Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology, BS
Program Description
The BS program in molecular biosciences and biotechnology encompasses many of the cutting-edge disciplines in life sciences research. Biotechnology is an exciting, rapidly growing field with major applications in agriculture (green biotechnology, leading to improved crops or production of vaccines in plants), health care (red biotechnology, leading to better therapeutics, diagnostics and personalized medicine) and industry (white biotechnology, leading to sustainable production of energy, enzymes and chemicals).
This molecular biosciences and biotechnology degree program focuses on the interface between molecular biology and biotechnology. The interface drives major advancements in knowledge and applied research and development, such as the development of next-generation biomedical products or biofuels. Hands-on research and the capstone course with both science and business or entrepreneurial components round out this exciting program.
This program is available as an accelerated degree program. Students may visit this website to learn more about accelerated degree programs.
In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit the college's website for more information and requirements.
Required Courses (Major Map)
What if: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus
- Additional Program Fee: Yes
- Second Language Requirement: No
- First Required Math Course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
-
Math Intensity:
Moderate
Major core
Note: Once you start a General BIO sequence, you must complete the full sequence (BIO 181 & 182 OR BIO 281 & 282)
- BIO 181 General Biology I (4) or BIO 281 Conceptual Approaches to Biology for Majors I (4)
- BIO 182 General Biology II (4) or BIO 282 Conceptual Approaches to Biology for Majors II (4)
- MBB 347 Molecular Genetics: From Genes to Proteins (4)
- BIO/MBB 343 Genetic Engineering and Society (4)
- MIC 220 Biology of Microorganisms (3) & MIC 206 Microbiology Lab (1)
- MBB 484 Internship and/or MBB 495 Undergraduate Research (6)
- MBB 490 Capstone: Issues in Biotechnology (2)
- MBB 491 Capstone: Issues in Molecular Biosciences (2)
Major core electives (complete at least 7 credit hours)
- BIO 308 Plant Physiology (4)
- BIO/MIC 420 Immunology: Molecular and Cellular Foundations (3) & MIC 421 Experimental Immunology (2)
- BIO 451 Cell Biotechnology Lab (4)MBB 350 Applied Genetics (4)
- MBB/BIO 440 Functional Genomics (3)
- MBB/MIC 445 Techniques in Molecular Biology (3) & MBB/MIC 446 Techniques in Molecular Biology Laboratory (2)
- MIC 441 Bacterial Genetics (3) & MIC 442 Bacterial Genetics Laboratory (1)
Please see an advisor if any of the above courses are not offered in the term you wish to take them
Requirements in related fields
General chemistry
- CHM 113 General Chemistry I (4)
- CHM 116 General Chemistry II (4)
Organic chemistry (take general or pre-health sequence)
- CHM 231 Elementary Organic Chemistry (3)
- CHM 235 Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1)
OR pre-health sequence
- 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)
Biochemistry (take one of the two sequences)
- BCH 361 Principles of Biochemistry (3)
- BCH 367 Elementary Biochemistry Laboratory (1)
OR
- BCH 461 General Biochemistry (3)
- BCH 462 General Biochemistry (3)
- BCH 467 Analytical Biochemistry Laboratory (3)
Physics (take general or pre-health sequence)
- PHY 101 Introduction to Physics (4)
OR pre-health sequence
- PHY 111 General Physics I (3)
- PHY 112 General Physics II (3)
- PHY 113 General Physics Laboratory I (1)
- PHY 114 General Physics Laboratory II (1)
Math (complete one of the following)
- MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences (3)
- MAT 210 Brief Calculus (3)
Statistics (complete one of the following)
- STP 231 Statistics for Biosciences (3)
- STP 226 Elementary Statistics (3)
For more information on requirements and recommendations specific to this degree please see our Did you know for on-campus degrees page.
Admission Requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Freshman Transfer International Readmission
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.
Change of Major Requirements
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
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Career Outlook
The molecular biosciences and biotechnology degree program provides an excellent background and training for a growing number of careers that incorporate this innovative area of the molecular life sciences. Independent research and courses with classroom plus lab components result in a solid base of knowledge and practical expertise in biotechnology and the molecular biosciences, providing many options for further education or for entering the workforce.
Many molecular biosciences and biotechnology graduates enter graduate programs in a molecular biosciences and biotechnology-related area. A number also enroll in medical school, other health-related professional programs or in other advanced programs. Graduates also have the knowledge and technical skills to enter the biotechnology workforce in an area matching their expertise and interest.
The molecular biosciences and biotechnology program has a faculty mentoring program which provides students with the opportunity to speak with faculty regarding career choices, selection and timeline of major courses and of independent research projects, and much more.
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
Bioinformatics Scientist
- Growth: 2.2%
- Median Salary*: $85,290
Bioinformatics Technician
- Growth: %
- Median Salary*:
Biological Sciences Professor
- Growth: 9.3%
- Median Salary*: $85,600
Clinical Trial Manager
- Growth: 4.8%
- Median Salary*: $137,940
Geneticist
- Growth: 2.2%
- Median Salary*: $85,290
Health Sciences Manager
- Growth: 4.8%
- Median Salary*: $137,940
Hydrogeologist
- Growth: 4.8%
- Median Salary*: $137,940
Medical Scientist
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: $91,510
Molecular Biologist
- Growth: 2.2%
- Median Salary*: $85,290
Nanosystems Engineer
- Growth: 1.3%
- Median Salary*: $103,380
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.