Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

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

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

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

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.

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 multple 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.

In addition to course work, all MBB undergraduate majors conduct independent research projects in molecular biology and biochemistry in a laboratory on campus where they work closely with a professor. Our students frequently graduate with research articles or conference publications. Through their course work and laboratory research students develop the analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills required for careers in the sciences and medicine. 

Students accepted to the MBB Honors program are expected to complete two semesters (6 credits per semester) of the MBB Honors Research. Students are required to writeand defend in front of a faculty committee,a thesis on their research project by the end of their senior year. See the Honors link on the MBB web site for more information. 

Over the years, the MBB major has consistently prepared a large number of students 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. A list of occupations, graduate schools and jobs obtained by recent MBB graduates can be found here.  We are proud of our MBB students and look forward to having you join MBB.