The Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (MBB) offers two laboratory research options (laboratory option one and laboratory option two), as well as a nonlaboratory research option (nonlaboratory option). In all cases, students must take Introduction to Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Research (01:694:215 or 01:694:315) and 01:694:483,484 Seminar in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. Course 01:694:215 is only for first-year honors students who have placed out of General Biology (01:119:101-102) by receiving a score of 4 or 5 on the AP biology exam. Course 01:694:315 is generally meant for junior students in the major, but sufficiently qualified sophomores may take the course, depending on available space, with the permission of the instructor.
Laboratory Option One (12 credits)
01:694:381,382 Undergraduate Laboratory Research (3-6,3-6)
01:694:481,482 Advanced Undergraduate Laboratory Research (3-6,3-6) or some form of "honors" laboratory research (6,6)
A minimum of 12 credits is required in research courses. Students are strongly encouraged to register for more than the minimum whenever possible.
Laboratory Option Two (9 credits)
01:694:381,382 Undergraduate Laboratory Research (3-6,3-6) or 01:694:481,482 Advanced Undergraduate Laboratory Research (3-6,3-6) or some form of "honors" laboratory research (6,6)
A minimum of 6 credits is required in research courses. Students are strongly encouraged to register for more than the minimum whenever possible. Students must take at least one MBB elective in addition to the course requirements to satisfy the requirements for this option. Note that students applying for honors must complete 6 credits of honors coursework per semester for two semesters.
Nonlaboratory Option (9 credits)
01:694:489,490 Literature Research in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (3,3)
Students must take at least one MBB elective in addition to the course requirements to satisfy the requirements for this option. Students taking this option may not apply for departmental honors.
