Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
What courses should I take in my first year to see if this is the right major for me?
Students who are considering majoring in BCMB should have strong quantitative skills (meaning you would have strong skills in algebra, pre-calculus, and calculus, if offered at your high school). If you are certain you will be majoring in BCMB, you should enroll in CHEM 101, BIOL 101, and MATH 120 or 124 in your first Fall semester. We then recommend that you register for the subsequent classes of CHEM 102, BIOL 102, and either MATH 121 or 125 or a statistics course in your first Spring semester.
Are there any courses I am required or strongly encouraged to take in my first semester if I know I want to declare this major? Do any AP credits count for these requirements?
BIOL 101, CHEM 101, and MATH 120 or 124 are strongly recommended in your first semester. If you score a 4 or 5 on any of the following exams, you can place out of the equivalent courses: AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, and AP Calculus BC.
What is the latest semester that I can start this major and still graduate in four years?
The Biochemistry major is one of Clark’s more intensive programs, requiring the completion of 19 courses. The latest you can start this major and graduate on time is the first semester of your sophomore year, provided you are on track with your required Core courses.
I am interested in many different subjects. What other majors, minors, or concentrations go well with this major?
It is very difficult to declare any other major, minor, or concentration programs while trying to complete the BCMB major and Core requirements. If you wish to declare an additional major or minor/concentration, we recommend that you declare your major in Biology instead of Biochemistry, as it has fewer course requirements.
What else do you want incoming first year students to know about this major?
Make sure that you have strong quantitative skills (mathematics and science) before you plan to declare this major. A biology major can be tailored to look very similar to the BCMB major but offers students more degrees of freedom in course selection.
If I want to declare this as a major, who should I talk to and where do I go?
If you are ready to declare, you can meet with any of our BCMB faculty members. You can also learn more about the major by visiting our webpage here.
Summer Point of Contact
Deb Robertson (Program Director) – drobertson@clarku.edu
