Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (Second Major Only)

The biochemistry & molecular biology program exists to give students an opportunity to augment their education in this technologically-important field. To support this effort, Rose-Hulman provides students with access to a modern and well-equipped biochemistry lab, along with an excellent biological sciences facility.

Biochemistry & molecular biology is available to Rose-Hulman students as a second major. This means that the student will receive a first degree in some other discipline and then can augment their education with this program. Students whose first degree programs are in chemistry or chemical engineering will find the program easiest since there is considerable overlap between those programs and the biochemistry & molecular biology requirements. Students from other disciplines are also encouraged to participate, but will have to take more courses. All students are encouraged to take individual courses in the program, regardless of whether or not they wish to fulfill the second major requirements, or to participate in related research projects under faculty supervision.

Two degree or double major programs in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Biochemistry are not allowed.

Below is a sample plan of study that illustrates one way to achieve the program requirements. Any given student's plan of study may differ based on a variety of factors (e.g., advanced credit, placement exams, adding a minor). Enrolled students will work with their academic advisor; utilize the degree audit/planner to create a specific plan of study.

Required Courses

Required Courses
CHEM 111General Chemistry I3
CHEM 111LGeneral Chemistry I Lab1
CHEM 113General Chemistry II3
CHEM 113LGeneral Chemistry II Laboratory1
CHEM 115General Chemistry III3
CHEM 115LGeneral Chemistry III Laboratory1
CHEM 251Organic Chemistry I3
CHEM 251LOrganic Chemistry I Laboratory1
CHEM 252Organic Chemistry II3
CHEM 252LOrganic Chemistry II Laboratory1
CHEM 253Organic Chemistry III3
CHEM 253LOrganic Chemistry III Laboratory1
CHEM 330Biochemistry I4
CHEM 430Advanced Biochemistry4
CHEM 433Biochemistry Laboratory1
Select one of the following:8-12
CHEM 361
& CHEM 362
Physical Chemistry I
and Physical Chemistry II
Or
CHEM 360
& CHE 303
& CHE 304
Introduction to Physical Chemistry for Engineers
and Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
and Multi-Component Thermodynamics
BIO 110Cell Structure and Function4
BIO 120Comparative Anatomy & Physiology4
BIO 130Evolution & Diversity4
BIO 210Mendelian & Molecular Genetics4
BIO 220Microbiology4
BIO 230Cell Biology4
Genetics Elective 14
Advanced Electives (most majors) 212
Advanced Electives (CHEM majors) 38
1

Genetics Elective must be a course that has BIO210 as a prerequisite or any course approved by the major advisor. Examples include BIO411, BIO431, and CHEM331.

2

Advanced Electives include CHEM225, PH302, or any 300 level or greater CHEM, BIO, or BMTH course. For Biology majors, 8 of the Advanced Elective credits must not be BIO courses. Electives may not be named, required courses in a student’s other majors or minors but may count as electives for other majors or minors.

3

Chemistry majors are required to only take 8 credits of advanced electives, but they must not be CHEM courses.

Students with a major in Biology must take 8 credits from the elective courses listed above with a CHEM prefix, and 4 credits from any 300 level or above BIO course (total: 29 hours required beyond Biology major).

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, Rose-Hulman Biochemistry and Molecular Biology students will be able to

  1. Solve problems by applying core concepts of biochemistry and molecular biology.
  2. Explain and and apply techniques related to the manipulation and analysis of cells and biomolecules.
  3. Communicate complex scientific findings and ideas from the discipline of biochemistry and molecular biology through a variety of media.