The Major

The major in cell biology/biochemistry will focus on subdisciplines within biology and chemistry such as immunology, genetic engineering, nucleic acids, biomembrane function, cell biology of cancer, and enzymology. This program strongly emphasizes independent student research, including both seminar programs and hands-on research. A major in cell biology/biochemistry offers students an excellent preparation for careers in biotechnology, biomedical technology, medicine, pharmacology and bioengineering. It also is an excellent foundation for students preparing for entrance into Ph.D. programs in cell and molecular biology or biochemistry or Ph.D./M.D. programs in medically related fields.

The major requires five courses within the biology department (BIOL 205, 206, 207, 327, and 352) and six courses within the chemistry department (CHEM 211, 212, 221, 231, 340 or 341, and 351).

Additionally, an interdepartmental Biochemical Methods course (BIOL 340/CHEM 358) is required as are three electives chosen from the following list: BIOL 302, 316, 318, 322, 323, 324, 326, 328, 329, 339, 343, 347, 348, 365, 399; CHEM 313, 314, 317, 322, 332, 342, 352, 360, 375, 376, PSYC 250 and BIOL/PSYC 343. At least one of these biology or chemistry electives must be a laboratory course. One research course (BIOL 399, CHEM 375, 376, or 403) may be counted as an elective toward the major. Two semesters of physics (PHYS 211 and PHYS 212) and two semesters of calculus (MATH 201 and 202) are required. A course selected from the following list of related humanities and social science courses also will be completed: HIST 170, 171, 270, 271, 272, 273, 279, 370; PHIL 218, 220; RELI 240; SOCI 130; UNIV 245, 246.

The recommended sequence for the bachelor of science major is as follows: