BCMB - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Interdisciplinary) Major (BS)
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Program Description
Major effective prior to 2011
Modifications Made to Curriculum: Fall 2013, Fall 2019, Fall 2021, Fall 2025
The interdisciplinary major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology provides students with the skills and perspectives of numerous disciplines across the sciences, empowering them to apply chemical principles to biological molecules and thus understand biological phenomena at the molecular level. The major provides a broad foundation in the sciences and requires students to apply this foundation across core courses in biochemistry and molecular biology. Students also take on upper level science electives, allowing students to expand their skill set in studying biochemistry and molecular biology and to apply their perspective to new systems. The major offers a great deal of flexibility that can prepare students for a wide variety of career paths in the sciences, health professions, and beyond. Students should speak with their advisers early and often to optimize their course selection to match their career goals. Although not required, mentored research opportunities are plentiful and strongly encouraged, particularly for students considering careers in scientific research.
Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Examinations
Students who have earned a score of 5 or higher on the Higher Level (HL) IB exam will receive credit for course and course.
All students with scores of 4 or 5 on the AP biology exam or a score of 5 or above on the Standard Level (SL) IB biology exam can receive four credits toward the general education breadth requirements in science and need not take a test at Drew to receive these credits. However, students with AP or IB-SL listed above who wish to seek exemption from course or course must take a placement test at Drew. Students earning the exemption must still take weekly labs and should register for course (fall) or course (spring). Contact the biology department chair for more information.
Requisites
Requirements for the Major (68 credits)
I. Scientific Foundation (24 Credits)
As an interdisciplinary major, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology requires a broad foundation across the sciences. These disciplines will come together as you go through the Core curriculum and electives. Several options are available for gaining this foundation. Students should speak with an advisor about the best path for them. For example, PHYS 111 and 112 is appropriate for most health professions, but students looking to pursue graduate study in biochemistry should take PHYS 150 and 160. The major requires students to fulfill each of the following:
II. Quantitative Foundation (8 credits)
The fields of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology require a wide array of mathematical and quantitative skills, with different skills holding prominence in different areas of inquiry. Students should select two courses from the following list in consultation with an advisor and based on their career goals.
III. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Core (24 Credits)
The core curriculum of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major will build upon your foundational classes to apply chemical principles to biological systems and engage with biological principles at the molecular level. Majors must complete each of the following:
IV. Technical Electives (12 Credits)
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology majors are required to explore intermediate and upper level science courses outside the core curriculum. In addition to Biology (BIOL) and Chemistry (CHEM), these classes can come from the subject codes of Physics (PHYS), Mathematics (MATH), Computer Science (CSCI), Data Science (DATA), Neuroscience (NEUR), or Environmental Science (ENV). These courses will allow students to both apply the principles they learned to new systems and add to their technical skill base. To ensure the development of laboratory skills, at least 8 credits must be selected from the list of Laboratory Elective Courses. Additionally, at least 8 credits course must be taken at the upper level. Students can apply up to 4 credits of mentored research towards their technical electives. Please note that some of the electives listed require prerequisite courses outside of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major. Students are encouraged to select electives from multiple programs, but should consult with their advisor regarding the best courses for their career goals:
Laboratory Course Electives (8-12 credits)
Non-Laboratory Electives (0-4 Credits)
Any intermediate or upper level 4 credit course from the subject codes of Biology (BIOL), Chemistry (CHEM), Physics (PHYS), Mathematics (MATH), Computer Science (CSCI), Data Science (DATA), Neuroscience (NEUR), or Environmental Science (ENV). The laboratory and non-laboratory electives must combine to have at least 8 credits at the upper level.