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Undergraduate Studies -

Prospective Students

How to apply

Interested high school students should visit the Admissions Office home page for information and application materials.

Prospective transfer students attending other undergraduate institutions should also visit the Admissions Office web site for information and application materials.

International students should visit the Admissions Office web site for information and application materials.

Transferring Credits

Using Advanced Placement Credits

Transferring credits from another university

Financial Aid

For information on how to apply for financial aid, please visit the Office of Student Aid home page.

Request more information

Have questions? Specific questions about the BMB, Micrb and Biotc majors may be directed in one of the following ways:

US mail:
Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
108 Althouse Laboratory
University Park, PA 16802

Email:
BMBundergrad@psu.edu

Telephone:
814.865.5497

Fax:
814.863.7024

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB)

- Biochemistry Option (BIOCH)

- Molecular and Cell Biology Option (MCB)

The BMB major invites students to the study of life at the molecular and cellular levels. The Biochemistry Option emphasizes the chemistry of life, addressing such topics as the structure and function of macromolecules, enzyme kinetics, energy flow in a living cell, and methods used to measure physical parameters of macromolecules. It is the most quantitative of the curricula offered by the department and requires a substantial background in chemistry and physics. The Molecular and Cell Biology Option emphasizes how the living cell carries out the necessary functions of life. A sample of topics addressed in this option includes how cells sense their environment, mechanisms by which they respond to changes in their environment, the means by which they control multiplication and differentiation, and the various functions they serve in higher forms of life. Genetics -- gene structure and organization, gene products, and gene regulation – is integral to all the areas studied in both Options. Learn more about the BIOCH option and MCB option.

Microbiology (Micrb)

Microbiology is enjoying a lively resurgence of interest among undergraduates. First, appreciation of the tremendous diversity among bacteria has led to the sequencing of the largest number of genomes of any life form, providing the widest sweep of evolutionary relationships at the gene level. Second, understanding host-parasite interactions at the molecular level has provided new insights on the mechanism of infectious diseases and suggested new ways to prevent and treat such diseases. And third, recognition that we have only scratched the surface of the potential power of microbes through, for example, ‘genetic engineering’ and bioremediation has created an exciting future for anyone who studies microbiology.

Learn more about the Micrb major.

Biotechnology (Biotc)

– General Option (GEN)

- Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) Option

The Biotechnology major could be thought of as the most applied of the 3 majors offered by the department. The General Option was created to provide the theoretical background and, particularly, the basic skills and familiarity with techniques that are crucial for careers in the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries following conferral of the baccalaureate degree. The CLS Option is available for students interested in a career in the clinical laboratory. This major, therefore, has a substantial emphasis on laboratory-based courses while providing the flexibility to pursue significant study in other fields, such as various business disciplines that impact commercialization of biotechnology. Graduates of the General Option are well-received by industry and graduates of the CLS Option are in great demand by clinical laboratories. Learn more about the Biotechnology major, general option and CLS option.


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Overview Prospective Students Current Students Courses Student Perspectives Links News Frequently Asked Questions	Undergraduate Studies - Prospective Students How to apply Interested high school students should visit the Admissions Office home page for information and application materials. Prospective transfer students attending other undergraduate institutions should also visit the Admissions Office web site for information and application materials. International students should visit the Admissions Office web site for information and application materials. Transferring Credits Using Advanced Placement Credits Transferring credits from another university Financial Aid For information on how to apply for financial aid, please visit the Office of Student Aid home page. Request more information Have questions? Specific questions about the BMB, Micrb and Biotc majors may be directed in one of the following ways: US mail: Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 108 Althouse Laboratory University Park, PA 16802 Email: BMBundergrad@psu.edu Telephone: 814.865.5497 Fax: 814.863.7024 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) - Biochemistry Option (BIOCH) - Molecular and Cell Biology Option (MCB) The BMB major invites students to the study of life at the molecular and cellular levels. The Biochemistry Option emphasizes the chemistry of life, addressing such topics as the structure and function of macromolecules, enzyme kinetics, energy flow in a living cell, and methods used to measure physical parameters of macromolecules. It is the most quantitative of the curricula offered by the department and requires a substantial background in chemistry and physics. The Molecular and Cell Biology Option emphasizes how the living cell carries out the necessary functions of life. A sample of topics addressed in this option includes how cells sense their environment, mechanisms by which they respond to changes in their environment, the means by which they control multiplication and differentiation, and the various functions they serve in higher forms of life. Genetics -- gene structure and organization, gene products, and gene regulation – is integral to all the areas studied in both Options. Learn more about the BIOCH option and MCB option. Microbiology (Micrb) Microbiology is enjoying a lively resurgence of interest among undergraduates. First, appreciation of the tremendous diversity among bacteria has led to the sequencing of the largest number of genomes of any life form, providing the widest sweep of evolutionary relationships at the gene level. Second, understanding host-parasite interactions at the molecular level has provided new insights on the mechanism of infectious diseases and suggested new ways to prevent and treat such diseases. And third, recognition that we have only scratched the surface of the potential power of microbes through, for example, ‘genetic engineering’ and bioremediation has created an exciting future for anyone who studies microbiology. Learn more about the Micrb major. Biotechnology (Biotc) – General Option (GEN) - Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) Option The Biotechnology major could be thought of as the most applied of the 3 majors offered by the department. The General Option was created to provide the theoretical background and, particularly, the basic skills and familiarity with techniques that are crucial for careers in the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries following conferral of the baccalaureate degree. The CLS Option is available for students interested in a career in the clinical laboratory. This major, therefore, has a substantial emphasis on laboratory-based courses while providing the flexibility to pursue significant study in other fields, such as various business disciplines that impact commercialization of biotechnology. Graduates of the General Option are well-received by industry and graduates of the CLS Option are in great demand by clinical laboratories. Learn more about the Biotechnology major, general option and CLS option.
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