Biochemistry/Molecular Biology (B/MB) involves the study of life processes at the molecular level. At the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, B/MB students study how molecules control heredity, development, aging and mental activity, as well as how abnormalities in these molecules can lead to diseases such as cancer. The B/MB major is an interdisciplinary major that offers a balanced curriculum integrating modern molecular biology and biochemistry .This comprehensive major is a laboratory-intensive, interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science program that provides students with a solid foundation in both chemistry and the biological sciences.

What will I learn from studying Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology?

Knowledge:

By studying biochemistry/molecular biology at UW – Eau Claire, students will strengthen their abilities in problem solving, data analysis and communication while gaining a greater understanding of statistics and computing. Students studying biochemistry/molecular biology also have many opportunities to enhance laboratory skills.

Skills:

• Data collection/interpretation
• Experimenting with ideas
• Organizing/classifying
• Inspecting/examining
• Diagnosing
• Testing hypotheses
• Problem solving
• Thinking critically
• Summarizing data

What are some of the interests and values related to Biochemistry/Molecular Biology?

• Scientific inquiry
• Enthusiasm for hands-on laboratory experience
• Imagination to pose challenging questions
• Desire to learn about how things work

What are related student and professional organizations?

Student:

• Tri Beta (Biology Club)
• Molecular Movement
• American Chemical Society (ACS) – Student Affiliate
• Pre-PA Club
• Pre-Med Club

Professional:

• American Chemical Society
• American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• American Society for Microbiology

What career fields are related to a Biochemistry/Molecular Biology degree?

Potential Employers:

Biochemistry/molecular biology majors work in many fields depending on their interests, skills, and education. Some employers include: pharmaceutical companies, research institutes, chemical manufacturers, hospitals, and colleges and universities.

Potential Job Titles:

• Assistant Researcher
• Biochemist
• Chemical Lab Technician
• Staff Chemist
• Analytical Chemist
• Research Assistant Professor
• Research Biochemist
• Patent Attorney
• Scientific Editor

What are some entry-level jobs held by UW – Eau Claire Biochemistry/Molecular Biology 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 Middlefort Clinic, Eau Claire, WI

How can I learn more about Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology?

Departments

• Contact someone in UW – Eau Claire’s Dept. of Biology or Dept. of Chemistry
• Biology: Phillips 330, 836-4166
• Chemistry: Phillips 430, 836-3417  

Career Services:

• Meet with a career counselor
• Take interest inventories and self-assessment tests
• Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW – Eau Claire Alumni & Friends available for informational interviewing

Career Discovery Center :

• Careers in Science , Thomas A. Easton
• Great Jobs for Biology Majors, Blythe Camenson
• Opportunities in Science Technician Careers , JoAnn Chirico
• Opportunities in Research & Development Careers , Jan Goldberg
• Opportunities in Pharmacy Careers , Fred B. Gable
• Opportunities in Biotechnology Careers , Sheldon S. Brown

• Careers in Biotechnology
• bio.com Career Center
• University of Wisconsin Biotechnology Center
• Molecular Biology Gateway

What are some opportunities for experiential learning in Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology?

Internship

Internships are a way to gain hands-on experience in a position that interests you as a potential career. To find an internship in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology that suites your interests, visit Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak with a Career Associate about the many available internships. Contact your advisor or the Biology or Chemistry department chairs about enrolling in BIOL 498 to obtain academic credit for your internship.

There are many opportunities for students to participate in Research Experience for Undergraduates ( REUs) to enhance the breadth of knowledge learned in the classroom. For additional information about REU’s for undergraduates, go to Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak to a Career Associate or visit the website: www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.cfm. For additional information about research at UW – Eau Claire, contact the Departments of Biology or Chemistry.

By participating in an Independent or Directed Studies course, students will be able to research an area that they find particularly interesting. Speak with your advisor about enrolling in CHEM 399, 495, 497, or 499 or BIOL 395, 399 or 499.