Molecular Biology, B.S.

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The Molecular Biology B.S. degree includes courses in basic sciences, molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, cell biology, electives and research opportunities, in preparation for postgraduate studies.

Degree Requirements

This degree requires 120 credits, 42 of which are upper-division credits.

University Studies Program

This degree requires that The University Studies Program 2015 requirements are met before graduation. Some of the courses required for this major fulfill USP requirements, but not all. Students should check their degree evaluations and consult with their assigned academic advisor to discuss their specific course plan.

C 1 - Communication 1 (U5C1) (COM1) Credits: 3
C 2 - Communication 2 (U5C2) (COM2) Credits: 3
C 3 - Communication 3 (U5C3) (COM3) Credits: 3
Q - - Quantitative Reasoning (U5Q) Credits: 3
PN - - Physical and Natural World (1) (U5PN) Credits: 3
PN - - Physical and Natural World (2) (U5PN) Credits: 3
H - - Human Culture (1) (U5H) Credits: 3
H - - Human Culture (2) (U5H) Credits: 3
V - - U.S. & WY Constitution (U5V) Credits: 3
FYS or USP Elective - - Any 3-credit hour of FYS or 3-credit hours of USP electives Credits: 3

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. 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. 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 healthcare professional schools. Students may also progress from a B.S. in Molecular Biology to careers in business, law, public health policy, and genetic counseling.

Course Requirements

General Science Requirement: 36 Hours

LIFE 1010 - General Biology Credits: 4
CHEM 1020 - General Chemistry I Credits: 4
CHEM 1030 - General Chemistry II Credits: 4
CHEM 2420 - Organic Chemistry I Credits: 4
CHEM 2440 - Organic Chemistry II Credits: 4
PHYS 1110 - General Physics I Credits: 4
PHYS 1120 - General Physics II Credits: 4
MATH 2200 - Calculus I Credits: 4
STAT 2050 - Fundamentals of Statistics Credits: 4

MOLB Core Requirement: 32-33 Hours

MOLB 1020 - Genetically Modified Organisms, Present and Future Credits: 1
MOLB 2021 - General Microbiology Credits: 4
MOLB 3000 - Introduction to Molecular Biology Credits: 3
LIFE 3050 - Genetics Credits: 4
MOLB 3320 - Molecular Biological Methods Credits: 4
MOLB 3610 - Principles of Biochemistry Credits: 4
OR
CHEM 4400 - Biological Chemistry Credits: 3
MOLB 4600 - Advanced Biochemistry Credits: 3
MOLB 4053 - Communications in Molecular Biology Credits: 3
MOLB 4440 - Microbial Genetics Credits: 3
OR
MOLB 4450 - Cell and Developmental Genetics Credits: 3
MOLB 4670 - Advanced Molecular Cell Biology Credits: 3
MOLB 4051 - Departmental Seminar Credits: 1
OR
MOLB 4052 - Summer Seminar Credits: 1

MOLB Elective Requirement: 6 Hours

Courses from the following list that were not used to fulfill the MOLB Core Requirement may be applied to the MOLB Elective Requirement; a maximum of 3 credits of MOLB 4010 may be counted toward the MOLB Elective Requirement.

MOLB 4010 - Laboratory Research in Molecular Biology Credits: 1-3
MOLB 4050 - Student Seminar: Topics in ___ Credits: 1
MOLB 4100 - Clinical Biochemistry Credits: 4
MOLB 4260 - Quantitative Microscopy Credits: 1
MOLB 4400 - Immunology Credits: 4
MOLB 4440 - Microbial Genetics Credits: 3
MOLB 4450 - Cell and Developmental Genetics Credits: 3
MOLB 4460 - Microbial Physiology and Metabolism Credits: 3
MOLB 4540 - Microbial Diversity and Ecology Credits: 4
MOLB 4680 - Signaling in Host-microbe Interaction Credits: 3

Molecular Biology Emphasis Areas

A student may take additional courses that will further develop skills or enhance preparation for a chosen career objective. Lists of recommended courses are available from a molecular biology adviser for three emphasis areas (Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Microbiology, or Preprofessional Health Sciences).