Molecular biology/biochemistry

Major in molecular biology/biochemistry

55-58 credit hours

• Biol 115, Ecology and Evolution 4
• Biol 120, Cell Biology and Genetics 4
• Biol 130, Organismal Biology 4
• One of the following4
  • Biol 311, Advanced Molecular Genetics
  • Biol 341, Advanced Cell Biology
• One of the following4
  • Biol 302, Developmental Biology
  • Biol 303, Vertebrate Physiology
• Biol 331, Junior Research Seminar 2
• Biol 409, Internship 0-3
• Biol 410, Biology Senior Seminar 1
• Chem 111-112, General Chemistry 8
• Chem 303-304, Organic Chemistry 8
• Chem 430, Biochemistry 4
• Math 211, Calculus I 4
• Phys 203-204, General Physics 8

Student learning outcomes

Graduates in molecular biology/biochemistry will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of core biological principles spanning all levels of hierarchy (cells to ecosystems).
2. Provide examples of the fundamental role that evolutionary principles have in structuring biological systems from the cell to ecosystems.
3. Design and implement experiments through developing research questions, designing research methods, and interpreting and analyzing data using statistical techniques.
4. Use strong oral and writing skills to communicate scientific concepts.
5. Articulate how faith and/or worldview informs personal bioethical attitudes and behaviors.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of the dynamic nature of interactions between the cell and its environment.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of the cell as an integrated system that can cooperate and organize to form more complex integrated structures.
8. Demonstrate safety and competence in laboratory skills: cell culture techniques, DNA/RNA isolation and analysis, gel electrophoresis, and microscopy.

Planning and advising notes

Recommended elective courses: Psyc 100, General Psychology; additional biology courses; Chem 200, Analytical Chemistry; Chem 310, Thermodynamics; and Chem 312, Quantum Mechanics I.

Graduates with a molecular biology major are well-prepared for further study in medical or graduate school, or direct entry into the job market. Molecular biology provides a foundation for careers in biochemistry, molecular biology, behavior genetics, molecular genetics, biotechnology, genetics, molecular medicine, genomics, proteomics, molecular diagnostics, drug discovery and many related areas.

A double major in biology, environmental science, or molecular biology/biochemistry is not allowed. 

Planning guide

First year	Goshen Core Ecology & Evolution (fall) Cell Biology & Genetics (spring) Organismal Biology (spring) General Chemistry
Second year	Goshen Core Calculus I Organic Chemistry Biology choice SST (summer)
Third year	Goshen Core Biochemistry General Physics Junior Research Seminar Biology choice
Fourth year	Balance of Goshen Core Balance of major Internship Biology Senior Seminar