The biochemistry and molecular biology (BMB) interdisciplinary major is designed for students who wish to focus their curriculum and research on molecular and chemical mechanisms of biological processes. Application for admission to the major is by submission of a declaration of major form to the BMB Committee. Except in unusual cases, this application should be made no later than the end of the sophomore year. Before registering for thesis, BMB majors must pass junior qualifying examinations in both biology and chemistry.
Requirements for the Major
Exclusive of work needed to meet general college requirements:
1. Biology 101 and 102 (introductory biology); three units from among the following courses: 322 (Plant Physiology), 351 (Developmental Biology), 356 (Gene Regulation), 358 (Microbiology), 363 (Genes, Genetics, and Genomes), 372 (Cellular Biology), and 381 (Animal Physiology). One unit, but not more than two units, must include Biology 356, 358, or 363.
2. Chemistry 101 (Molecular Structure and Properties) and 102 (Chemical Reactivity); 201 and 202 (Organic Chemistry); 332 (Statistical Thermodynamics and Chemical Dynamics); and 391/392/394 (biochemistry sequence).
3. Physics 101 and 102 (General Physics I and II), preferably taken before the senior year.
4. Mathematics 111 (Calculus) and either 112 (Introduction to Analysis) or Mathematics 141 (Introduction to Probability and Statistics).
5. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 470 (thesis); candidates must submit a brief proposal to the interdisciplinary committee by the end of the second week of the semester in which thesis work is to commence.