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

14 units, including

BIOL 199 Introduction to Biological Thinking
BIOL 201 Genetics
BIOL 205 Cell and Molecular Biology
CHEM 141 Introductory Chemistry: Structure, Dynamics and Synthesis
CHEM 205-206 Organic Chemistry
CHEM 309 Physical Chemistry
CHEM 322 Junior Seminar
BIOL/CHEM 327 Biochemistry with Laboratory
BIOL/CHEM 329 Protein Structure, Function and Biophysics
One course from the following:  

• 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 the following:

• 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
PHYS 132 or 133 or 134 General Physics II, Atomic and Sub-Atomic Physics or Biological Physics

Students are expected to fulfill all prerequisites necessary for courses within the major.  Prerequisites do not count towards 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 in chemistry and biology.

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.