Program Requirements: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Students first obtain a solid grounding in biology, chemistry, physics, and calculus and then take biochemistry, a yearlong course sequence that covers our current understanding of the field. After that, there is a choice between two tracks, or alternative ways to complete the major, depending on the individual’s interests. Students must also demonstrate competence in communicating biochemical concepts (e.g., through reports based on research in the scientific literature, Academic Spree Day presentations, Directed Study papers, Honors thesis, or publications), and take the American Chemical Society standardized exam (either as part of a course requirement, or as a separate assessment of their understanding of the body of knowledge in biochemistry and molecular biology).

The core curriculum consists of the following required courses:

• Introductory Chemistry I and II (CHEM101 and 102) or CHEM103, Accelerated Introductory Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry I and II (CHEM131 and 132) or CHEM131 and 134 (Biological Organic Chemistry)
• Introductory Physics I and II (PHYS110 and 111 or 120 and 121)
• Cell Biology (BIOL137) or Microbiology (BIOL109)
• Biophysical Chemistry (BCMB264)
• Introduction to Biology I and II (BIOL101 and 102)
• Calculus I and II (MATH120 and 121 or 124 and 125)
• Genetics (BIOL118)
• Biochemistry I and II (BCMB271 and 272)

The student will also complete one of the following two groups of courses, emphasizing either biochemistry or molecular biology:

Courses required for the biochemistry track:

• Bioanalytical Chemistry (BCMB244)
• Protein Chemistry (BCMB275) or Natural Products (CHEM235)

Courses required for the molecular biology track:

• Molecular Genetics (BCMB228)
• Recombinant DNA (BCMB231)

Students must also complete two additional courses related to biochemistry and molecular biology, which do not satisfy requirements for other majors or transcript designations. This requirement may be satisfied with any of the program offerings, a directed research course, any biology or chemistry course in the list above (and not already used to fulfill a requirement), or other biology or chemistry courses approved by the adviser.