BioNIUM
B.S. Degree
Student may choose to major in either one of our two possible tracks:
Track 1, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BCHM)
Track 2, Biochemistry and Nutrition (BCHN).
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in either BCHM or BCHN requires 17 total credits of BMB courses: 11 credits of required BMB core courses plus six credits of BMB elective courses. At least two BMB elective credits must come from a BMB lab course, either BMB 145, BMB 245, BMB 402, or BMB 545. To satisfy the College of Arts and Sciences writing requirement in the discipline, BMB majors must complete for writing credit (W) either BMB 507, BMB 511, or BMB 545. For all students, a grade of C or better must be earned in each BMB course. For current UM students to declare either major or minor in BMB, a UM cumulative grade point average of 2.9 is required. For transfer students to declare either major or minor in BMB, a grade point average of 3.5 is required. The Department will make its own independent determination on a case-by-case basis concerning the equivalency of courses taken at other universities. The two possible academic tracks, BCHM and BCHN, differ by two required upper level BMB courses.
Departamental Honors
Departmental honors is awarded to BCHM/BCHN majors who (i) earn a ≥3.5 GPA in all BMB courses, (ii) earn a ≥3.3 GPA in all UM courses, and (iii) submit an undergraduate thesis describing research completed in at least two semesters of BMB 545, which must be approved by three BMB faculty members.
Minor
A minor can be obtained in either Track 1: BCHM or Track 2: BCHN (16 credits total):
Required Courses (10 credits): BMB401, BMB514 (or BIL250), BMB555 (or BIL255)
Track 1: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (6 credits): BMB507 and BMB509.
Track 2: Biochemistry & Nutrition (6 credits): BMB417 and BMB519.
Writing credit (W) may be obtained in BMB 507.
The Dual Degree B.S.-Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology is offered to new incoming freshmen with strong academic ability and achievement who seek careers in biological or biomedical science. Students can earn both a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.) in approximately 6 years.