The BA and BS Degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology offers two Bachelor’s degrees: a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS). To maximize student flexibility, the curriculum in the first two years is identical for both the BA and the BS degrees. Students can obtain honors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in either degree program.
All students majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology will initially be placed in the BA degree program. Students in good academic standing can switch to BS degree after completing one semester of organic chemistry (CHEM:2230 or CHEM:2210). Students who wish to change to the BS degree should do so by emailing clas-undergrad@uiowa.edu. (The email must come from your University of Iowa email account and include your University ID number and Hawk ID.)
BA Degree
The BA degree provides a rigorous education in biochemical concepts and practice in the laboratory while allowing the flexibility to specialize in additional disciplines or obtain clinical volunteer experiences. The BA degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is intended for most students, including those with pre-medicine, pre-pharmacy, pre-dental, and other pre-health professional interests and for students with double majors
BS Degree
The BS degree is intended primarily for students planning a career in research including those with a long-term goal of attending graduate school (PhD, MS, or MD/PhD) or obtaining a job as a research scientist or technician. The BS degree requires twelve additional semester hours of science and laboratory electives.