UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS, MINORS, AND ASSOCIATED AREAS OF STUDY
SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY Few areas of Biological Sciences remain that are not impacted by studies at the chemical and molecular level. The major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is designed to provide a comprehensive background in this modern, conceptual understanding of biology. Students who wish to begin in-depth study of the molecular basis in any of a variety of fields, including development, gene expression, immunology, pathogenesis, disease, virology, and evolution, can do so through this major. This program will be especially attractive to those students who intend to pursue an advanced degree in biological or medical sciences. The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major is based upon required courses in Advanced Biochemistry and Advanced Molecular Biology (Biological Sciences M114 and M116). These courses, together with a wide variety of elective course offerings, provide majors the choice to either explore the breadth of the field or follow a more in-depth study of any of its subdisciplines. For students interested in the interface between biology and chemistry, this program articulates well with a second major in Chemistry. The program of study emphasizes laboratory experience and its integration with basic theory. This is accomplished in three ways: first, through coordination between the advanced courses in Biochemistry (M114) and Molecular Biology (M116), and laboratory courses in Biochemistry (M114L) and Molecular Biology (M116L) which provide students with the basic laboratory skills and an appreciation for the experimental foundations of the field; second, through advanced laboratories in Immunology (M121L) and Virology (M124L) which provide students with the opportunity to develop cutting edge research skills; and third, by emphasizing independent research sponsored by a participating faculty member. The program encourages the research interests of students in subdisciplines other than immunology or virology by offering the opportunity to substitute one year of independent research for the advanced laboratory. The major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is designed to provide students with the appropriate tools and training to successfully pursue graduate degrees that emphasize basic scientific research, including Ph.D. and M.S. training as well as combined M.D./Ph.D. programs. In addition, and particularly with the explosive growth in biotechnology and its significant influence in everyday life, graduates could use their backgrounds very effectively to pursue careers in business, education, law, and public affairs. - From the 2007-2008 UCI General Catalogue |
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