Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Few areas of Biological Sciences remain that are not impacted by studies at the chemical and molecular level. The major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is designed to provide a comprehensive background in this modern, conceptual understanding of biology. Students who wish to begin in-depth study of the molecular basis in any of a variety of fields, including development, gene expression, immunology, pathogenesis, disease, virology, and evolution, can do so through this major. This program will be especially attractive to those students who intend to pursue an advanced degree in biological or medical sciences.

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major is based upon required courses in Advanced Biochemistry and Advanced Molecular Biology (BIO SCI M114 and BIO SCI M116 ). These courses, together with a wide variety of elective course offerings, provide majors the choice to either explore the breadth of the field or follow a more in-depth study of any of its subdisciplines. For students interested in the interface between biology and chemistry, this program articulates well with a second major in Chemistry.

The program of study emphasizes laboratory experience and its integration with basic theory. This is accomplished in three ways: first, through coordination between the advanced courses in Biochemistry (BIO SCI M114 ) and Molecular Biology (BIO SCI M116 ), and laboratory courses in Biochemistry (BIO SCI M114L ) and Molecular Biology (BIO SCI M116L ) which provide students with the basic laboratory skills and an appreciation for the experimental foundations of the field; second, through advanced laboratories in Immunology (BIO SCI M121L ) and Virology which provide students with the opportunity to develop cutting edge research skills; and third, by emphasizing independent research sponsored by a participating faculty member. The program encourages the research interests of students in subdisciplines other than immunology or virology by offering the opportunity to substitute one year of independent research for the advanced laboratory.

The major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is designed to provide students with the appropriate tools and training to successfully pursue graduate degrees that emphasize basic scientific research, including Ph.D. and M.S. training as well as combined M.D./Ph.D. programs. In addition, and particularly with the explosive growth in biotechnology and its significant influence in everyday life, graduates could use their backgrounds very effectively to pursue careers in business, education, law, and public affairs.

Admission

The major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is open to junior- and senior-level students only. Applications to declare the major are due in the spring (typically of the second year). Review of applications submitted at that time and selection to the major by the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Board is completed during the summer. Information can also be found at the UCI Change of Major Criteria website. Double majors within the School of Biological Sciences or with Public Health Sciences, Biomedical Engineering: Premedical, Nursing Science, or Pharmaceutical Sciences are not permitted.

Requirements

All students must meet the University Requirements.

All students must meet the School Requirements.

Major Requirements

Application Process to Declare the Major: The major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is open to junior- and senior-level students only. Applications to declare the major can be made at any time, but typically in the spring of the sophomore year. Review of applications submitted at that time and selection to the major by the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Board is completed during the summer. Information can also be found at the UCI Change of Major Criteria website. Double majors within the School of Biological Sciences or with Public Health Sciences, Biomedical Engineering: Premedical, Nursing Science, or Pharmaceutical Sciences are not permitted.

Sample Program

Freshman

Fall	Winter	Spring
BIO SCI 93	BIO SCI 94	CHEM 1C& CHEM 1LC
BIO SCI 90L	CHEM 1B	STATS 7 or 8 (or MATH 5A or General Education)
CHEM 1A	Lower-Division Writing1	Lower-Division Writing1
BIO SCI 2A

Sophomore

Fall	Winter	Spring
BIO SCI 97	BIO SCI 98	BIO SCI 99
CHEM 51A	CHEM 51B& CHEM 51LB	CHEM 51C& CHEM 51LC
CHEM 1LD	MATH 5B (or General Education)
MATH 5A or 5B

Junior

Fall	Winter	Spring
Biochem./Mol. elective	BIO SCI M114	BIO SCI M116
Research/Elective	PHYSICS 3B& PHYSICS 3LB	Biochem./Mol. elective
BIO SCI 100	Biochem./Mol. elective	PHYSICS 3C& PHYSICS 3LC
PHYSICS 3A	Biochem./Mol. elective

Senior

Fall	Winter	Spring
BIO SCI M114L	BIO SCI M116L	Bio. Sci. elective or lab
Biochem./Mol. elective	Research/Elective	Research/Elective
Research/Elective	General Education/Elective	General Education/Elective
General Education/Elective

1. Students have the option of taking HUMAN 1AS, HUMAN 1BS, HUMAN 1CS or WRITING 40, WRITING 50, WRITING 60 in order to fulfill the lower-division writing requirement.