Molecular Biology & Biochemistry Requirements

     Winter term courses in selected topics (e.g., Streptococcal Genetics, Key Issues in Genetic Engineering, Molecular Endocrinology, The Genetics of Cancer) as determined by the program may count for elective credit.
     * When not taken as a requirement these courses may be used as an elective.
     There is no minor in molecular biology and biochemistry.
     The recommended progression through the required courses of the MBBC major is shown below. While there can be some deviation to this schedule, it is highly recommended that the students complete their introductory chemistry requirements (CHEM0103 and CHEM 0104 or, with advanced placement, CHEM 0107/CHEM 0104) by the end of the first year and their introductory biology requirements (BIOL 0140 and BIOL 0145) by the end of their third semester. The decision to start the introductory biology sequence in the first semester along with introductory chemistry and calculus should be made with consultation with the students FYSE advisor and/or the MBBC Chairperson. All mathematics, physics, introductory chemistry and biology, and organic chemistry courses should be completed by the end of the second year. A college writing (CW) course should be completed by the end of the third year. BIOL 0331, BIOL 0310, or BIOL 0305 are appropriate courses which have sections that fulfill the CW requirement.

First Year Fall
CHEM 0103 General Chemistry I OR (if satisfied)
CHEM 0104 General Chemistry II OR (if satisfied)
CHEM 0107 Advanced General Chemistry
MATH 0121 Calculus I
BIOL 0140 Ecology and Evolution OR BIOL 0145 Cell Biology and Genetics

First Year Spring
CHEM 104 General Chemistry II (if not taken previously)
BIOL 0140 Ecology and Evolution OR BIOL 0145 Cell Biology and Genetics

Second Year Fall
CHEM 0241 Organic Chemistry I
PHYS 0109 Newtonian Physics
BIOL 0140 Ecology and Evolution OR BIOL 0145 Cell Biology and Genetics (if not taken previously)

Second Year Winter Term
BIOL 0211 Experimental Design and Data Analysis (or MATH 0116 in Spring)

Second Year Spring
CHEM 0242 Organic Chemistry II
MATH 0116 Introduction to Statistical Science (or BIOL 0211 in Winter Term)

Third Year Fall
CHEM 0322 Biochemistry of Macromolecules
BIOL 0310 Microbiology OR BIOL 0305 Developmental Biology

Third Year Spring
BIOL 0314 Molecular Genetics
CHEM 0355 Thermodynamics and Kinetics OR MBBC 0324 Structural Bioinformatics and Geonomics

Fourth Year
Senior Thesis Research and/or Electives

Molecular Biology & Biochemistry Research: Research is an essential component of a well-rounded academic pursuit; it contributes to the development of independence and creativity, as well as to the depth of knowledge needed to become an active contributor to the scientific community. All majors are encouraged to undertake independent research with an MBBC faculty mentor. Any major is eligible to perform an independent study research project (BIOL 0500, CHEM 0500, or MBBC 0700) with the consent of a mentor.
     Requirements for Honors: Senior thesis research may be initiated by any junior with the consent of a mentor. Students considering senior thesis research are urged to begin conversations with faculty early in their junior year (certainly by winter term) because many thesis projects begin during the summer preceding the senior year. Those eligible for high honors or honors in molecular biology and biochemistry will: (1) complete at least two semesters of research, which may include winter term; (2) enroll in MBBC 0701 for their final semester of research; (3) graduate with a minimum GPA of 3.3 for all courses counting towards the major; (4) present a public seminar describing the significance, methodology, results, and conclusions of their research; (5) successfully defend their thesis before a committee of three faculty, two of whom must be affiliated with the MBBC program; and (6) earn a grade of at least B+ for MBBC 0700, as determined by the members of the MBBC program, with the grade based on their research performance, their written thesis, their thesis presentation and their thesis defense.