Molecular biology is the basic science that has as its goal an explanation of life processes at the subcellular and molecular level. Recent years have seen explosive advances in the study of DNA and molecular genetics, including gene cloning, sequencing, and mapping. Developments in molecular biology have opened new areas of study and provided powerful techniques that are revolutionizing the pharmaceutical, health, and agricultural industries. They have spawned new industries in biotechnology, and opened avenues for answering basic and applied questions in all of the life sciences.
The objectives of the molecular biology major are to provide a conceptual knowledge base and critical thinking skills related to the following areas:
• Molecular biology
• Cell biology
• Integrating themes (biochemistry, evolution,
and diversity)
At the completion of the program, the student will
be able to:
1. Possess basic knowledge and demonstrate critical thinking in molecular biology, cell biology, and evaluate literature in related areas.
2. Demonstrate basic laboratory skills including laboratory safety and basic molecular biology techniques.
3. Demonstrate laboratory thinking skills including cognitive processes, analytical skills, communication skills, and interpersonal and citizenry skills.
4. Demonstrate basic research skills to include formulating a clear, answerable question, developing a testable hypothesis, predicting expected results, developing, modifying, and/or following an experimental protocol, collecting
and organizing data in a systematic fashion, presenting data in an appropriate form, assessing the validity of the data and drawing appropriate conclusions based on the results.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:
Graduates are well prepared for continued study toward advanced degrees in agriculture, animal science biochemistry, biology, microbiology, molecular biology, medicine, and related fields or to enter the biotechnology work force. Molecular
biology is an excellent pre-professional course of study for those interested in health professions, law, or business.
FINANCING:
Students may be employed either as research or teaching assistants. Several endowed scholarships are available.
