Structural Biology and Biophysics (BS)
This B.S. program is suitable for students with interests in the chemical and physical aspects of molecules, using biochemistry and biophysical chemistry to study the structure, function, and interactions of biological molecules such as viruses, RNA, DNA, and proteins. Many opportunities for independent research are available to undergraduates.
Requirements
A total of 36 credits at the 2000-level or above from the following courses are required for the major.
Prerequisites
The following courses at the 1000 level are prerequisites for the major:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 1107 | Principles of Biology I | 4 |
| MATH 1131Q & MATH 1132Q | Calculus I and Calculus II | 8 |
| Select one of the following sequences: | 8-10 | |
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | ||
| Honors General Chemistry I and Honors General Chemistry II | ||
| Fundamentals of General Chemistry I and Fundamentals of General Chemistry II and Fundamentals of General Chemistry III | ||
| Select one of the following sequences: | 8 | |
| General Physics with Calculus I and General Physics with Calculus II | ||
| Physics for Engineers I and Physics for Engineers II | ||
| Fundamentals of Physics I and Fundamentals of Physics II | ||
Required Courses
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 2110Q | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| or MATH 2130Q | ||
| MATH 2210Q | Applied Linear Algebra | 3 |
| or MATH 2410Q | Elementary Differential Equations | |
| or MATH 2420Q | ||
| CHEM 2445 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 3 |
| MCB 3003 | Biophysical Chemistry I | 3 |
| MCB 3004 | Biophysical Chemistry II | 3 |
| MCB 3010 | Biochemistry | 5-8 |
| or MCB 2000 & MCB 4026W | Introduction to Biochemistry and Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory | |
| MCB 4008 | Techniques of Biophysical Chemistry | 3 |
| MCB 4009 | Structure and Function of Biological Macromolecules | 3 |
Recommended Courses
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MCB 2210 | Cell Biology | 3 |
| MCB 2410 | Genetics | 3 |
| MCB 2610 | Fundamentals of Microbiology | 4 |
| MCB 3201 | Gene Expression | 3 |
| MCB 3412 | Genetic Engineering and Functional Genomics | 3 |
| MCB 3413 | Concepts of Genetic Analysis | 4 |
| MCB 3421 | Introduction to Molecular Evolution and Bioinformatics | 3 |
| MCB 3617 | Molecular Biology and Genetics of Prokaryotes | 4 |
| MCB 3899 | Independent Study | 1-6 |
| MCB 4026W | Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| MCB 4997W | Senior Honors Research Thesis | 3 |
| MCB 5035 | 3 | |
| CHEM 3332 | Quantitative Analytical Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 4551 | Introduction to Quantum Chemistry | 3 |
| MATH 3210 | Abstract Linear Algebra | 3 |
To satisfy the writing in the major and information literacy competency requirements, all students must take one of the following courses:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MCB 3841W | Research Literature in Molecular and Cell Biology | 3 |
| MCB 4026W | Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| MCB 4997W | Senior Honors Research Thesis | 3 |
| CHEM 3170W | Technical Communications | 3 |
| CHEM 4196W | Thesis for Undergraduate Chemistry Majors | 3 |
| Any W course approved for this major | 3 | |
University General Education Requirements
Every student must meet a set of core requirements to earn a baccalaureate degree, in addition to those required by the student's major course of study and other requirements set by the student's school or college. For more information about these requirements, please see General Education Requirements.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Degree Requirements
Students must meet a set of requirements established by the college in addition to the University's General Education requirements. For more information, see the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section of this catalog.