Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, B.S. (Berks) BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, B.S. (BERKS) Begin Campus: Any Penn State Campus End Campus: Berks Program Description Students in this major apply basic principles of chemistry and physics to the study of living cells and their components to explain biology at molecular, genetic, and cellular levels. Students will develop a strong foundation in quantitative and analytical biological sciences, including molecular biology, biochemistry, enzymology, metabolism, cell biology, and molecular genetics. The Biochemistry Option is offered for students who have interests in the structures, properties and functions of macromolecules, and in the quantitative and analytical techniques used to characterize these macromolecules. The Molecular and Cell Biology Option is available to students whose interests relate to the growth, reproduction and differentiation of cells and to signaling processes that occur in multicellular systems that activate and modulate these processes. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for advanced study leading to careers in research, medicine, and education, or to secure employment in biotechnology and health-related industries, including government, academic, and private laboratories. What is Biochemistry and Molecular Biology? Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is the study of the molecular basis of life. Biochemistry uses the principles of chemistry and physics to understand biological molecules, structures, and reactions. Molecular biology focuses on how biological molecules interact to form cells, organisms, and behaviors. You Might Like This Program If... You like learning by doing experiments. You want to know how life works at the most fundamental level. You are interested in understanding the molecular basis of health, disease, and behavior. You want to learn how molecules can be manipulated to address global challenges such as disease, famine, and energy needs. Entrance to Major In order to be eligible for entrance to the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major, a student must have:. attained at least a.00 cumulative grade-point average, and. completed CHEM 0, CHEM, CHEM, and MATH 40; and. earned a grade of C or better in each of these courses. Degree Requirements For the Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, a minimum of 5 credits is required: Requirement General Education 45 Requirements for the Major 95 General Education Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements (http://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/generaleducation/baccalaureate-degree-general-education-program) section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser. The keystone symbol appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program. Foundations (grade of C or better is required.) Quantification (GQ): 6 credits Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits Knowledge Domains Arts (GA): 6 credits Health and Wellness (GHW): credits Humanities (GH): 6 credits Social and Behavioral Sciences(GS): 6 credits Natural Sciences (GN): 9 credits Integrative Studies (may also complete a Knowledge Domain requirement) Inter-Domain or Approved Linked Courses: 6 credits of these 45 credits are included in the Requirements for the Major. University Degree Requirements Engagement All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take to credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan. Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience. First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements. Cultures Requirement 6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements United States Cultures: credits International Cultures: credits Writing Across the Curriculum credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, B.S. (Berks) Total Minimum A minimum of 0 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 0 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements. Quality of Work Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program. Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 4 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 8-80 (http://senate.psu.edu/ policies-and-rules-for-undergraduate-students/8-00-and-8-00-degreerequirements/#8-80)). