Major Requirements

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major

Note: A grade of C- (1.7) or better is required in each chemistry and biology course applied toward the major.

For the Bachelor of Arts degree

BIOL 199 Introduction to Biological Thinking

BIOL 201 Genetics

BIOL 205 Cell Biology

CHEM 141 Introductory Chemistry: Structure, Dynamics and Synthesis

CHEM 205-206 Organic Chemistry

CHEM 309 Physical Chemistry

CHEM 322 Junior Seminar or BIOL 387 Biology Seminar

CHEM 327 Biochemistry with Laboratory

CHEM 329 Protein Structure, Function and Biophysics

One course, chosen from

BIOL 307 Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology

BIOL 314 Molecular Genetics

BIOL 352 Evolutionary Developmental Biology

BIOL 384 Eukaryotic Genetics

Two senior seminars, to include the presentation of a research topic, chosen from

CHEM 421 Senior Seminar

CHEM 422 Senior Seminar

BIOL 391 Honors Seminar I

BIOL 392 Honors Seminar II

MATH 212 or 232 Calculus II

PHYS 127 or 131 General Physics I

One unit in physics, chosen from

PHYS 132 General Physics II

PHYS 133 Atomic and Sub-Atomic Physics

PHYS 134 Biological Physics

Students are expected to fulfill all prerequisites necessary for courses within the major. Prerequisites do not count toward the major unless otherwise noted.

For the Bachelor of Science degree

The above courses plus one additional approved upper level biology or chemistry elective and at least one unit of research in biology or chemistry or an approved experience that culminates in a written report or poster presentation to give a total of 16 units.

For either of the above degrees

Additional upper-level elective courses in chemistry and biology are highly recommended. Students wishing to double major in biochemistry and molecular biology and either chemistry or biology are required to use upper-level electives for only one degree program or the other. Similarly, upper-level electives cannot be counted for both a major and a minor in either department.