Program: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, B.S. - University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Mar 29, 2025

2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog

The B.S. program consists of 79-82 credits as detailed in the following list.

Note that CHEM 437 , CHEM 438 , CHEM 437L and the two electives must be completed at UMBC. Taking any other courses required for the major while enrolled at UMBC must be approved by the program.

Chemistry (27-28 credits)

CHEM 101 - Principles of Chemistry I (4.00)
CHEM 102 - Principles of Chemistry II (4.00)
CHEM 102L - Introductory Chemistry Lab I (2.00)
CHEM 300 - Analytical Chemistry (4.00)
CHEM 351 - Organic Chemistry I (3.00)
CHEM 352 - Organic Chemistry II (3.00)
CHEM 351L - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (2.00)
CHEM 352L - Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (2.00)

Select one course: 3-4 Credits

Biology (18 credits)

Select one course: 2 Credits

Biochemistry (12 credits)

CHEM 437 - Comprehensive Biochemistry I (4.00)
CHEM 437L - Biochemistry Laboratory (4.00)
CHEM 438 - Comprehensive Biochemistry II (4.00)

Any two of the following electives (6-8 credits)

BIOL 414 - Eukaryotic Molecular Genetics (4.00)
BIOL 418 - Human Molecular Biology (4.00)
BIOL 420 - Advanced Topics in Cell Biology (4.00)
BIOL 425 - Immunology (4.00)
BIOL 426 - Approaches to Molecular Biology (4.00)
BIOL 428 - Computer Applications in Molecular Biology (4.00)
BIOL 434 - Microbial Molecular Genetics (4.00)
BIOL 443 - Advanced Topics in Developmental Biology (8.00)
BIOL 444 - Development and Cancer (4.00)
BIOL 445 - Signal Transduction (4.00)
BIOL 451 - Neurobiology (4.00)
BIOL 454 - Vision Science (4.00)
BIOL 456 - Plant Molecular Biology (4.00)
BIOL 476 - Antibotics: Origin, Mechanism, Resistance (4.00)
BIOL 483 - Evolution: From Genes to Genomes (4.00)
BIOL 486 - Genome Science (4.00)
CHEM 406 - Bioinorganic Chemistry (3.00)
CHEM 431 - Chemistry of Proteins (3.00)
CHEM 432 - Advanced Biochemistry (3.00)
CHEM 433 - Biochemistry of Nucleic Acids (3.00)
CHEM 435 - Biochemistry of Complex Carbohydrates (3.00)
CHEM 441 - Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules (3.00)
CHEM 442 - Physical Biochemistry (3.00)
CHEM 443 - Molecular Spectroscopy and Biomacromolecules (3.00)
CHEM 444 - Molecular Modeling In Biochemistry (3.00)
CHEM 450 - Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds (3.00)
CHEM 451 - Mechanisms of Organic Reactions (3.00)
CHEM 453 - Organic Chemistry of Nucleic Acids (3.00)
CHEM 455 - Introduction to Biomedicinal Chemistry (3.00)
CHEM 457 - Total Synthesis of Natural Products (3.00)
CHEM 461 - Advanced Instrumental Methods of Analysis (4.00)
CHEM 465 - Mass Spectrometry at the Chemistry-Biology Interface (3.00)
CHEM 470 - Toxicological Chemistry (3.00)
CHEM 472 - Enzyme Reaction Mechanisms (3.00)
CHEM 635 - Biochemistry of Complex Carbohydrates
CHEM 640 - Special Topics in Molecular Structure
CHEM 680 - Seminar in Biophysical Chemistry
CHEM 682 - Current Topics in Biochemistry

Mathematics and Physics (16 credits)

PHYS 121 - Introductory Physics I (4.00)
PHYS 122 - Introductory Physics II (4.00)
MATH 151 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (4.00)
MATH 152 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II (4.00) *

Note:

The curriculum for the Biological Sciences undergraduate major is in the process of changing. This new curriculum will phase out certain BIOL courses, necessitating changes to the requirements of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major. For the latest information on requirements, please consult the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program web site.

Individual Laboratory Research

1-4 credits (recommended)

Students have the opportunity to integrate what they have learned by doing independent research with participating faculty. Those working with a biological sciences faculty member may register for BIOL 399 or BIOL 499 . Those working in a chemistry and biochemistry faculty laboratory may register for CHEM 399 or CHEM 499 .

* MATH 251 and CHEM 302 are recommended for those anticipating graduate study in chemistry, biophysical chemistry or biophysics.

Electives

The following courses, which have variable topics, may be approved as Biochemistry and Molecular Biology electives in those years when their topic is appropriate (subject to confirmation in each case by the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Undergraduate Committee):

CHEM 490 - Special Topics in Chemistry (1.00 - 3.00)
CHEM 601 - Current Topics in Chemistry
CHEM 670 - Special Topics in Dynamics and Mechanisms
CHEM 684 - Special Topics in Chemistry

Note:

In fulfilling major requirements, CHEM 437 , CHEM 438 and CHEM 437L must be completed at UMBC, with a grade of “C” or better. An overall “C” average must be maintained in required courses. Prerequisites for all courses in the major must be satisfied with a grade of “C” or better.