BA in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
The major includes a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, physics, and calculus, core courses in biochemistry, molecular biology, and physical biochemistry, and advanced electives that may include undergraduate research. Laboratory work is stressed throughout, since biochemistry and molecular biology are experimental sciences that require a broad range of practical skills. A minimum of 18 science and math courses is required for the major, in addition to the college requirements for the BA. A grade of C or higher is required in all courses taken for credit in the major.
Course Requirements
Foundation courses
(11 courses): CAS BI 108 (or 118), BI 213 (or BI 203), and BI 216 (or BI 206); CAS CH 109/110 (or CH 111/112, or CH 101/102, and 201); CAS CH 203 and 214 (or CH 211/212; or CH 203/204, and 220, or CH 203, 216, and 220); CAS PY 105/106 (or PY 241/242, or 211/212), CAS MA 121/122 (or CAS MA 123/124; or CAS CS 108 or CS 111 and one MA course numbered 121–129, MA 196; or CAS MA 213 or 214 and one MA course numbered 121–129).
Core courses
(4 courses): CAS BI/CH 421, 422, CAS BI 552, CAS CH 525.
Advanced electives
(3 courses, 12 cr): Courses from the following list are approved for major credit: CAS BB 522; CAS BF 527; CAS BI 311, BI 315, BI 385, BI 410, BI 445, BI 446, BI 455, BI 485, BI 513, BI 551, BI 553, BI 556, BI 557, BI 572, BI 575, BI 576, GRS BI 708, BI 735; GRS MB 722; GRS CH 625; GRS CH 626; GRS CH 634. One of the three advanced electives must be chosen from the following list of laboratory research courses: CAS BI 513, BB 522, or 8 credits of senior research (BB 401/402 or BB 491/492) performed with one advisor. If a student chooses CAS BI 513 or BB 522 to satisfy this advanced laboratory requirement, then 4 credits of undergraduate research (CAS BB 391, 392, 401, 402, 491, or 492) may serve as one of the other two required advanced electives. (Note: Undergraduate research can be used for only one advanced elective, and only 4 credits of undergraduate research can be applied toward the requirements for the major.)
Of the seven courses required beyond the prerequisite and foundation courses, five must be taken through Boston University. Courses taken outside of Boston University must be approved for the biochemistry & molecular biology (BMB) major by petition. Prior approval is recommended.
BMB premedical students are strongly urged to take CAS BI 315 (Systems Physiology) as an advanced elective and CAS PH 150 Introduction to Ethics is recommended as a Divisional Studies course.
