Biology, Molecular Biology Concentration, Major

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This area of concentration within the Biology major is designed to prepare students for positions in academic, clinical or industrial biotechnology laboratories. It also prepares students for graduate study in genetics, molecular biology and other fields of the life sciences.

Program Learning Outcomes

Please see the Biology Major .

Major Requirements (65 units)

Students must declare the Molecular Biology Emphasis by the end of the junior year.

Lower Division (12 Units)

Complete the following:

Biochemistry Elective (4 - 8 units)

Complete one of the following options:

Molecular Biology Required Courses (12 units)

Complete the following:

Upper Division Electives w/ Lab (8 Units)

16 units of upper division electives, including at least three laboratory courses (4 units of BIOL 498 /BIOL 598 may be counted as one laboratory elective)

Upper Division (8 Units)

Complete 8 units from following:

Supporting Courses (25 - 28 units)

Area I: General Chemistry

Complete the following:

Area II: Mathematics

Complete one of the following:

Area III: Physics

Complete one of the following options:

Option I -Introductory Physics I & II

Option II - General Physics I & II

Area IV: Organic Chemistry

Choose one of the following options:

Option I - Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry

Option II - Organic Chemistry

Biology Preparation for Post-Baccalaureate Programs

Requirements

Students should consult with their advisor to determine the best program for their individual needs. Those who wish to apply to medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy or other graduate schools should also ascertain the specific admission requirements for the professional schools to which they plan to apply. Consultation with the academic advisor is recommended and the standard curriculum can then be enhanced accordingly.

Students may also wish to complete requirements for a minor in Chemistry or Biochemistry .

Prerequisites

Registration in upper division Biology courses has a prerequisite of CHEM 230 or CHEM 236 and requires a GPA of 2.0 or higher for combined grades earned in BIOL- 104, BIOL 105 , BIOL 106 and BIOL 212 (or equivalent).

Environmental Science majors

For Environmental Science majors, the prerequisite for registration in upper division Biology courses is completion of ENVS 212 and a GPA of 2.0 or higher for combined grades earned in BIOL 105 , BIOL 106 , and CHEM 236 (or equivalent).