Overview

Faculty

Program Committee

Max Majireck (Chemistry), director

Ryan Martini (Chemistry)

Natalie Nannas (Biology)

Department/Program Goals

The goal of the Biochemistry/Molecular Biology Program is to encourage students to explore biochemical concepts through extensive research opportunities and close collaboration between students and instructors.

Department/Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students Will Learn to:

Evaluate the scientific literature and other forms of professional communications in biochemistry and molecular biology
Solve problems at the interfaces of chemistry and biology using scientific reasoning
Communicate fundamental concepts of biochemistry and molecular biology to both expert and layperson in writing and oral presentations

Concentration/Minor Description and Requirements

The departments of Biology and Chemistry offer an interdisciplinary concentration in biochemistry/molecular biology (BMB). Prospective concentrators should elect both chemistry and biology in their first year. The concentration consists of 10 credits (and MATH-113 and MATH-116, or equivalent, as prerequisites for certain courses), including four courses in BMB, two courses in biology, three courses in chemistry, and one credit of elective course(s) from a list of selected courses provided below. BMB courses must include BICHM-270, BICHM-346, BICHM-550 and either BICHM-321 or BICHM-322. Biology courses must include BIO-100 and BIO-211. Chemistry courses must include CHEM-120, CHEM-190, and CHEM-255. MATH-113 and MATH-116, or equivalent, are prerequisites for BICHM-320, BICHM-321 and BICHM-322. The elective course must be chosen from BIO-212, BIO-221, BIO-331, BIO-334, BIO-357, or BIO-454, and CHEM-321, CHEM-322, CHEM-327, CHEM-329, CHEM-331, CHEM-360, CHEM-362, CHEM-364, CHEM-365, or . BICHM-346 satisfies the SSIH requirement for BMB concentrators. BICHM-550 satisfies the Senior Thesis requirement. A complete description of the Senior Program is available from the departments. Honors in BMB will be based on excellence in coursework and on both Senior Thesis BICHM-550 and BICHM-551.