Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
(Printable version)
If you love biology and chemistry then biochemistry/molecular biology (B/MB) might be the major for you. B/MB involves the study of life processes at the molecular level. Students study how molecules such as DNA and proteins control our heredity, development, aging and mental activity, and how abnormalities in these molecules can lead to diseases such as cancer.
Hands-on labs
The laboratories are well-equipped with up-to-date instruments not often found in undergraduate laboratories, including a DNA synthesizer and sequencer, a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer, a 3-D molecular graphics workstation, a superconducting nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, and transmission and scanning electron microscopes to name a few.
Hands-on research
Fully equipped laboratories are available for teaching and research in genetics, recombinant DNA techniques, plant and animal physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry. Students receive experience in problem-solving and in modern techniques, experimental design and data analysis. Through our student/faculty collaborative research program, students participate in fascinating research projects while working one-on-one with a professor in their field and
gaining in-depth knowledge for their careers or graduate school. Students also participate in weekly seminars featuring presentations by top researchers.
Prestigious Scholars
Many UW-Eau Claire students have received the prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships. The Goldwater Scholarship is considered to be the premier undergraduate award of its type in the United States in the field of mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering. Goldwater scholars receive scholarships that cover the cost of undergraduate tuition, fees and room and board up to $7,500 for one or two years.
Majors
Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, comprehensive major, no minor required.
Suggested freshman curriculum
- Chemical Principles
- Cell Biology and Genetics
- Calculus and Analytical
Geometry
- Organismal Form and
Function
- Introduction to College
Writing
- Quantitative Analysis
- General Electives
Our graduates
Typical biochemistry/molecular biology grads diagnose and treat human diseases and develop new therapeutic agents in
work in sales and purchasing or marketing and marketing research for a scientific manufacturing company; teach chemistry and/or biology in secondary schools, or obtain a doctorate degree to be eligible for research/teaching positions at universities, foundations and clinics.
More career information
Places you’ll find recent graduates:
- Laboratory Technologist,
Medical College of WI,
Milwaukee, WI
- Assistant Scientist, PDD Inc,
Middleton, WI
- Medical Student, UW-
Madison Medical School,
Madison, WI
- Scientist, Boston Scientific,
Minneapolis, MN
- Nephrologist/Transplant
Physician, Luther Midelfort
Clinic, Eau Claire, WI
Department contact information
Wilson Taylor
taylorwa@uwec.edu
715-836-4166
