Biochemistry/Molecular Biology Major

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The biochemistry/molecular biology major is an interdepartmental major offered by the biology and chemistry departments that provides students with a strong background in chemistry and biology with an emphasis on molecular aspects. Through selected electives, students may concentrate on specific areas of interest. Students have excellent opportunities within the departments of biology and chemistry to engage in independent research projects. Graduates are prepared to pursue employment in biochemical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnological laboratories, and further study in the health professions or graduate research institutions. Note that biochemistry/molecular biology majors may not double major, or minor, in biology or chemistry. To declare this major, a student must have a minimum 2.0 GPA in at least two (2) of the courses taken at Rollins listed in the major requirements. At least seven (7) courses required for the Biochemistry/Molecular Biology major must be taken at Rollins College or as part of a Rollins sanctioned program.

Major Requirements

Ten (10) core courses and an additional 14 semester hours of elective course credit are required. At least seven (7) courses must be at the 300-400 level. Satisfactory performance on a comprehensive standardized examination is required of all majors.

Core Courses

Biology

Chemistry

CHM 120 - Chemistry I Crs:
CHM 121 - Chemistry II Crs:
CHM 220/220L - Organic Chemistry I Crs:
CHM 221/221L - Organic Chemistry II Crs:

Biochemistry

BCH 335 - Biochemistry Crs:
BCH 435 - Advanced Biochemistry Crs:
BCH 440 - Senior Seminar in Biochemistry Crs:
or
BCH 499 - Independent Study: Research I and II Crs:

Electives

Minimum fourteen (14) semester credit hours, comprising at least three courses, chosen from the following list. At least one of these electives must be a course with a lab.

BIO 308 - Genetics Crs:
BIO 311 - Plant Physiology Crs:
BIO 312 - Animal Physiology Crs:
BIO 325 - Medicinal Botany Crs:
BIO 342 - Biostatistics Crs:
BIO 360 - Cellular Biology Crs:
BIO 370 - Developmental Biology Crs:
BIO 429 - Immunology Crs:
BCH 498 - Independent Study: Research I and II Crs:
CHM 301 - Inorganic Chemistry Crs:
CHM 305 - Physical Chemistry I Crs:
CHM 306 - Physical Chemistry II Crs:
CHM 320 - Analytical Chemistry Crs:
CHM 380 - Instrumental Analysis Crs:
CHM 460 - Topics in Chemistry Crs:
PSY 324 - BIO-COG: Neuropsychology Crs:
PSY 326 - BIO: Physiological Psychology Crs:

Recommendations

Students preparing for graduate programs in biology or professional schools, in health-related areas such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or pharmacy, need a thorough introduction to physics and possibly calculus. Therefore, they should take PHY 120 and PHY 121 or PHY 131 and (a) calculus course(s). Students contemplating careers and graduate study in biochemistry or pharmaceutical chemistry should include PHY 120 and PHY 121 or PHY 131 , MAT 111 and MAT 112 , and a full year of physical chemistry – CHM 305 and CHM 306 .