Program Requirements

About the major

The departments of Biology and Chemistry together offer the interdisciplinary major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology as an academic focus opportunity for students at the interface where biology and chemistry overlap. In this major, biologists and chemists come together to explore life at the cellular and molecular level by applying the molecular concepts of chemistry to the complex processes that exist within living biological systems.

This program is designed to prepare students for advanced study in the biological sciences, for professional study in a health field, or for a career in science or science education.

A major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology consists of 68 credit hours.

Departmental honors

Students may attain honors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology by fulfilling the following requirements:

  • By the end of the semester in which you accumulate 90 semester credit hours, select an honors faculty advisor and notify the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program Director in writing about the intention of attaining Honors
  • Complete the degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a grade point averages of 3.50 or above in the major and 3.25 or above overall
  • Complete at least four semester hours of research (CHM 401 and 402 or BIO 499) with a grade point average of 3.00 or above
  • Present the results of the research project at a research symposium or science meeting or publish the results of the research in a peer-reviewed journal