Research at the macromolecular, molecular, and atomic levels is revolutionizing our understanding of the fundamental processes of life. Students interested in joining this search are best prepared by undertaking coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science. The undergraduate major in biochemistry and molecular biology (BMB) is offered by faculty who are actively engaged in research on biological systems.

Students who declare the BMB major earn a bachelor of science (B.S.) degree. The BMB major constitutes an integrated curriculum of basic instruction in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, followed by the opportunity to pursue advanced study in specialized areas of interest. In modern, well-equipped laboratories, distinguished faculty are engaged in frontline research at UCSC. The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department and the Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology Department each host a very active seminar series in which internationally-recognized scientists present their current research findings. Advanced BMB undergraduates are encouraged to attend.

The BMB program features close faculty-student interaction, stimulating learning environments, and opportunities for independent research and study. Students majoring in BMB are encouraged to become involved in research under the guidance of a faculty sponsor. Many students participating in this aspect of the program have made important contributions to the scientific literature.

The BMB major has a broad scope and is interdisciplinary in nature. All prospective majors should see the BMB academic advisor for additional information.

Note: A student cannot double major/minor in BMB and any other major/minor offered by the departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology. No BMB minor is offered.

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Learning outcomes summarize the most important knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes that students are expected to develop over the course of their studies.

Students graduating with a B.S. in biochemistry and molecular biology should be able to:

✔ Demonstrate mastery of a broad set of chemical and biological knowledge concerning the fundamentals in the basic areas of the discipline (organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, biochemistry, and molecular biology).

✔ Solve area-specific problems by identifying the essential parts of a problem, formulating a strategy for solving the problem, applying appropriate techniques to arrive at a solution, testing the correctness of the solution, and interpreting their results.

✔ Use modern cloud search tools (such as SciFinder, PubMed, Google Scholar, or Web of Science) to locate and retrieve scientific information about topics relating to chemistry and biology.

✔ Know and follow the proper procedures and regulations for safe handling and use of chemicals, biohazardous materials, and common laboratory instruments.

✔ Understand the objective of their chemical and biological experiments, properly carry out the experiments, and appropriately record and analyze the results.

✔ Use computers in data acquisition and processing, and use available software as a tool in data analysis; use standard laboratory equipment, modern instrumentation, and classical techniques to carry out experiments.

✔ Communicate the concepts and results of their laboratory experiments through effective writing and/or oral communication using the discipline standards for reporting and citation.

✔ Collaborate effectively as part of a team to solve problems, debate different points of view, and interact productively with a diverse group of team members.