Molecular Biology Major

Molecular Biology

This interdisciplinary major is focused on biology and the physical sciences and incorporates a significant amount of mathematics. The major is research oriented and is designed to prepare students for graduate studies or medical school, as well as careers in biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry. 

Learning Outcomes

Students completing a major in Molecular Biology should demonstrate the ability to:

1. Understand foundational scientific principles and findings in current molecular biology.
2. Discuss and analyze original scientific research articles in molecular biology.
3. Interpret data, including identification of control versus experimental samples.
4. Design controlled experiments to test specific hypotheses.

Advisors: J. Armstrong, P. Chandrangsu, P. Ferree, F. Finseth, Z. Wilson

Major Requirements

The major in Molecular Biology required the successful completion of at least 15 courses. 

Required Courses

• BIOL 043L KS -Introductory Biology  , or BIOL 042L KS -Integrated Biology & Chemistry  
• CHEM 014L KS -Basic Principles of Chemistry  -CHEM 015L KS -Basic Principles of Chemistry   (or CHEM 029L KS -Accelerated General Chemistry  ), or CHEM 042L KS -Integrated Biology & Chemistry  
• MATH 031 PZ -Calculus II  
• BIOL 143 KS -Genetics  
• CHEM 116L KS -Organic Chemistry  -CHEM 117L KS -Organic Chemistry  (Organic)
• BIOL 173L KS -Molecular Biology Seminar w/Lab  (½ credit sophomore Molecular Biology Seminar/Lab course)
• PHYS 033L KS -Principles of Physics I  -PHYS 034L KS -Principles of Physics II  (recommended) or PHYS 030L KS -General Physics Life Sciences I  -PHYS 031L KS -General Physics Life Sciences II  
• BIOL 157L KS -Cell Biology  (with BIOL 143 KS -Genetics  as prerequisite or permission of instructor)
• BIOL 170L KS -Molecular Biology  (with BIOL 143 KS -Genetics  as prerequisite or permission of instructor)
• BIOL 177 KS -Biochemistry  
• CHEM 121 KS -Ppls Phys Chem: Thermochemistry  I, (Thermodynamics)
• One additional Biology lab course to be selected in consultation with the faculty advisor.

BIOL 188L KS -Sr Thesis Rsrch Project in Biol  -BIOL 190L KS -Sr Thes Rsrch Proj Biol-2nd Sem  , two-semester thesis with lab (preferred), or BIOL189L KS-BIOL190L KS, two-semester summer research thesis, or BIOL 191 KS -One-Semester Thesis in Biology .