Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Jonathan Dattelbaum, Co-Coordinator (Chemistry)
Krista Stenger, Co-Coordinator (Biology)

The biochemistry and molecular biology program is an interdisciplinary program based in the biology and chemistry departments, and is jointly administered by a coordinating committee consisting of several faculty from each department. The program is designed to offer a flexible route to either the B.A. or B.S. degree and actively encourages student participation in research, which may be conducted with faculty in either department. The flexibility of the program lends itself to combination with study abroad and outreach opportunities. The major is designed to prepare students for future study in biochemistry and molecular biology and related molecular life sciences or for employment in the biotechnology industry, or simply for students fascinated by the revolutions in the life sciences that are shaping our future.

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 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.

Honors Program

Students are invited to participate in the biochemistry and molecular biology honors program by the program co-coordinators. A student graduating with an honors degree in biochemistry and molecular biology must complete two units of preapproved upper-level elective work in chemistry, biology, or courses approved by the BCMB committee. The student also must fulfill the following research requirements: A research proposal to the student's research advisor 1.5-2 units of independent research A written thesis upon completion of their research that is approved by at least two BCMB program committee members or their designees (one of which must be a BCMB program committee member) An oral defense of the thesis

Additionally, students must have a GPA of 3.60 or better in their major and 3.30 or better overall. The total number of units for honors course work (including formal courses and research) is three.