About BCMB - Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology

ABOUT

BCMB

Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMB) looks at the function of cells and organisms at the molecular level. Emerging technologies such as genomics and high-resolution microscopy, combined with powerful computational approaches, provide windows into the inner workings of living organisms and their molecules. Courses are offered in cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, molecular biology, plant biology, and neurobiology, all emphasizing the interrelated nature of these topics to address both fundamental and applied questions in biology.

BCMB is one of four concentrations within the biology majors that share a common, core curriculum; the others are Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB), Microbiology, and Biology of Global Health. Undergraduates can earn a major in Biological Sciences with a concentration in BCMB or honors BCMB. Students also can earn a master’s degree and PhD in BCMB.

BCMB also participates in interdisciplinary programs, including:

The Interdisciplinary Graduate Minor in Neuroscience (IGMN).
The interdisciplinary graduate minor in computational science (IGMCS) program.

BCMB was created by the merger of three departments: botany, zoology, and biochemistry. The department officially changed its name to Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology in July 1995 when the former zoology department was dissolved. When the botany department dissolved in Spring 2003, its faculty joined BCMB, bolstering a strength in this area.

BCMB remains the most sought-after undergraduate concentration in biology because it provides students with strong foundations in biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology that prepare students for most health-related careers, as well as careers in industry and government that benefit from scientific training.