Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program

Hope College

A common interest in the workings of the cell links biochemists and molecular biologists together. The wide variety of chemical reactions that occur in the cell are the interest of the biochemist, while the genetic storage, transfer and use of information is the domain of the molecular biologist, and structure-function relationships interests both. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology meld together into a rich understanding of the action and regulation of processes of life. The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major is a Bachelor of Science degree, offered jointly by the Biology and Chemistry departments, to train students in this exciting field. It was created using the guidelines developed by The American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, ensuring a thorough grounding in the discipline. Students will learn the concepts and skills required to be successful scientists in the field. Students will be prepared for graduate study in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and related fields, or entry into technical careers. The major also provides excellent preparation for professional degrees such as medicine, dentistry or veterinary science. Students take a rich, interdisciplinary core of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics courses that include the following:

Required Chemistry Courses
General Chemistry I and II w/ labs (Chem 125/127 and 126/128)
Organic Chem I and II w/ labs (Chem 221/255 and 231/256)
Biochemistry I and II and lab (Chem 311, 314, 315)
Physical Chemistry I (Chem 343, 345)
Required Biology Courses
Cells and Genetics (Biol 240)
Organismal Biology (Biol 260)
Ecology and Evolution (Biol 280)
Molecular Biology (Biol 366)
Required Cognate Courses
Calculus I and II (Math 131 and 132)
General Physics I and II w/ labs (Phys 121/141 and 122/142)
Advanced Courses
Students are required to take an additional eight credit hours from the Biology and
Chemistry offerings listed below. Students should take at least one from each
department.
Genetics (Biol 356/357)
Physical Chemistry II (Chem 344)
Cell Biology (Biol 348) and Cell Biology Lab (Bio 349)
Analytical Chemistry (Chem 331)
General Microbiology (Biol 301)
Inorganic Chemistry (Chem 322)
Neurochemistry and Disease (Biol/Chem 395)
Bioinformatics (Biol 395)
Embryology (Bio 355)

Other advanced courses may also be eligible for credit toward the biochemistry degree.  These decisions must be made by consultation with both the student’s advisor and the director of the Biochemistry Program.  Courses which are focused primarily at the biochemical and molecular level will be eligible for consideration.  Students are also strongly encouraged to take part in an organized primary literature review experience (such as journal clubs) and to participate in independent research.

Compare Requirements for Biochemistry, Biology and Chemistry

Suggested Sequence of classes to take

ASBMB-Hope College Program description and Requirements

National

The ASBMB Undergraduate Affiliate Network (UAN) is a national organization comprised of university-based chapters dedicated to the advancement of undergraduate research, research-based undergraduate education, and K-12 outreach in biochemistry and molecular biology. 

http://www.asbmb.org/

http://www.asbmb.org/CareersAndEducation.aspx?id=2374