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Overview - Requirements - Sample Schedule (Biochemistry) - Sample Schedule (Cell and Deveelopment) -Scheduling Tips

Overview

Heba Salem, Elaine McElhinny, Lee-Ann Giltinan

Molecular Biology emphasizes the study of molecules that make up an organism and the forces operating among these molecules. Increasingly, molecular biologists can also explore the genetic control of these molecules and thus define the developmental, cellular and subcellular changes that occur during the dynamic processes of life. Virtually every question, whether in biochemistry, cell biology, developmental biology, or some other biological discipline, applies molecular biology, often as the prime approach, in its solution. Biochemical and molecular developments have revolutionized biological research, fueling the explosive growth in the biotechnology industry and rapid increase of molecular medicine.

The Molecular Biology major provides a strong background for many science careers, and may be completed along one of two distinct tracks: (a) Biochemistry or (b) Cell and Developmental Biology. Both tracks incorporate the requirements expected for admission to medical, dental, and other health-professional schools, and to graduate schools in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, and related disciplines (see our guide for applying to graduate schools for more information). Positions for molecular biologists at the BS, MS, and PhD levels are available in the biotechnology industries as well as in universities, medical schools, hospitals, government laboratories, research institutes, and public health institutions.

Requirements for the Molecular Biology Major

All students within the School of Arts and Sciences must complete Arts and Sciences Requirements, which include the Foundation Skills and and Disciplinary Approaches Requirements. These courses provide breadth to your education beyond training in the Biological Sciences. All majors within the Department of Biological Sciences must also complete Corequisite Courses in Chemistry, Math, and Physics; these courses give you the scientific background to maximize your education within the Molecular Biology major.

Molecular Biology majors must also complete the following BIOSC courses within the Department; consult our scheduling tips, sample schedules for either the Biochemistry Track or the Cell and Development Track, and most importantly our Bioscience Advisors when planning your schedule.

There are two tracks within the Molecular Biology major: Biochemistry (BIOC) and Cell and Developmental Biology (C&D). Regarding the core curriculum below, note which courses are required by both tracks (BOTH), and which are specific to one of the two tracks.

* Or Honors course BIOSC 0715
** Or Honors course BIOSC 0716
*** Or Honors course BIOSC 0355

The 2 required Cell and Developmental Elective Labs must be chosen from the following list. Recall that this requirement does NOT apply to students pursuing the Biochemistry track.

The Molecular Biology Elective credits must be selected from the following list.

* BIOSC 0740 is offered at Yellowstone National Park
** Offered at the Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology

The Department will also accept up to 6 credits of the following courses:

 
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