Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is the branch of science that examines life at the molecular level. Students will use the basic tools of chemistry and biology to dissect how organisms, cells, and molecules function. This major is rigorous, but provides flexibility to adapt to a student’s individual interests.
Small class sizes (generally under 14 students) mean that you will have plenty of individualized attention from your professors. Classes are held in the state of the art Science Center. Learn more about our facilities and equipment.
Research and internships will prepare you for any opportunity you encounter. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology majors are required to complete a research requirement for graduation. This requirement can be fulfilled by a research based laboratory course, independent research studies at Otterbein or in nationally recognized summer research programs. Learn more about research at Otterbein.
We also work with students to help match them with area hospitals, veterinarians, dentists, and pharmacists to provide the relevant internship and volunteer experience that is so crucial for future success.
Following graduation, many of our students enter graduate programs in the sciences, medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, physician’s assistant school, genetic counseling, or optometry. Others enter work directly for biotech companies, area research facilities, and hospitals. This degree also provides a solid foundation for other careers in education, business, marketing, law, and public policy.
The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major is an interdisciplinary major supported by the Department of Biology and Earth Science and the Department of Chemistry.
Sample Course Schedule
| | Fall | Spring |
| Freshman | General Biology I | General Biology II |
| | General Chemistry I/Accelerated
General Chemistry | General Chemistry II |
| | Calculus I | Calculus II |
| | Integrative Studies Course 1 | Integrative Studies Course 2 |
Sophomore
| Genetics | Cell Biology |
| | Organic Chemistry I | Organic Chemistry II |
| | Integrative Studies Course 3 | Integrative Studies Course 4 |
| | Language requirement 1 | Language requirement 2 |
| Junior | Biochemistry I, Biomolecules and Metabolism | Molecular Genetics |
| | Elective | Biochemistry II, Proteins and Enzymes |
| | Physics 1 | Physics II |
| | Integrative Studies Course 5 | Integrative Studies Course 6 |
| Senior | Research Colloquium | Seminar |
| | Integrative Studies Course 7 | Integrative Studies Course 8 |
| | Senior Year Experience | Elective |
| | Open | Open |
| | | Open |