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 boats 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
(816) 271-5873
eckdahl@missouriwestern.edu
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.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Bachelor of Science, B.S.)
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.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies | ||
| 42-47 | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| BIO 105 | Principles of Organismal Biology | 4 |
| BIO 106 | Principles of Cell Biology | 4 |
| BIO 205 | Genetics | 4 |
| BIO 225 | Ecology | 4 |
| BIO 410 | Molecular Cell Biology | 4 |
| or BIO 430 | Molecular Basis of Disease | |
| CHE 111 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHE 120 | General Chemistry II with Qualitative Analysis | 5 |
| CHE 310 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHE 311 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 2 |
| CHE 321 | Quantitative Analysis | 4 |
| CHE 340 | Physical Chemistry for the Biological Sciences | 4-5 |
| or CHE 383/384 | Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Kinetics | |
| CHE 370 | Biochemistry I | 4 |
| CHE 470 | Biochemistry II | 3 |
| CHE 495 | Seminar in Chemistry | 2 |
| Select one of the following: | 8-10 | |
| College Physics I and College Physics II | ||
| University Physics I and University Physics II | ||
| Select one of the following: | 5-6 | |
| Calculus with Analytic Geometry I: Differentiation and Calculus with Analytic Geometry I: Integration | ||
| Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select a minimum of twelve credit hours from Biology or Chemistry courses numbered 300 or higher. 1 | 12 | |
| 1 | CHE 383 Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Kinetics may not be used as an elective course if CHE 340 Physical Chemistry for the Biological Sciences is taken in the core requirements. CHE 426 Instrumental Methods may not be taken as an elective if CHE 326 Instrumental Analysis is taken. |
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.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Certification Requirements | ||
| CHE 383 & CHE 384 | Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Kinetics and Physical Chemistry Laboratory: Thermodynamics and Kinetics | 5 |
| PHY 210 & PHY 211 | University Physics I and University Physics II | 10 |
| CHE 312 & CHE 313 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II | 5 |
| CHE 381 & CHE 382 | Physical Chemistry: Chemical Dynamics and Quantum Mechanics and Physical Chemistry Laboratory: Chemical Dynamics and Quantum Mechanics | 4 |
| CHE 326 | Instrumental Analysis | 4-5 |
| or CHE 426 | Instrumental Methods | |
| CHE 441 | Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| MAT 177 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | 5 |
Graduation Requirements
- Earn a minimum of 120 credit hours, including 60 from a senior college (100 level and higher, maximum of 6 CED credit hours applicable).
- 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.
- Earn 30 of the last 45 credit hours at MWSU in institutional coursework (exclusive of credit by examination).
- Participate in required departmental and campus wide assessments.
- Earn an overall GPA of at least 2.0 and a major GPA of at least 2.0.
- Fulfill the Missouri Constitution requirement.
- Successfully pass the Missouri Higher Education Civics Achievement exam.
Mapping your degree plan is important. Consult with your academic advisor to create a plan and monitor it regularly.