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program. Requirements for the Major This includes credits of General Education courses: 9 credits of GN courses; 6 credits of GQ courses. To graduate, a grade of C or better is required in 9 credits of any BMB or MICRB 400-level course except: BMB 408, BMB 44, BMB 44W, BMB 445W, BMB 448 BMB 488, BMB 496 MICRB 408, MICRB 4W, MICRB 4, MICRB 447. To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 8-44 (http://senate.psu.edu/policies-andrules-for-undergraduate-students/8-00-and-8-00-degree-requirements/ #8-44). Common Requirements for the Major (All Options) Code Title Prescribed Courses CHEM Experimental Chemistry II MATH 4 Calculus with Analytic Geometry II 4 MICRB 0 Introductory Microbiology MICRB 0 Introductory Microbiology Laboratory PSU 6 First-Year Seminar Science BMB 5 Molecular and Cell Biology I BMB 5 Molecular and Cell Biology II BMB 44 Laboratory in Proteins, Nucleic Acids, and Molecular Cloning BIOL Genetic Analysis CHEM 0 Organic Chemistry I CHEM Organic Chemistry II CHEM Laboratory in Organic Chemistry BMB 400 Molecular Biology of the Gene BMB 40 General Biochemistry BMB 40 General Biochemistry BMB 44W Laboratory in Protein Purification and Enzymology Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better CHEM 0 Chemical Principles I CHEM Experimental Chemistry I CHEM Chemical Principles II MATH 40 Calculus With Analytic Geometry I 4 Additional Courses BMB 445W Laboratory in Molecular Genetics I Requirements for the Option Select an option 40 To graduate, a grade of C or better is required in two of the following courses: MICRB 0, BMB 5/MICRB 5, and/ or BMB 5/MICRB 5. Requirements for the Option Biochemistry Option (40 credits) Code Title Prescribed Courses PHYS General Physics: Mechanics 4 PHYS General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism 4 PHYS General Physics: Fluids and Thermal Physics PHYS 4 General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum Physics CHEM 450 Physical Chemistry - Thermodynamics CHEM 45 Physical Chemistry - Quantum Chemistry BMB 474 Analytical Biochemistry Supporting Courses and Related Areas Select 7-9 credits from any 400-level BMB/CHEM/MICRB course or 7-9 from department list D (additional 400-level courses) Select - credits in the mathematical sciences from department list B Select 7-0 credits from department list C 7-0 With a maximum of credits in BMB 408 and/or MICRB 408 and a maximum of 4 credits in BMB 488 and/or BMB 496. Molecular and Cell Biology Option (40 credits) Code Title Prescribed Courses BMB 40 Developmental Biology BMB 460 Cell Growth and Differentiation MICRB 40 Principles of Immunology Additional Courses Select 8 credits of the following: 8 PHYS PHYS PHYS 50 PHYS 5 General Physics: Mechanics General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Introductory Physics I Introductory Physics II Select -6 credits of the following: -6 CHEM 450 & CHEM 45 BMB 48 Physical Chemistry - Thermodynamics and Physical Chemistry - Quantum Chemistry Physical Chemistry with Biological Applications Supporting Courses and Related Areas Select 5-6 credits from any 400-level BMB/MICRB course or from 5-6 department list D (additional 400-level courses) Select - credits in the mathematical sciences from department list B Select 4- credits from department list C 4- - -
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, B.S. (Berks) With a total maximum of credits in BMB 408 and/or MICRB 408 and a maximum of 4 credits in BMB 488 and/or BMB 496. both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers. Program Learning Objectives. Students will be able to explain the following core concepts as recommended by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB): a. Energy: i. Students will explain how energy is utilized and transformed in biological systems. ii. Students will explain their knowledge of basic chemical thermodynamics to biological systems b. Structure and Function: i. Students will explain the importance of macromolecular structure in biological systems. ii. Students will be able to discuss the diversity and complexity of various biologically relevant macromolecules and macromolecular assemblies in terms of the basic repeating units of the polymer and the types of linkages between them. c. Information Storage: i. Students will be define what a genome and explain how the information in the various genes and other sequence classes within each genome are used to store and express genetic information. ii. Students should be able to explain the central dogma of biology and relate the commonality of the process to all of life. iii. Students should be able to illustrate how DNA is replicated and genes are transmitted from one generation to the next in multiple types of organisms including bacteria, eukaryotes, viruses, and retroviruses.. Students will demonstrate competence in the following skills related to experimental design: a. Students will be able to develop a hypothesis, design and conduct appropriate experiments. b. Students will analyze and interpret data using appropriate quantitative modeling and simulation tools. c. Students will keep an accurate laboratory notebook.. Students will demonstrate competency in the following skills related to information technology: a. Students will be able to assess and use available information. i. Find and use the primary literature. ii. Use databases and bioinformatics tools. 4. Students will be able to present scientific data in both written and oral formats a. Students will use visual and verbal tools to explain concepts and data. b. Students will translate science into everyday examples. 5. Students will be able to read, interpret and critically analyze primary literature. 