Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bachelor of Science
The biochemistry and molecular biology major is interdisciplinary in nature, focusing on the interface between biology and chemistry. Biochemistry examines specifically the composition, structure, properties and reactions of biologically relevant molecules. Said another way, biochemistry uses the viewpoint of chemistry to look at biological molecules, processes and problems. Students draw from information learned in biology courses and apply detailed chemical analysis to explain how and why biological molecules interact; why chemically certain signals are chosen in a protein or a cell; how DNA, protein and/or ligand binding work at the chemical level; the chemical details of how a protein is degraded or targeted for degradation; and what happens chemically to “turn on” a gene or “knock it out.”
The Biochemistry I and II course sequence provides the synthesis of information learned in foundations biology and chemistry courses and shows how the synthesis of the two fields enables a student to understand, critically analyze and potentially solve complex biological problems. The biology and chemistry faculty collaborate in the delivery of an advanced laboratory techniques course that informs and equips students to develop and implement quality independent research projects that examine biological molecules, processes and problems from the perspective of chemistry.
Students completing this program of study have a wide variety of career options. Graduate and professional programs in biochemistry, molecular biology and the biomedical sciences are expanding to meet the needs of a rapidly growing biotechnology industry. Graduate degree options include the M.S., Ph.D. and Ph.D./M.D. degrees. For students interested in pre-professional programs, Physics I and II are also recommended.
A biochemistry and molecular biology major would be well-prepared to transfer to a bachelor’s degree in a nursing program.
A biochemistry and molecular biology major without aspirations of graduate school would be well-trained for a career in the pharmaceutical industry, biotech companies, environmental or forensic testing laboratories, academic research laboratories and government or military laboratories.
Degree requirements
Required Courses