THE MAJOR
Offered jointly by the Departments of Biology and Chemistry, the undergraduate Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree program aims to provide students with the knowledge necessary for a comprehensive understanding of how chemical processes and molecular mechanisms impact biological systems. To that end, the curriculum described here includes a variety of courses across chemistry and biology disciplines: cell biology and genetics act as a foundation in biochemistry, organic and biophysical chemistry provide an understanding of relevant reactions and molecular interactions, and upper-level electives in biochemistry and molecular biology provide a focused, in-depth view of specialized topics. Through this carefully designed curriculum, students will develop the critical thinking, analytical, and technical skills necessary to be creative, effective, and responsible scientists. Biochemistry and molecular biology represents a growing interdisciplinary field, and when coupled with a strong liberal arts education, students graduating with this degree would be well-prepared for a wide range of careers in industry or professional and graduate schools.
BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY COMMUNICATION
All biochemistry and molecular biology majors will develop their skills as speakers and as writers. Beginning in introductory courses, students learn the fundamentals of recordkeeping and the dissemination of laboratory data through the completion of detailed laboratory notebooks. CHEM 345: Junior Chemistry Seminar focuses on the mechanisms chemists use to disseminate information, both orally and in print, with students preparing and delivering an oral presentation. Foundations of Chemical Analysis (CHEM 312) and Physical Chemistry II Lab (CHEM 326) are writing-enhanced courses where students prepare multiple formal laboratory reports, some in the format of an article in a professional journal. Many other BIOL and CHEM courses involve formal and informal writing and speaking experiences in a variety of settings.
DEPARTMENTAL HONORS IN BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY:
Academic Requirements for Departmental Honors
Upon graduation, the student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or greater.
Students must score at or above the 75th percentile on the American Chemical Society nationally-normed exam for a two-semester sequence of Biochemistry.
Research Requirements for Departmental Honors
The student must design and conduct an original research project in consultation with a Truman Biology or Chemistry faculty member. If the research is conducted outside of Truman (e.g., at A.T. Still University (ATSU) or a summer program), a consulting Truman Biology or Chemistry faculty member must be involved from the outset.
The student must complete a written manuscript of this research that is of publishable quality and in journal style. The manuscript must be approved by a committee of at least three Truman biology and Chemistry faculty.
The student must present a 20 minute seminar on the research at a regular Biology or Chemistry Department weekly seminar. See your academic advisor or the Department Chairs for specific details.
ACS CERTIFICATION
Students completing the Bachelor of Science program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology as described in this catalog meet the American Chemical Society (ACS) requirements for certification upon graduation (pending approval). Specific questions about the ACS certification requirements may be addressed to the Chemistry Department Chair.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:
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