Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
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Department Information
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Eugene Wu, 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 any area of the biological sciences, the health professions, or for employment in the biotechnology industry.
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Major
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
14.75 units, including:
Introduction to Biological Thinking or Science, Math and Research Training IIntegrated Biological Principles I
Integrated Biological Principles II
Junior Seminar
Chemistry: Structure, Thermodynamics, and Kinetics
- Organic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Experimental Biochemistry
Experimental Biophysical Chemistry
Biochemistry
One Macromolecular Structure and Function course, chosen from:
The Science of Poisoning
Mechanochemical Cell Biology
Structural Biology
Protein Structure, Function and Biophysics
Chemical Biology
Medicinal Chemistry
One Gene Regulation course, chosen from:
Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology
Developmental Biology with Lab
Bacterial Pathogenesis
Molecular Biology
Cancer Biology and Tumorigenesis with Lab
Molecular Virology
Introduction to Immunology
Neurodevelopment
Neurobiology
Two senior seminars, to include the presentation of a research topic, chosen from:
Biochemistry Senior Seminar I
Biochemistry Senior Seminar II
Calculus II
Algebra-Based General Physics 1 with Lab or Calculus-Based General Physics 1 with Lab
One unit in physics, chosen from:Calculus-Based General Physics 2 with Lab
For the Bachelor of Science degree
The above courses plus one additional approved upper level biology or chemistry elective and an approved research experience (
or or 1 unit in or or or ) that culminates in a written report or poster presentation to give a total of 15-16 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. In addition, starting with the class of 2018, double majors in biochemistry and molecular biology and chemistry will not be able to double count seminar courses and will be restricted to presenting their research project only once between the two seminar programs.
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Honors
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 fulfill the following requirements:- GPA 3.30 or better in 200-level and above courses in the major and 3.30 or better overall
- Completion of 2.5 units in honors classes, which will consist of 1 upper level CHEM or BIOL course beyond the BS degree requirements and ≥1.5 units of research in the junior and senior years
- A written thesis that is approved by the research mentor as well as one other UR faculty member typically in the sciences
- An oral presentation about your research project, which usually takes place as part of the capstone student seminar series
If you have any questions related to the honors requirements for graduation, please do not hesitate to contact the BMB Program Coordinator.
Courses
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BMB 300 Biochemistry Junior Seminar
Units: .25
DescriptionRegular attendance at Biology and Chemistry Departments invited speaker series as well as students presentations of selected topics in the natural sciences. Normally taken in the junior year.
PrerequisitesCHEM 206.
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BMB 310 Biochemistry Senior Seminar I
Units: .25
DescriptionRegular attendance at Biology and Chemistry Departments invited speaker series, student presentations of selected topics in the natural sciences, and one presentation given during one of the two semesters. Presentations will encompass selected topics in the natural sciences. One class hour per week.
PrerequisitesBMB 300, CHEM 322, or BIOL 387.
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BMB 311 Biochemistry Senior Seminar II
Units: .25
DescriptionRegular attendance at Biology and Chemistry Departments invited speaker series, student presentations of selected topics in the natural sciences, and one presentation given during one of the two semesters. Presentations will encompass selected topics in the natural sciences. One class hour per week.
PrerequisitesBMB 300, CHEM 322, or BIOL 387.