Undergraduate Program Curriculum

Curriculum

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology undergraduate program is focused on students as individuals and is designed to develop creative researchers, effective physicians and health professionals, and superb teachers. Students acquire a thorough and diverse background in contemporary biochemistry, utilize excellent research facilities, and are taught by a research-oriented faculty. All students have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one research with faculty members.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Degree Programs

Bachelor's degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology are conferred through the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (CLAS). Students majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology must therefore satisfy the general course requirements and grade point minima, as well as the requirements for the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major.

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Offers Two Bachelors Degrees:

Bachelor of Arts (BA)*: 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. This degree requires a minimum of 120 s.h., including 58 s.h. of work for the major.

Bachelor of Science (BS): 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 technician. The BS degree requires twelve additional semester hours of science and laboratory electives. This degree requires a minimum of 120 s.h., including 70-72 s.h. of work for the major.

*All first year students in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology will start in the BA degree program. Students who desire to can switch to BS degree after completing one semester of organic chemistry (CHEM:2230 or CHEM:2210).

Students can obtain honors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in either degree program.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Degree Course Requirements

In addition to the CLAS general course requirements, students are required to complete coursework in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for a bachelor's degree. Please refer to the handout for specific requirements for BA and BS degrees.

Regression Policy

Regression occurs when a student takes a lower-level or prerequisite course after having satisfactorily completed a more advanced course in the same or related subject. Hours earned by regression do not count toward the total number of hours required for graduation. Regression is identified only at the time of final graduation analysis.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology considers it regression if BMB:3110 is taken after BMB:3120 or 3130. This is the only case of regression in the courses offered by Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.