Major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
To graduate with a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB), a grade of C- or better is required for all courses counted toward the major. In addition, students must earn a C average (GPA 2.0) across all courses counted towards the major.
Although strongly discouraged, a course grade of “Pass” will be allowed for a maximum of one 100-level course counted towards the major. The original grade earned must be a C- or better.
Fundamental Courses
CHEM 115 and 116: Introductory Chemistry I and II
BIOL 120: Organismal Biology
BIOL 221: Molecules, Genes, and Cells
CHEM 220 and 221: Organic Chemistry I and II
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) Core Courses
BMB 300: Biochemistry
BMB 322: Molecular Biology
Physical Chemistry
CHEM 320: Physical Chem I OR CHEM 321: Physical Chem II
Two Elective Courses
Complete either two courses from List A, or one from List A and one from List B.
List A
BIOL 209: Human Physiology
BIOL 210: Microbiology
BIOL 323: Microbiology
BIOL 324: Advanced Cell Biology
BIOL 325: Frontiers in Cell Biology and Disease
BIOL 326: Immunology
BIOL 340: Animal Physiology
BIOL 342: Developmental Biology
BIOL 346: Neuroscience: Neuron to Brain
BIOL 351: Personal Genetics
BIOL 352: From Genotype to Phenotype
BIOL 362: Mechanisms of Brain Dysfunction
BIOL 365: The Neuroscience of Sleep
BIOL 372: Pharmacology: Drug, Brain, Behavior
BIOL 389: Evolution
List B
CHEM 320 or 321: Physical Chemistry I or II (not taken as part of chemistry courses above)
CHEM 340: Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 410: Instrumental Analysis
CHEM 430: Advanced Organic
At least two of the five 300-level courses must be taken at Lake Forest College.
Four Courses Taken Outside Chemistry and Biology
PHYS 110 and 111: Introductory Physics OR PHYS 120 and 121: General Physics
MATH 110 and 111: Calculus I and II
One Capstone
BMB 493: Research Project, BMB 494: Senior Thesis, OR BMB 4xx: Senior Seminar
Possible BMB Course Scenario 1
FALL |
SPRING |
CHEM 115 |
CHEM 116 |
CHEM 220 |
CHEM 221 |
BMB 300 PHYS 110 |
BIOL 3XX (LIST A) PHYS 111 |
BIOL 3XX (LIST A) | CHEM 321 BMB 415 |
Possible BMB Course Scenario 2
FALL |
SPRING |
CHEM 115 |
CHEM 116 |
CHEM 220 |
CHEM 221 |
BMB 300 PHYS 110 |
CHEM 321 PHYS 111 |
BIOL 3XX (LIST A) | BIOL 3XX (LIST A) BMB 4XX |
A double major in Chemistry and BMB or a minor in Chemistry and major in BMB is not possible. A double major in Biology and BMB, although possible, would be prohibited. There is no minor in BMB.