Technician: Assist with research projects and perform experiments for various organizations such as universities, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies.
• Healthcare Professional: Work as a Physician, Dentist, Nurse, or other allied healthcare professionals after pursuing additional training in a professional healthcare program.
• Science Educator: Teach biology, chemistry, or related science subjects at the secondary or post-secondary level.

Job Outlook

The demand for skilled professionals in biochemistry, molecular biology, and cellular biology is expected to remain strong. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

Average Salaries:

The salary for biochemists and biophysicist varies depending on factors such as their level of education, experience and industry, but according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics; biochemists and biophysicists earned a median annual salary of \$94,270 in 2021.