Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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:

BIOL 199 Introduction to Biological Thinking or BIOL 192 Science, Math and Research Training I

BIOL 200 Integrated Biological Principles I

BIOL 202 Integrated Biological Principles II

BMB 300 Junior Seminar

CHEM 141 Chemistry: Structure, Thermodynamics, and Kinetics

CHEM 205-CHEM 206 Organic Chemistry

CHEM 309 Physical Chemistry

CHEM 324 Experimental Biochemistry

CHEM 325 Experimental Biophysical Chemistry

CHEM 326 Biochemistry

One Macromolecular Structure and Function course, chosen from:

BIOL 310 The Science of Poisoning

BIOL 317 Mechanochemical Cell Biology

BIOL 335 Structural Biology

CHEM 329 Protein Structure, Function and Biophysics

CHEM 333 Chemical Biology

CHEM 342 Medicinal Chemistry

One Gene Regulation course, chosen from:

BIOL 307 Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology

BIOL 312 Developmental Biology with Lab

BIOL 313 Bacterial Pathogenesis

BIOL 314 Molecular Biology

BIOL 322 Cancer Biology and Tumorigenesis with Lab

BIOL 324 Molecular Virology

BIOL 340 Introduction to Immunology

BIOL 342 Neurodevelopment

BIOL 343 Neurobiology

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

BMB 310 Biochemistry Senior Seminar I

BMB 311 Biochemistry Senior Seminar II

MATH 212 Calculus II

PHYS 127 Algebra-Based General Physics 1 with Lab or PHYS 131 Calculus-Based General Physics 1 with Lab
One unit in physics, chosen from:

PHYS 132 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 (BIOL 406 or CHEM 406 or 1 unit in BIOL 394 or BIOL 395 or CHEM 320 or CHEM 321) 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.

Honors Program

• 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.