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Undergraduate Studies

BMB Major (Biochemistry Option)

The Biochemistry Option (BIOCH) of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major focuses on the study of living things with a strong emphasis on the chemistry and physics of biomolecular structure and function.  In this option, the approach to the study of life at the molecular level is highly quantitative, so a strong background in mathematics is important.  Not surprisingly, this option requires the most extensive foundation in chemistry and physics of any of the majors offered by the department.  Advanced course electives in the major include molecular genetics, advanced cell biology, immunology, virology, molecular medicine, physiological biochemistry and laboratory courses in physical chemistry.  Students in this option also come close to fulfilling the requirements for a minor in chemistry.  The major provides excellent preparation for graduate and professional schools, and graduates are highly sought by industry.

Program Goals

Recommended Schedule

Undergraduate Research (496)

Honor's Program

Curriculum

GENERAL EDUCATION:

GA, GH, GS, GHA, GWS

30 credits

MATHEMATICS:

Math 140, 141 (Calculus)

8 credits

 

Math/CmpSc/Stat elect

2-3 credits

CHEMISTRY:

Chem 110, 111, 112, 113 (Inorganic Chemistry)

8 credits

 

Chem 210, 212, 213 (Organic Chemistry)

8 credits

 

Chem 450, 452 (Physical Chemistry)

6 credits

PHYSICS:

Phys 211, 212, 213, 214 (General Physics)

12 credits

BIOLOGY:

Biol 322 (Genetics)

3 credits

BIOCHEMISTRY:

BMB 251, 252 (Cell Biology)

6 credits

 

BMB 400, 401, 402 (Intro Biochemistry)

8 credits

 

BMB 442 (Protein, NA, Mol Cloning Lab)

3 credits

 

BMB 443W (Lab in Proteins/Enzymes)

3 credits

 

BMB 445W (Labs in Molecular Genetics)

3 credits

 

BMB 474 (Analyt Tech in BMB)

2 credits

MICROBIOLOGY:

Micrb 201, 202 (Introductory Microbiology)

5 credits

FIRST YEAR SEMINAR:

PSU 016

1 credit

ELECTIVES:

Select from department list

7-9 credits

 

Select free electives

7-10 credits

 

TOTAL

125 credits

 

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