Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (Major)

School: SAS
Program Type: Major, Credit Intensive
Requirement for Major Declaration: Department Approval with Departmental Meeting
Program Code: 694
Program / Department Web Page
Program Summary: The major in molecular biology and biochemistry offers a course of study in which traditional and modern biochemistry are integrated with studies in molecular biology. In addition to coursework, you will conduct independent research projects in molecular biology and biochemistry in laboratories on campus. You will be prepared for graduate studies in molecular biology and biochemistry and related fields, entry into professional schools in medicine or other health professions, or employment in industries (e.g., biotechnology, pharmaceuticals) in which molecular biology and biochemistry skills are in demand. Current areas of study by the department’s faculty include understanding the role of chromatin in transcriptional regulation, RNA processing, DNA replication and transposition, protein folding and molecular recognition, circadian rhythm, signal transduction, cell cycle control, and cell death and development.
Major Web Page
Restrictions

Biological Sciences (119), Biomathematics (122), Cell Biology and Neuroscience (146), Exercise Science (377), Genetics (447), Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (694), Biochemistry (115), and/or Microbiology (680) may not be combined as double majors or as major/minor combinations.

We recommend that students register for approximately 15 credits each semester and no more than 16 credits in their first semester. Your schedule should be well-balanced and include coursework from a variety of subjects. A diverse schedule will help you begin your studies in potential majors and minors; explore a breadth of new knowledge across departments at Rutgers to meet SAS Core Curriculum learning goals; and survey broader academic interests through elective courses as you work to attain the required 120 degree credits for graduation.

Your schedule will look something like this:

College Writing or English course per placement results (3 credits)

Major Exploration course (3-4 credits)

Major or Minor Exploration course (3-4 credits)

Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

Byrne or First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) (1 credit)

Total Credits: 15-16

Course Recommendations Beyond this Department

Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page.

Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester.

Course Title

Course Number

Credits

Subject on University Schedule of Classes

FIGS seminar in Biological Sciences 01:090:120 1 Arts and Sciences (090)

Major Exploration Course(s) recommended

Introductory courses recommended by faculty. Include at least one of these in your schedule:

Students with a Precalculus or Calculus math placement AND College Writing English placement

Course Title	Course Number	Credits	Subject on University Schedule of Classes
General Biology	01:119:115	4	Biological Sciences (119)
General Chemistry	01:160:161	4	Chemistry (160)
Calculus-Based Math		4	Mathematics (640)

Students without a Precalculus or Calculus math placement AND College Writing English placement

Course Title	Course Number	Credits
Prep for General Biology	119:199	4
Calculus-Based Math		4

Related Subjects/Departments
The Schedule of Classes provides information about the courses being offered in a particular semester. There are literally thousands of courses offered each semester at Rutgers, and you may find it helpful to narrow down your options by looking for courses in subjects related to your potential major or minor. Use the recommendations below to find possible introductory courses in other subjects.

To find potential courses in other subjects related to this one:
1. On the Schedule of Classes, select the current term, location "New Brunswick" and level "undergraduate". Click continue.
2. In the Search By box, click the "search multiple subjects" link. Select the following departments:
  
  Biological Sciences (119)
  
  Cell Biology and Neuroscience (146)
  
  Chemistry (160) - also includes Chemical Biology
  
  Genetics (447)
3. In Section Status, deselect Closed
4. In Level of Study, deselect 300 and 400. In general, 100 and 200 are appropriate for first-year students, 300 and 400 are often more appropriate for students with more familiarity with the subject. If you are interested in registering for a 300 or 400 level course, consult with an advisor before registering.
Review these courses for possible inclusion in your first-semester schedule, or to consider for future semesters.
Department / Program: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
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Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (Major) | BA