6. Students will be able to recognize and apply ethical principles to basic and applies practice and seek opportunities for interdisciplinary 7. Students will be able to work effectively as a member of a team. Academic Advising The objectives of the university s academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee s unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information need to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources. READ SENATE POLICY -00: ADVISING POLICY (http://senate.psu.edu/ policies-and-rules-for-undergraduate-students/-00-advising-policy) University Park Jennifer Keefer Academic Adviser 9 Ritenour Building University Park, PA 84-86-5487 jls7@psu.edu Berks Maureen Dunbar Program Coordinator, Associate Professor Luerssen 0H Reading, PA 960 640-96-68 med8@psu.edu Suggested Academic Plan Biochemistry Option at Berks Campus The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you. ENGL or 0 MATH 40 * # 4 CHEM 0 *# CHEM *# First-Year Seminar Total CAS 00A or 00B MATH 4 4 CHEM *# CHEM PHYS 4
4 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, B.S. (Berks) General Education Course (GHW).5 Total 6.5 6.5 BMB 5 * CHEM 0 PHYS 4 MICRB 0 * MICRB 0 Total ENGL 0C BMB 5 * CHEM CHEM PHYS PHYS 4 General Education Course (GHW).5 Total 6.5 6.5 BMB 40 BMB 44 CHEM 450 STAT 50 Total BMB 40 BMB 44W (Course fulfills the Writing Across The Curriculum Requirement.) BIOL CHEM 45 Total BMB 448 (Students must complete either BMB 445W or BMB 448. BMB 445W is offered Semester only and BMB 448 is offered Semester only.) 400 Level BIOL or BMB or CHEM or MICRB Selection 400 Level BIOL or BMB or CHEM or MICRB Selection Total 7 BMB 445W (Students must complete either BMB 445W or BMB 448. BMB 445W is offered Semester only and BMB 448 is offered Semester only.) 7 BMB 400 BMB 474 400 Level BIOL or BMB or CHEM or MICRB Selection Total 7 * Course requires a grade of C or better for the major Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education # Course is an Entrance to Major requirement Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement University Requirements and General Education Notes: US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures). W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement. GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of C or better. Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course. The following courses are offered Semester only: BMB 5, 40, 44, CHEM 0, 450. The following courses are offered Semester only: BMB 5, 400, 40, 44, 474, CHEM 45, PHYS, 4. Students must earn a quality grade of C or better in nine (9) credits of BMB and/or MICRB courses. Consult advisor for details. Molecular Biology Option Berks Campus The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If 7
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, B.S. (Berks) 5 report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you. ENGL or 0 MATH 40 * # 4 CHEM 0 *# CHEM *# First-Year Seminar Total CAS 00A or 00B MATH 4 4 CHEM *# CHEM Total 7 7 BMB 5 * CHEM 0 PHYS 50 4 MICRB 0 * MICRB 0 General Education Course (GHW).5 Total 6.5 6.5 ENGL 0C BMB 5 * CHEM CHEM PHYS 5 4 General Education Course (GHW).5 Total 6.5 6.5 BMB 40 BMB 40 BMB 44 STAT 50 Total BMB 40 BMB 44W (Course fulfills the Writing Across The Curriculum Requirement.) BIOL MICRB 40 Total BMB 448 (Students must complete either BMB 445W or BMB 448. BMB 445W is offered Semester only and BMB 448 is offered Semester only.) BMB 48 BMB 460 400 Level BIOL or BMB or CHEM or MICRB Selection Total 7 BMB 445W (Students must complete either BMB 445W or BMB 448. BMB 445W is offered Semester only and BMB 448 is offered Semester only.) 7 BMB 400 400 Level BIOL or BMB or CHEM or MICRB Selection Total 4 * Course requires a grade of C or better for the major Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education # Course is an Entrance to Major requirement Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement University Requirements and General Education Notes: US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures). W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement. 4
6 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, B.S. (Berks) GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of C or better. Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course. 4 5 The following courses are offered Semester only: BMB 5, 40, 40, 44, 460, CHEM 0, PHYS 50. The following courses are offered Semester only: BMB 5, 400, 40, 44, MICRB 40, PHYS 5. Students must earn a quality grade of C or better in nine (9) credits of BMB and/or MICRB courses. Consult advisor for details. For PHYS 40 and 5, the following course sequence may be substituted: PHYS,,, 4. PHYS and 4 are offered Semester only. For STAT 50, the following courses may be substituted: CMPSC 0, 0, MATH 0,, 50, or STAT 40. STAT 40 is offered Semester only. Contact Berks DIVISION OF SCIENCE Luerssen Science Building Reading, PA 960 60-96-68 med8@psu.edu http://berks.psu.edu/bs-biochemistry-molecular-biology University Park DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 08 Althouse Laboratory University Park, PA 680 84-86-5487 bmbundergrad@psu.edu http://bmb.psu.edu/about/copy_of_contact