MWSU’s Biology and Chemistry departments offer a collaborative degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major is offered jointly by the departments of Biology and Chemistry. A Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology prepares graduates for entry-level work in areas such as life science industry or entry into graduate schools. Students have the option to earn this degree with American Chemical Society (ACS) certification, allowing them to graduate college with professional certification.

Quick Facts about this degree:

  • The Biology Department boasts a biological chemistry lab that contains $500,000 worth of equipment, including a DNA Sequencer and Synthesizer.
  • MWSU students in this program gain extensive hands-on experience in all labs through class work and independent research.
  • The Biology Department has been awarded millions of dollars in National Science Foundation (NSF) grants to support undergraduate student research.
  • Professors work very closely with students on research projects, which a high percentage of students presenting their findings at professional meetings.
  • Check out Research & Internships to explore applied research opportunities offered by the MWSU Biology Department.

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Advisors

Dr. Todd Eckdahl

Dr. Todd Eckdahl
(816) 271-5873
eckdahl@missouriwestern.edu

Dr. Michael Grantham

Dr. Michael Grantham
(816) 271-5603
mgrantham@missouriwestern.edu

Questions about the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology or the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with ACS Certification degrees? Contact one of these advisors or contact the Biology Department at (816) 271-4379 or biology1@missouriwestern.edu.

Students working in a lab

The Bachelor of Science Major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is an interdisciplinary program offered jointly by the departments of Biology and Chemistry. It is designed to prepare students for graduate level education or careers in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, and related biotechnology fields.

General Studies
42-47
Major Requirements
BIO 105Principles of Organismal Biology4
BIO 106Principles of Cell Biology4
BIO 205Genetics4
BIO 225Ecology4
BIO 310Molecular Cell Biology4
or BIO 430 Molecular Basis of Disease
CHE 111General Chemistry I5
CHE 120General Chemistry II with Qualitative Analysis5
CHE 310Organic Chemistry I3
CHE 311Organic Chemistry Laboratory I2
CHE 321Quantitative Analysis4
CHE 340Foundations of Physical Chemistry4
CHE 370Biochemistry I4
CHE 470Biochemistry II3
PHY 110College Physics I4
PHY 111College Physics II4
MAT 167Calculus with Analytic Geometry I5
Electives
Select a minimum of twelve credit hours from Biology or Chemistry courses numbered 300 or higher. 12

ACS Certification in Biochemistry

Students are eligible to receive certification in the area of Biochemistry from the American Chemical Society (ACS) if the following course work is completed.

Certification Requirements
CHE 312
CHE 313
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
5
CHE 326Instrumental Analysis4
CHE 441Advanced Inorganic Chemistry3
CHE 480Advanced Physical Chemistry4
MAT 177Calculus with Analytic Geometry II3
or MAT 287 Multivariable Calculus

Program Graduation Requirements  

  1. Earn an overall GPA of at least 2.0 and a major GPA of at least 2.0.

University Graduation Requirements 

  1. Earn a minimum of 120 credit hours (100 level and higher, maximum of 6 CED credit hours applicable).
  2. Earn a minimum of 30 credit hours in upper-division courses.  Lower-division transfer courses accepted as meeting upper-division departmental course requirements cannot be used to fulfill this requirement.
  3. Earn 30 of the last 45 credit hours at MWSU in institutional coursework (exclusive of credit by examination).
  4. Participate in required departmental and campus wide assessments. 
  5. Fulfill the Missouri Constitution requirement.
  6. Successfully pass the Missouri Higher Education Civics Achievement exam. 
Are you ready to declare this major? Download, sign and submit the form(s) to the Biology Department.

Mapping your degree plan is important. Consult with your academic advisor to create a plan and monitor it regularly.