Additional Information
For the B.S. in Molecular Biology, a student, with assistance from their academic adviser, will design a program of study with General Science and Molecular Biology courses, including biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, cell biology and molecular laboratory methods. Additional courses may be selected to enhance competency in key Emphasis Areas such as Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Microbiology, or Preprofessional Health Sciences. Undergraduate research opportunities develop skillsets for graduate school, biotechnology employment or medical research.
Flexibility in course selection permits students to fulfill various requirements for postgraduate and professional schools. The molecular biology program is designed to prepare students for careers in molecular biological research, teaching, and medical or other health professional schools. Students have also progressed from a B.S. in Molecular Biology to careers in business, law, public health policy and genetic counseling.
MOLB Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Students will acquire fundamental understanding of molecular biological processes, learn laboratory and analytical skills, and develop competency in oral and written communication of scientific results and reviews. The MOLB Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are listed in categories, followed by the Bloom’s taxonomy level targeted by each PLO.
Fundamental principles in Molecular Biology
- Apply foundational concepts in molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, microbiology and genetics in answering questions in formative activities or summative assessments. (Bloom 3)
- Use core molecular biological principles in comprehension of primary research articles and reviews. (Bloom 3, 6)
- Integrate molecular biological concepts with principles in related fields such as developmental biology, molecular genetics, plant biology, immunology, endocrinology, physiology, clinical biochemistry and genetic disorders in developing an interdisciplinary understanding of molecular mechanisms. (Bloom 6)
Laboratory, Experimental and Research Skills
- Describe and use methods for safe practices in performing laboratory methods, and accurately record and summarize experimental results in an organized manner. (Bloom 1, 2, 3)
- Create hypotheses and develop experimental designs to test them. (Bloom 6)
- Demonstrate the use of basic scientific and laboratory skills in modern microbiology and molecular biology and construct alternate approaches to solve experimental problems. (Bloom 3, 5)
Analytical, Computational and Interpretive skills
- Employ mathematical, statistical, and computational tools including online resources, in analyses of experimental data. (Bloom 4)
- Critically evaluate data from primary literature resources. (Bloom 6)
- Use evidence-based scientific reasoning skills to develop and express interpretations consistent with available data. (Bloom 3)
Communication, Diversity and Translation of Scientific Research
- Employ collaborative skills for working on problems and presentations in groups, with a goal of being inclusive for all learners, who may be diverse in academic background, physical abilities, geographical origin, or practical experiences. (Bloom 3)
- Demonstrate effective dissemination of ideas and experimental results to a broader community using diverse oral, written and digital formats appropriate for different target audiences. (Bloom 3)
- Evaluate effects of, and ethical issues related to, molecular genetic advances on society. (Bloom 5)