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
All students admitted to Wright State are eligible to be directly admitted into the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program.
Program Overview
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.
Program Learning Objectives
Students enrolled in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology BS program will learn 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.
Program Learning Outcomes
As a result of their learning experience, graduates of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology BS program can:
- 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.
Combined Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BS & Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, MS
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) also offers a combined degree program leading to both a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Master of Science (M.S.) degree within a five-year plan of study. Only exceptionally well-prepared students are admitted to the program. The combined degree program provides an outstanding opportunity for the development of research skills and requires a written thesis.
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