Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
2011-12 General Catalog
Physical and Biological Sciences Undergraduate Affairs Office
387 Thimann Laboratories
(831) 459-4143
http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu
Program Description
Research at the macromolecular, molecular, and atomic levels is revolutionizing our understanding of the fundamental processes of life. Students interested in joining this search are best prepared by undertaking coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science. Toward this end, an undergraduate major in biochemistry and molecular biology (BMB) is offered by faculty who are actively engaged in research on biological systems.
Students who declare the BMB major earn a bachelor of science (B.S.) degree. The BMB major constitutes an integrated curriculum of basic instruction in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, followed by the opportunity to pursue advanced study in specialized areas of interest. In modern, well-equipped laboratories, distinguished faculty are engaged in frontline research at UCSC. The Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology host very active seminar series of national and international scholars in which advanced undergraduates are encouraged to participate.
The BMB program features close faculty-student interaction, small upper-division classes, stimulating learning environments, and opportunities for independent research and study. Students majoring in BMB are encouraged to become involved in research under the guidance of a faculty sponsor. Many students participating in this aspect of the program have made important contributions to the scientific literature.
Given the wide scope and interdisciplinary nature of this program, a considerable degree of flexibility has been incorporated into the major. All prospective majors should see the BMB academic adviser in the Undergraduate Affairs Office as early as possible. Junior transfer students or others with questions should consult the Undergraduate Affairs web site at http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu/. A double major of BMB with the biological sciences majors or chemistry is not permitted. No minor is offered.
Requirements for the B.S. Degree
Lower-Division Requirements
General Chemistry: Chemistry 1A, 1B/M, and 1C/N
Calculus: Mathematics 11A-B and 22; or Mathematics 19A-B and 22
Statistics: Applied Mathematics and Statistics 5 or 7/L
Introductory Biology: Biology: Molecular, Cell, and Developmental (BIOL) 20A and Biology: Ecology and Evolutionary (BIOE) 20B
Physics: Physics 5A/L, 5B/M, and 5C/N; or 6A/L, 6B/M, and 6C/N
Upper-Division Requirements
Organic Chemistry: Chemistry 108A/L, 108B/M or 112A/L, 112B/M, and 112C/N
Biochemistry: BIOC 100A, 100B, and 100C and BIOL 100K
Genetics: BIOL 105
Cell Biology: BIOL 110
Molecular Biology: BIOL 115
Physical Chemistry: Chemistry 163A and 163B
One of the following laboratory courses:
BIOC 110L, Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory
BIOL 100L, Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory
BIOL 105L, Eukaryotic Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 105M, Microbial Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 109L, Yeast Molecular Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 110L, Cell Biology Laboratory
BIOL 115L, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology Laboratory
BIOL 119L, Microbiology Laboratory
BIOL 121L, Environmental Phage Biology Laboratory
BIOL 186L, Undergraduate Research in MCD Biology
BIOL 187L, Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory
Biomolecular Engineering (BME) 122, Environmental Virus Bioinformatics Laboratory
Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement
Students of every major must satisfy that major’s upper-division Disciplinary Communication (DC) requirement. The DC requirement in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is satisfied by completing one of the following courses: BIOC 110L, BIOL 100L, 105L, 105M, 109L, 110, 115L, 119L, 121L, 186L, 187L, or BME 122. Please refer to updated information at
http://reg.ucsc.edu/catalog/html/disciplinarycommunicationchart.html.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Planner
http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu/programs/bioc/biocbs.html
Comprehensive Requirement
Students have the following options for fulfilling the comprehensive requirement:
- By completing a senior thesis (see Chemistry and Biochemistry for more information);
- By completing a senior essay (see Chemistry and Biochemistry for more information);
- By receiving a passing grade in an independent research laboratory
BIOC 110L, Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory
BIOL 100L, Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory
BIOL 105L, Eukaryotic Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 105M, Microbial Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 109L, Yeast Molecular Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 110L, Cell Biology Laboratory
BIOL 115L, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology Laboratory
BIOL 119L, Microbiology Laboratory
BIOL 121L, Environmental Phage Biology Laboratory
BIOL 186L, Undergraduate Research in MCD Biology
BIOL 187L, Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory
BME 122, Environmental Virus Bioinformatics Laboratory
- By achieving a graduate record examination (GRE) score at or above the 50th percentile on the biology subject test or the biochemistry, cell, and molecular biology subject test. Reports of GRE scores must be submitted to the Physical and Biological Sciences Undergraduate Affairs office before the last day of the graduating quarter.
- By obtaining a medical college admission test (MCAT) score at or above the 50ths percentile on the biological sciences section. Reports of MCAT scores must be submitted to the biological sciences advising office before the last day of the graduating quarter.
Program Planning Notes
Students who do not begin the lower-division requirements during their first year may have difficulty completing the program within four years. Transfer students who transfer to UCSC prior to completing their introductory requirements will have problems completing the program within the allotted time. The BMB academic adviser works closely with students interested in pursuing the major to insure that they begin the program immediately and follow the appropriate steps toward its completion.
It is strongly recommended that students avail themselves of the opportunities to obtain firsthand research experience through either independent study or senior thesis research. A tutorial course or a senior thesis research course may not be substituted for the required laboratory elective.
A number of graduate courses in biochemistry and molecular biology are offered by the molecular, cell, and developmental (MCD) biology, and chemistry and biochemistry programs. Advanced undergraduates with the necessary background may take one or more of these courses with the consent of the instructor; however, graduate courses may not be substituted for the required elective courses.
Letter Grade Policy
For all students entering UCSC in fall 2001 and later, all courses used to satisfy any of the major requirements must be taken for a letter grade.
Major Disqualification Policy
All biochemistry and molecular biology majors are subject to the Biological Sciences major disqualification policy.
Materials Fee
Biochemistry and molecular biology students should be aware of the materials fee required for some laboratory courses. The fee is billed to the student’s account for specific laboratory materials purchased by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry through the university. Fees generally range from $15 to $75 per course. Students may incur additional expenses purchasing individual supplies.
Revised: 8/13/12
