Kathy Lewis, Professor and Co-Chair
Kerry Reimer, Associate Professor and Co-Chair
Keith Egger, Professor
Chow Lee, Professor
Mark Shrimpton, Professor
Andrea Gorrell, Associate Professor
Dezene Huber, Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair, Forest Entomology and Chemical Ecology
Brent Murray, Associate Professor
Geoffrey Payne, Associate Professor
Stephen Rader, Associate Professor
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BCMB)
investigates how molecules work in living systems. There is no clear line
dividing living from non-living systems; rather, there is a gradual increase in
complexity from clearly inanimate molecules up to obviously complex
organisms. The goal of biochemistry and
molecular biology is to understand how simple, inanimate molecular interactions
support life.
The BCMB major has two main components: learning about molecules
and learning about the scientific method. The former involves acquiring
expertise in the foundations of biochemistry, such as organic and physical
chemistry, and then exploring biological molecules and how they operate in
living systems. The latter involves
exploring how science asks questions to understand the workings of nature,
while developing competence in laboratory skills and analysis. These two
aspects are linked because an understanding of how information is acquired is
as important as the information itself, since different experimental systems
can yield different insights into complex biological problems.
BCMB majors continue on to successful careers in a diverse range
of fields, notably medicine, teaching, pharmacy, the biotechnology industry,
science policy, and law. BCMB majors
acquire strong skills in laboratory techniques, and are therefore qualified for
many kinds of research positions, including graduate programs such as
immunology, molecular genetics, and developmental biology. BCMB majors are
encouraged to pursue their interests by combining BCMB with minors in other
fields, such as computer science, physics, business, or education.
Major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology requires students to
take at least 85 credit hours of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology-oriented courses, of
which 42 credit hours must be upper-division (i.e. 300 or 400 level).
The minimum requirement for completion of a Bachelor of Science with a
major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is 129 credit hours.
Twelve additional credit hours chosen from the following, of which at least 6 credit hours must be at the 300 or 400 level. Note: NRES 430-6 can count towards this requirement with permission of the Biology Program Chair.
Elective credit hours as necessary to ensure completion of 129 credit hours, including any additional credit hours necessary to meet the Academic Breadth requirement of the University (see Academic Regulation 15).
Note: No more than 3 credit hours of continuing education courses may be used towards the BCMB major.
Minor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The minor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is designed to provide students with a core
of study in the field of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The program of study includes a
grounding in chemistry and biology since these are the
disciplines from which modern biochemistry and molecular biology arose.
The minimum requirement for completion of the minor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is 41 credit hours, of which at least 12 credit hours must be at the upper-division level.
Note: Students are allowed to double-count all applicable first- and second-year courses; however, they must take upper-division courses for the minor that are not included in their major requirements or upper-division subject requirements to ensure completion of 12 upper-division credit hours outside of their major.
Students must ensure that all prerequisites are fulfilled prior to taking a course.
300 and 400 Level
12 credit hours must be chosen from the following:
