Undergraduate Program

Description of the Program

The program provides students with a rigorous background in the biological, chemical and physical sciences with an emphasis on the chemistry of life processes. Following introductory courses in the biological sciences, students study advanced topics in biochemistry and molecular biology, including biotechnology, human disease and physical biochemistry. Two semesters of laboratory research are required, typically as an independent research project in the laboratory of a faculty member, together with electives in bioinformatics, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, immunology and/or microbiology.

Career Opportunities

The BCMB program is primarily designed for students who will spend their career in the biological sciences or in a closely related discipline. The program prepares students for academic graduate programs in the life sciences, professional programs in the health sciences (medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, public health, etc.), entry level technical positions in academia/government/private sectors, and many other areas inside and outside of the life sciences. Click here for more specific information on career paths, links to job search sites, and employment opportunities available to the BCMB graduate. You are also encouraged to make an appointment with a staff member of the UGA Career Center or a BCMB advisor for more information about career opportunities.

Entrance Requirements

Entry to this major requires completion of Core Areas 1 - 5 and Area 6.

SEE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Program Requirements

For a brief summary, please see the BMB Major Checklist.

SEE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Independent Research Projects

All students who major in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology are required to take two semesters of independent research (BCMB 4960R and 4970R). The BCMB 4960R course requires little or no previous laboratory experience, but BCMB 4010 is recommended as a pre- or co-requisite.

Alternatively, in lieu of BCMB 4960R, students may enroll in the VIP program (BCMB 4965L) or in Bioprocess Technology (BCMB 4030L), described at Undergraduate Research.

Combined B.S./M.S. (Double Dawgs) programs

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology B.S./Comparative Biomedical Sciences M.S.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology B.S./Environmental Health Sciences M.P.H. (coming soon)

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology B.S./Epidemiology M.P.H. (coming soon)

Minor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Required Courses: Five in total (18 or 19 hours)

BCMB 4010/6010 (4 Hours)
BCMB 4020/6020 (3 Hours)
BCMB(CHEM) 4110/6110 (3 Hours) or
BCMB(CHEM) 4120/6120 (4 Hours) or BCMB(CHEM) 4200/6200 (3 Hours)
BCMB 4960R (4 Hours)
BCMB 4970R (4 Hours)

Contact Person:

Dr. Michael Adams
adamsm@uga.edu
(706) 542-2060