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:

course - Ecology and Evolution OR course - Introduction to Neuroscience
course - Diversity of Life: Animals, Plants, and Microbes
course - Principles of Chemistry I OR course - Principles of Chemistry I, Advanced Section
course - Principles of Chemistry II OR course - Principles of Chemistry II, Advanced Section
course - Introductory Physics I OR course - University Physics I
course - Introductory Physics II OR course - University Physics II

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.

course - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
course - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
course - Introduction to Statistics
course - Statistical Computing in R OR course - Introduction to Computer Science in Python
course - Intermediate Statistics

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:

course - Molecular and Cellular Biology
course - Molecular Genetics
course - Organic Chemistry I
course - Organic Chemistry II
course - Foundations in Biochemistry
course - Advanced Biomolecular Structure and Function OR course - Chemical Biology

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)

course - Microbiology
course - Anatomy and Physiology I
course - Evolutionary Genetics
course - Freshwater Ecology
course - Tropical Marine Ecology
course - Field Ecology
course - Anatomy and Physiology II
course - Systems Neurobiology
course - Cell and Molecular Neurobiology
course - Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry
course - Advanced Analytical Chemistry
course - Environmental Chemistry
course - Physical Chemistry I
course - Advanced Organic Chemistry
course - Electronics
course - Principles of Engineering
course - Advanced Laboratory I
course - Immersive Research/Creative Projects in Biology OR course - Research in Chemistry OR course - Specialized Honors in Biochemistry I

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.

BCMB - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Interdisciplinary) Major (BS)

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