Undergraduate Degree Programs
Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology
- Checksheet: 2009-10 | Major Map
- Checksheet: 2008-09 | Major Map
- Checksheet: 2007-08
- Checksheet: 2006-07
What can I do with a degree in Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology?
The BS degree program in Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology (MBB) is designed to prepare students interested in molecular and cellular biology for productive careers in rapidly expanding areas in the molecular life sciences. The MBB program provides a strong foundation for molecular-based research and education including medical research and practice, biotechnology, functional genomics research, and gene discovery. Included are courses in chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, molecular and cell biology, genetic engineering and biotechnology, and bioinformatics, with emphasis on laboratory training. Independent research at ASU or an internship elsewhere is an integral part of the major as well, along with a capstone course experience with both science and business components. Students with an MBB degree may choose to go to graduate or professional (medical, etc.) school, join the workforce in an area of biotechnology, etc.
The MBB program has a Faculty Mentoring Program (PDF), which provides students with the opportunity to speak with faculty regarding career choices, selection of courses within the major, selection of independent research, and timeline and sequence of courses, tests for graduate or professional school, etc.
The MBB major consists of a minimum of 33 semester hours of required courses, and a minimum of 24 semester hours of in related fields, a three-semester hour computer/statistics/quantitative applications course (see qualifying courses below), plus a three-semester hour advanced mathematics course included in the General Studies Requirement. A minimum grade of “C” (2.00) is required for all course work in the major and related areas. The required major courses are as follows:
Core requirements (30 credits):
- MBB 245 Cellular and Molecular Biology (4; Fall)
- MBB 247 Applied Biosciences: Biotechnology (4; Spring)
- MIC 206 Microbiology Laboratory (1; Fall and Spring)
- MIC 220 Biology of Microorganisms (3; Fall and Spring)
- MBB 343 Genetic Engineering and Society (4; Fall)
- BIO 340 General Genetics (4; Fall, Spring, Summer)
- MBB 484 Internship (6; all semesters)
---or--- MBB 499 Individualized Instruction (6; all semesters) - MBB 490 Capstone: Issues in Biotechnology (2 credits in Fall)
- MBB 491 Capstone: Issues in Biotechnology (2 credits in Spring)
Electives (3 credits). Choose at least one of the following courses or combinations of lab courses for 3 to 5 semester hours. Although only one advanced lab course is required, students are encouraged to take two:
- MBB 350 Applied Genetics (4; Spring)
- MBB 445 Techniques in Molecular Biology/Genetics (2; Spring and Fall) /MBB 446 Techniques in Molecular Biology/Genetics Lab (2; Spring and Fall)
- MIC 420 Immunology: Molecular and Cellular Foundations (3; Fall) /MIC 421 Experimental Immunology (2; Fall)
- MIC 441 Bacterial Genetics (3; Spring) /MIC 442 Bacterial Genetics Laboratory (1; Spring)
- BIO 451 Cell Biotechnology Laboratory (3; selected semesters)
Related fields:
- CHM 113 General Chemistry I (4; Fall, Spring and Summer)
- CHM 116 General Chemistry II (4; Fall, Spring and Summer)
- BCH 361 Principles of Biochemistry (3; Fall and Spring)
- BCH 367 Elementary Biochemistry Laboratory (1; Fall and Spring)
- PHY 111 General Physics 3
- PHY 112 General Physics (3)
- PHY 113 General Physics Laboratory (1)
- PHY 114 General Physics Laboratory (1)
Organic Chemistry Options (the CHM 233, 234, 237, 238 is strongly recommended):
- CHM 231 Elementary Organic Chemistry (3)
- CHM 235 Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1)
---or--- CHM 233 General Organic Chemistry I (3) - CHM 234 General Organic Chemistry II (3)
- CHM 237 General Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1)
- CHM 238 General Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (1)
Math Proficiency (6 hours; 3 as a General Studies Requirement):
- MAT 351 Mathematical Methods for Genetic Analysis,
---or--- MBB 355 Introduction to Computational Molecular Biology, - MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences (3)
---or--- MAT 210 (3) or any other calculus course approved by an advisor