College of Arts & Sciences
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Biotechnology
BA in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (0441)MA in Biotechnology (0433)
Undergraduate Research Courses
Director John Celenza (Biology)
Program Committee Sean Elliott (Chemistry), Thomas Gilmore (Biology), Gary Jacobson (Biology), Richard A. Laursen (Chemistry), Scott Mohr (Chemistry), Dean Tolan (Biology)
Affiliated Faculty Benson, G. Callard, I. Callard, Celenza, Cooper, Elliot, Deshler, Eldred, Frydman, Gilmore, Hansen, Hausman, Jacobson, Kornberg, Lin, Loechler, McCall, Monette, Naya, C. Smith, Tamm, Tolan, Tsunoda, Waxman, Widmaier (Biology); Caradonna, Elliott, Grinstaff, Jones, Laursen, Mohr, Schaus, Tullius (Chemistry); Rothschild (Physics)
Two degrees are offered by this interdisciplinary program: the BA in biochemistry & molecular biology (BMB) and the MA in biotechnology (the MA is offered only in combination with the BA as part of a coherent BA/MA dual degree program). The program includes faculty and resources in the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics at CAS. It offers an exceptionally broad range of opportunities for coursework and research in the molecular biosciences. The BA in biochemistry & molecular biology may be of interest to students as a means of preparing for graduate school, graduate professional studies (in medicine, dentistry, law, or business), teaching, or employment in the biotechnology industry. This program follows the guidelines for undergraduate degrees in biochemistry & molecular biology recommended by the American Society of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Biology.
Students with potential interests in the molecular biosciences should note that several paths leading in this direction are available at Boston University, each with its particular objectives. In addition to the interdisciplinary BA program described in this section, related but distinct programs exist as concentrations in the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The departmental listings should be consulted for details.
Each biochemistry & molecular biology student will be assigned a permanent faculty advisor through the BMB administrator in the Department of Biology. The advisor will meet with the student regularly and assist in drawing up a long-range program of study.
BA in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (0441)
The concentration 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 concentration, in addition to the college requirements for the BA degree. A grade of C or higher is required in all courses taken for concentration credit.
Course Requirements
Foundation courses (11 courses): CAS BI 108 (or BI 118), 203 (or BI 213), and 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, 206, 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 111 and one MA course numbered 121–129, 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 concentration credit: CAS BB 522; CAS BF 527; CAS BI 308, BI 311, BI 315, BI 385, BI 410, BI 445, BI 446, BI 455, BI 481, BI 485, BI 544, BI 553, BI 555, BI 556, BI 557, BI 572, BI 575, GRS BI 708, BI 735; GRS MB 722; CAS CH 635. One of the three advanced electives must be chosen from the following list of laboratory research courses: CAS BI 308, BI 555, 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 308, BI 555, 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 concentration requirements.)
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 BMB concentration by petition. Prior approval is recommended.
BMB premedical students are strongly urged to take CAS BI 315 (Systems Physiology). CAS PH 150 Introduction to Ethics is recommended as a divisional studies course for students in the program.
MA in Biotechnology (0433)
Combining the BA in biochemistry & molecular biology with the MA in biotechnology constitutes an efficient way to acquire master’s-level expertise in this exciting multidisciplinary field. The program provides a broad preparation for employment in diverse areas of biotechnology as well as for further graduate study in biochemistry, molecular biology, and related fields. The MA in biotechnology is not open to external applicants, but only to CAS students who are pursuing the BA in biochemistry & molecular biology. Thus, it is available only as part of a BA/MA dual degree program. The BA and MA are strictly co-terminal.
Admissions CAS students pursuing the BA in biochemistry & molecular biology must apply for admission to the MA program no later than March 1 of their junior year. Students must be in good standing and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher at the time of application.
Course Requirements The MA in biotechnology requires the six courses listed below in addition to the 32 required courses for the BA degree (18 of those toward the BMB concentration):
- CAS BI 553
- CAS BI 311
- CAS BI 555
- CAS BB 522
- CAS BB 591, 592. These two semesters (4 credits each) of research at the graduate level are directed by affiliated faculty members of the Biotechnology Program. Approved externship research work is also accepted in meeting this requirement; CAS BB 592 requires a 10–15 page written report.
Courses taken to complete the MA requirements may not be counted toward the advanced electives of the BA, but may be taken before the final year of the program. At least eight courses (32 credits) of the 38 courses required for the BA/MA program must be completed at the graduate level (500 or higher) with a grade of B – or better. No more than 8 credits of graduate research may be applied to the MA requirements. A total of 38 courses is required to complete the BA/MA dual degree program.
