Jul 24, 2025  
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, B.S.


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The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, B.S. (offered by Biological Sciences  and Chemistry and Biochemistry ) offers students a unique interdisciplinary curriculum and exposure to a wide range of faculty members. With a curriculum drawing from both disciplines as well as specific biochemistry courses, the program provides a broad background in the physical and life sciences. It is suitable for students planning careers in laboratory research or further training in graduate, medical, or other biomedical professional programs, such as medicine, dentistry, and medical technology. Students work with an advisor from either department.

University Requirements


Completion of Minimum University Requirements for an Undergraduate Baccalaureate Degree .

  • Minimum 120 credits and minimum GPA of 2.0
  • Completion of 45 upper-level credits, the residence requirement, the Writing Intensive requirement, and the General Education requirement

Major Requirements


  • Minimum 79 credits
  • A cumulative major GPA of 2.0 or above is required. A minimum grade of ‘C’ or better is required for all biochemistry and prerequisite courses.

Course Requirements


Electives (6-8 credits)


Complete 2 from the following courses in residence at UMBC:

Individual Laboratory Research


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 .

Preparation for Graduate Study


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

Four-Year Academic Pathways


The Four-Year Academic Pathways webpage offers helpful sample pathways for students eager to explore their academic options and stay on track for a four-year graduation. These pathways provide a starting point for students to plan how to complete their degree in four years. However, it’s important to remember that these are just samples. In consultation with their academic advisor, each student will create an individualized degree plan that reflects their unique academic background, interests, and career goals.

Students must develop their personalized degree plan by the time they’ve earned 45 credits and regularly update it with their advisor as their goals and academic journey evolve. This approach ensures that students make thoughtful, strategic choices that set them up for success throughout their time at UMBC.

Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Programs


Qualified students may apply to an accelerated program, which allows them to take graduate courses as undergraduate students and later apply those courses to master’s degrees. A student may apply to participate in an accelerated program even if the desired graduate program is in a department other than the one in which they are majoring. More information is available from the Accelerated Program page of the Graduate School website.

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