2023-2024 Academic Catalog 
    
    Dec 09, 2024  
2023-2024 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BS


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study - Alphabetical

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science degree from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB BS) will focus on preparing students for careers in fields including, but not limited to, drug manufacturing and design, agriculture, forensic science (crime lab science), academic/clinical/industrial research and development, science education, and scientific writing. This degree will also prepare students for further professional training in human and veterinary medicine, physical therapy, physician assistancy, dentistry, pharmacy, and optometry.

Admission Requirements     

Students must complete BIO 1120, BIO 1150, CHM 1210 and CHM 1220 with their associated labs, and attain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in these courses.

Program Learning Outcomes

The main goal of this program is to prepare students for careers in fields related to biochemistry and molecular biology and/or admission into graduate and professional degree programs. The BMB BS program will follow the foundational and threshold concepts and skills accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). This major will serve as a personalized program for accelerated students who seek more individualized attention than would be possible at institutions with larger enrollments.

Beyond the content knowledge endorsed by ASBMB, the curriculum uses cutting edge science education pedagogies such as active learning, flipped classrooms, and formative assessment to build skills in teamwork, critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and oral/written communication. Within the curriculum are also many opportunities for students to be associated with hands-on, up-to-date research through independent studies, undergraduate research projects, and authentic research laboratory experiences.

Students will acquire the skills and practices to work effectively as a scientist in the scientific community.  BMB graduates will be able to:

  • Explain and apply core concepts of matter and energy transformation, including thermodynamics, catalysis, the coupling of exergonic and endergonic processes, and the nature of biological energy.
  • Explain and apply core concepts of macromolecular structure and function, including the nature of biological macromolecules, their interaction with water, the relationship between structure and function, and frequently encountered mechanisms for regulating their function.
  • Explain and apply core concepts of biological information, including the genome, the manner in which the information it contains is encoded and translated, and the mechanisms by which it is transmitted and maintained across generations.
  • Explain and apply the process of science, including hypothesis generation, experimental design, quantitative analysis, and data interpretation.
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Work effectively in teams.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Honors Program

The BMB honors program allows qualified students to carry out sustained independent projects under the guidance of faculty mentors. Students pursuing a major in BMB who have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.5 in their COSM courses and obtained a B or better in all their BMB courses may apply to the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology to pursue an honors program. Application for admission should be made by students who are currently taking, or have completed, BMB 4210: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I. Students interested in the honors program should seek additional information on the department website.

4+1 Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) also offers a combined 4+1 degree program leading to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Master of Science (M.S.) degrees within a five-year plan of study. Only exceptionally well-prepared students are admitted to the program. The 4+1 program provides an outstanding opportunity for the development of research skills and requires a written thesis. 

For More Information

​You may also contact:

College of Science and Mathematics Advising Center

106 Oelman Hall

937-775-3180

cosm-advisors@wright.edu

Program Requirements:


Wright State Core: 43 Hours


Element 1: Communication: 6 Hours


Element 2: Mathematics: 4 Hours


Element 3: Global Traditions: 6 Hours


Element 4: Arts and Humanities: 3 Hours


Element 5: Social Sciences: 6 Hours


Element 6: Natural Sciences: 8 Hours


Additional Core Courses: 10 Hours


Departmental Requirements and Electives: 14.5 Hours


BMB Non-independent Study Elective Courses*:  9 credit hours

Additional Approved CoSM Courses: 5.5 credit hours

*  BMB 4950 may count for 3 credits

General Electives: 3.0 Hours


Total: 120 Hours


Note: For graduation credit, all CoSM courses require a grade of C or better

        Those intending to apply to gradaute school should take a full year of calculus and calculus based physics.

Approved CoSM Electives Courses


Graduation Planning Strategy


The Graduation Planning Strategy (GPS) has been created to illustrate one option to complete degree requirements within a particular time frame. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to adjust this plan based on credit already earned, individual needs or curricular changes that may not be reflected in this year’s catalog.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BS (GPS)  

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 4+1 (GPS)  

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study - Alphabetical