Course planning advice here is limited to majors. For a full description of degree requirements, please see this
overview of the Academic Program and refer to the
Catalog for details and official rules. Any discrepancy between the Course Planning Pages and the Catalog will be resolved in favor of the Catalog.
Possible Degree Path
– starting
in the first year. The following is a typical plan for this 14 course major. This is not the only way forward. Please consult with your advisor to create your unique path.
| |
Fall Semester |
Spring Semester |
| First Year |
Gen Chem I (CHEM 110, fall) |
Gen Chem II (CHEM 120, spring) |
|
Cell Biology (BIOL 150, either semester)
One semester of Mathematics up through Calculus I (MATH 130)
|
| Sophomore
|
Organic Chem I (CHEM 240, fall) |
Organic Chem II (CHEM 250, spring)
|
|
Genetics (BIOL 250, either semester)
If necessary, second semester of Mathematics to complete through Calculus I (MATH 130)
|
| Summer |
If ready: Independent Research (BCMB X98) or (BCMB X99) |
| Junior
|
Biological Chem (CHEM 330, fall) Gen Phys I (PHYS 235, fall) |
Adv Biological Chem (CHEM 335, spring) |
|
Possibly:
- Independent Research (BCMB X98) or (BCMB X99)
- BCMB elective
|
| Summer |
Probably: Independent Research (BCMB X98) or (BCMB X99) |
| Senior
|
Adv Cell Biol (BIOL 355, fall)
|
Senior Seminar (BIOL 497)
Physical Chem II (CHEM 320)
|
|
Courses necessary to complete major.
If not already completed:
- Independent Research (BCMB X98) or (BCMB X99)
- BCMB elective
|
Possible Degree Path
– starting
in the second year. The following is a typical plan to complete this major. Please consult with your advisor or a member of the Department for your unique path.
| |
Fall Semester |
Spring Semester |
| First Year |
-
|
| Sophomore |
Gen Chem I (CHEM 110, fall) |
Gen Chem II (CHEM 120, spring)
|
|
Cell Biology (BIOL 150, either semester)
One semester of Mathematics up through Calculus I (MATH 130)
Either:
- Genetics (BIOL 250, either semester)
- Mathematics necessary to complete through Calculus I (MATH 130)
|
| Summer |
If ready: Independent Research (BCMB X98) or (BCMB X99) |
| Junior |
Organic Chem I (CHEM 240, fall)
Gen Phys I (PHYS 235, fall)
|
Organic Chem II (CHEM 250, spring)
|
|
If not previously completed:
- Genetics (BIOL 250, either semester)
- Mathematics necessary to complete through Calculus I (MATH 130)
Possibly:
- Adv Cell Biol (BIOL 355, fall)
- Independent Research (BCMB X98) or (BCMB X99)
- BCMB elective
|
| Summer |
Probably: Independent Research (BCMB X98) or (BCMB X99) |
| Senior |
Biological Chem (CHEM 330, fall)
|
Adv Biological Chem (CHEM 335, spring)
Senior Seminar (BIOL 497)
Physical Chem II (CHEM 320)
|
|
Courses necessary to complete major.
If not already completed:
- Adv Cell Biol (BIOL 355, fall)
- Independent Research (BCMB X98) or (BCMB X99)
- BCMB elective
|
Capstone: The BCMB capstone includes a comprehensive exam, written research report and oral presentation related to the required research experience (both done in the context of BCMB 497). Consult with a BCMB faculty member for more details.
Planning
Recommendations:
- General Physics II (PHYS 245) is not required for the BCMB major; but many professional health programs require General Physics II (PHYS 245). Please check with your advisor.
- Undergraduate Research is a key component of the BCMB major. The BCMB Program must approve all research prior to the start of the research project. Consult with a BCMB faculty member for more details. Research can be:
- one summer in a full time research project (on campus or off campus);
- part-time for two semesters on-campus;
- for academic credit or only as a credit towards graduation requirements.
- Students considering graduate work should consult with their advisors to ensure that requirements beyond the major are met.
- Study Away/Study Abroad - Due to the highly gated nature of the major, students will need to carefully plan for a study abroad experience. Summer programs are a good choice as are foreign schools that offer science courses that count towards the major.