Undergraduate Research Courses
CAS BB 191, 192 Undergraduate Research in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I
Prereq: freshman standing, GPA in biochemistry and molecular biology (BMB) courses of at least 3.0, consent of instructor (laboratory advisor), and approval of application by the BMB Honors Committee. Laboratory research in biochemistry and molecular biology under the supervision of a BMB faculty member. Minimum of six hours per week in the lab, not including preparation and evaluation. These courses cannot be used for BMB concentration credit. No more than 12 credits of undergraduate research may be counted toward the 32 courses required for graduation from CAS. Tolan (coordinator), Staff. 2 cr, 1st & 2nd sem.
CAS BB 291, 292 Undergraduate Research in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II
Prereq: sophomore standing, GPA in biochemistry and molecular biology (BMB) courses of at least 3.0, consent of instructor (laboratory advisor), and approval of application by the BMB Honors Committee. Laboratory research in biochemistry and molecular biology under the supervision of a BMB faculty member. Minimum of six hours per week in the lab, not including preparation and evaluation. These courses cannot be used for BMB concentration credit. No more than 12 credits of undergraduate research may be counted toward the 32 courses required for graduation from CAS. Tolan (coordinator), Staff. 2 cr, 1st & 2nd sem.
CAS BB 391, 392 Undergraduate Research in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology III
Prereq: junior standing, GPA in biochemistry and molecular biology (BMB) courses of at least 3.0, consent of instructor (laboratory advisor), and approval of application by the BMB Honors Committee. Laboratory research in biochemistry and molecular biology under the supervision of a BMB faculty member. Weekly minimum of three hours per credit in the lab, not including preparation and evaluation. Please see earlier discussion on BMB course requirements for the use of this course as a BMB elective. A maximum of 4 credits earned in undergraduate research courses may be counted toward the BMB concentration. No more than 12 credits of undergraduate research may be counted toward the 32 courses required for graduation from CAS. Tolan (coordinator), Staff. 2 or 4 cr, 1st & 2nd sem.
CAS BB 401, 402 Senior Independent Work in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Prereq: senior standing, GPA in biochemistry and molecular biology (BMB) courses of at least 3.5, consent of instructor (laboratory advisor), and approval of application by the BMB Honors Committee. Minimum of 12 hours per week in the lab, not including preparation and evaluation. Course grade is determined by laboratory performance, oral presentation, written thesis, and defense of the thesis before a committee of three BMB faculty members. Please see earlier discussion on BMB course requirements for the use of this course as a BMB elective. Students must also present in a symposium at the end of the academic year. No more than 12 credits of undergraduate research may be counted toward the 32 courses required for graduation from CAS. Tolan (coordinator), Staff. 4 cr, 1st & 2nd sem.
CAS BB 491, 492 Undergraduate Research in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IV
Prereq: senior standing, GPA in biochemistry and molecular biology (BMB) courses of at least 3.0, consent of instructor (laboratory advisor), and approval of application by the BMB Honors Committee. Laboratory research in biochemistry or molecular biology under the supervision of a BMB faculty member. Minimum of 12 hours per week in the lab, not including preparation and evaluation. Please see earlier discussion on BMB course requirements for the use of this course as a BMB elective. A maximum of 4 credits earned in undergraduate research courses may be counted toward the BMB concentration. No more than 12 credits of undergraduate research may be counted toward the 32 courses required for graduation from CAS. Tolan (coordinator), Staff. 4 cr, 1st & 2nd sem.
CAS BB 522 Molecular Biology Laboratory
Prereq: CAS BI 552. Introduction to techniques of molecular biology research, including analysis of DNA and protein molecules by techniques such as a restriction enzyme digestions, PCR, subcloning, DNA sequencing, sequence analysis, reporter gene assays, protein-protein interactions, and yeast molecular biology. Gilmore. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
CAS BB 591 Graduate Research in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Prereq: admission to the combined BA/MA Biotechnology Program. Laboratory research in biochemistry and molecular biology conducted under supervision of a BMB faculty member. Externships are acceptable if approved and overseen by a BMB faculty member or the BMB Director. Minimum of 15 hours per week in the lab. Staff. 4 cr, 1st sem.
CAS BB 592 Graduate Research in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Prereq: admission to the combined BA/MA Biotechnology Program. Continuation of the laboratory research project initiated in BB 591, under supervision of a BMB faculty member. Externships are acceptable if approved and overseen by a BMB faculty member or the BMB Director. Minimum of 15 hours per week in the lab, culminating in submission to the BMB Director of a written report of completed research. Staff. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
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