Molecular Biology BS
Program Purpose
Molecular biology is the basic science that has as its goal an explanation of life processes at the subcellular and molecular level. Recent years have seen explosive advances in the study of DNA and molecular genetics, including gene cloning, sequencing and mapping. Developments in molecular biology have opened new areas of study and provided powerful techniques that are revolutionizing the pharmaceutical, health, and agricultural industries. They have spawned new industries in biotechnology, and opened avenues for answering basic and applied questions in all of the life sciences.
Molecular biology students complete a comprehensive curriculum in the fundamentals of science and are prepared to address problems in the biochemical, biological and agricultural sciences. The requirements of the molecular biology major assure competence in the broad scientific theory and application of molecular biology, while allowing flexibility for students to develop strength in their biochemical, biological or agricultural discipline.
Curricular Structure
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS (57-64.0 total hours)
Complete the following biology core requirements: PDBio 120 Science of Biology, MMBio 240* Molecular Biology, MMBio 241 Molecular & Cellular Biol Lab, PWS 340* Genetics ,PDBio 360 Cell Biology, Bio 420 Evolutionary Biol.
Complete the following chemistry classes: Chem 105* General College Chemistry, Chem 106 General College Chemistry, Chem 107 General College Chem Lab, Chem 351 Organic Chemistry, Chem 352 Organic Chemistry, one credit of Chem 353 Organic Chemistry Laboratory, Chem 481 Biochemistry 1.
Complete the following molecular biology core requirements: MMBio 265 Genomics, MMBio 390R Readings in Molecular Biol, MMBio 441 Adv Molecular Biology, MMBio 442 Adv Molecular Biology Lab, MMBio 490R Molecular Biology Seminar
Complete two registrations of the following (not same semester or term) of 1-3 hours each as approved by mentor: MMBio 494R Mentored Research
Complete one of the following options: Math 119 Introduction to Calculus or Math 112 Calculus 1 and Math 113 Calculus 2
Complete the following Physics classes: Phscs 105 Introductory Applied Physics, Phscs 106 Introductory Applied Physics
Complete at least 10 hours from the following: Bio 465 Bioinformatics, Chem 461 Physical Chemistry, Chem 468 Biophysical Chemistry, Chem 482 Biochemistry 2, Chem 581 Advanced Biochemistry Methods 1, Chem 584 Biochemistry Lab/Proteins, Chem 586 Biochem Lab/Nucleic Acids, MMBio 151 Introduction to Microbiology, MMBio 361 Infection and Immunity, MMBio 399R Internship, MMBio 430 Advanced Cell Biology, MMBio 460 Microbial Genetics, MMBio 463 Immunology, MMBio 465 Virology, MMBio 466 Virology Lab, MMBio 467 Immunology Lab, PWS 486 Plant Cell Biology, PWS 525 Plant Development, PWS 580 Plant Transformation, PWS 586 Plant Cell Biology, PDBio 482 Developmental Biology, PDBio 582 Develoopmental Genetics.
Recommended Courses Engl 316. Phscs 107, 108.
Co-Curricular activities: Hands-on laboratory research experience is absolutely essential to the education of the Molecular biology major. Mentored undergraduate research provides a practical learning base to complement their studies. Students are encouraged to become involved in laboratory research, producing data that leads to publications and presentations at national and international meetings.
The department has also initiated an internship program to help students find summer internships in the discipline. The department internship office informs the students of various internship programs, provides detailed information on each program, and tracks the students' progress ensuring the student has the best possible experience.
Molecular biology has advanced rapidly in recent years. Our curriculum reflects current developments. Our faculty studies the current literature, maintains active research programs, mentors undergraduate and graduate students, and seeks to implement innovative pedagogies.
Learning Outcomes
Molecular Biology Fundamentals
Understand and apply the principles and techniques of molecular biology which prepares students for further education and/or employment in teaching, basic research, or the health professions.
Formulate and carry out independent and collaborative research projects.
Communication skills in presenting their research findings through effective oral and written presentations.
Evidence of Learning
Direct Measures
- Students will take the ETS Biology Field Test at graduation to assess their learning in the core areas of molecular, cell, and evolutionary biology and genetics.
- Grades and reports from MMBIO 494R, Mentored Research courses, will be used to assess student performance in carrying out research projects.
- Student grades in MMBIO courses requiring written assignments and oral presenntations will be quantified as evidence of effective communication skills.
- In the exit interview, student commitment to professional integrity and ethical behavior consistent with mission of the university and accepted standards of professional conduct will be reaffirmed by the department chair.
Indirect Measures
- Student employment and educational plans and status will be tracked by exit interviews and the 5-year post-graduation questionnaire to determine success in educational and career goals.
- Research proficiency and communication skills will be measured indirectly by quantifying student presentations in research conferences and co-authorship of research papers in peer-reviewed journals.
Learning and Teaching Assessment and Improvement
The faculty will meet annually at a retreat to discuss and analyze the assessment data (both direct and indirect measures). From these discussions, appropriate plans will be made to improve student performance and to coordinate the activities of the individual classes so that students can accomplish their desired learning outcomes. This cycle of analysis and planning will occur yearly as a department.