Undergraduate

Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology

Integrate biology and chemistry principles while developing advanced laboratory skills in cellular and molecular analysis.

Degree

Bachelor of Science

Location

Durham, NH

Courses

24*

Credit

128 hrs.*

Full-time

4 yrs.

Part-time

Varies

View course catalog

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Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences

The Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology major at UNH prepares you to understand the fundamental processes of life at the molecular level. You’ll integrate biology and chemistry principles while developing advanced lab skills in cellular and molecular analysis.

The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and hands-on research, preparing you for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceutical research and medicine. Coursework builds a versatile scientific foundation through interdisciplinary study, equipping you for research labs, graduate programs and emerging molecular science fields.

*Number of courses and course credit hours may vary, please reach out to your academic advisor for exact requirements.

Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences Department

Key Links

Tuition Costs

Contact Cards

Xuanmao Chen

Associate Professor

Xuanmao.Chen@unh.edu

Rudman Hall, Room 389, Durham, NH 03824

(603) 862-4542

What is biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology?

The intertwined disciplines of biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology are key to understanding the molecular and cellular foundations of life. A BMCB degree prepares you for immediate employment as a research technician or for entry into graduate school or into professional programs in medicine, dentistry or other allied health professions. Areas of faculty specialization include cell signaling pathways, pharmacology, cancer biology, neurobiology, structural biology, and proteomics.

Why study biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology at UNH?

The BMCB degree program provides a rigorous academic curriculum integrated with laboratory experiences to foster inquiry-based learning and to train creative and critical thinkers. Students can gain additional technical skills and exposure to state-of-the-art instrumentation by participating in independent research experiences with highly respected faculty and their collaborators around the world. The BMCB major is designed so students can in four years complete all the prerequisite courses needed for admission to graduate schools or health professional schools. Graduates are well-prepared for employment in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, hospitals or academic labs. An accelerated five-year program to earn a combined bachelor's and master's degree in biochemistry is also available for students who qualify.

Potential careers

College professor
Dentistry
Laboratory technician
Law
Pharmacology
Medicine
Physician assistant
Research scientist
Science journalist or medical writer

Curriculum & Requirements

Program Description

The Biochemistry, Molecular & Cellular Biology (BMCB) major provides you with conceptual competence, analytical skills, and laboratory experiences to understand life at the molecular and cellular level. Your BMCB degree will prepare you for immediate employment as a research associate in industry, for entry into graduate or professional programs in medicine, dentistry or other allied health professions, and other career tracks.

The BMCB program offers advanced coursework and laboratories in diverse research areas of modern biology

Cancer biology
Cell biology
Cell culture & tissue engineering
Endocrinology
Molecular biology
Pharmacology
Physical biochemistry
Protein structure, function & proteomics

BMCB majors participate in experiential learning activities

Many courses have integrated laboratory experiences to foster inquiry-based learning and to train creative and critical thinkers
Independent research experiences are available in faculty research laboratories
Many courses provide exposure to cutting-edge techniques and instrumentation
Job preparation can be enhanced by internships with regional biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies
Summer undergraduate research fellowships at U.S. or international academic institutions combine travel with research opportunities outside UNH

BMCB graduates have been successful in many careers

Research associates and laboratory technicians
- Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies
- Government agencies
- Forensics laboratories
- Academic research laboratories
- Hospitals
Science journalists and technical writers
Healthcare workers
Pharmaceutical sales and marketing staff
Regulatory agency staff
Primary and secondary school educators (with additional coursework in education)

BMCB graduates are well prepared for post-baccalaureate education

Masters and doctoral programs in a wide variety of disciplines
Professional health programs
- Medical
- Dental
- Pharmacy
- Physician’s Assistant and other allied health programs

Note: The BMCB major is designed so you can complete all of the prerequisite courses needed to seek admission to graduate schools or health professional schools in four years.

Degree Plan

Sample Degree Plan

This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credits
MCBS 401	Professional Perspectives in Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences	1
ENGL 401	First-Year Writing	4
CHEM 403	General Chemistry I	4
BIOL 411	Introductory Biology: Molecular and Cellular	4
Discovery Course		4
	Credits	17
Spring
CHEM 404	General Chemistry II	4
BIOL 412	Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology	4
MATH 424B	Calculus for Life Sciences	4
Discovery Course		4
	Credits	16
Second Year
Fall
CHEM 547 & CHEM 549	Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory	5
BMS 503 & BMS 504	General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory	5
BIOL 528	Applied Biostatistics I	4
PHYS 401	Introduction to Physics I	4
	Credits	18
Spring
CHEM 548 & CHEM 550	Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Laboratory	5
GEN 604	Principles of Genetics	4
PHYS 402	Introduction to Physics II	4
Discovery Course		4
	Credits	17
Third Year
Fall
BMCB 605	Principles of Cell Biology	4
BMCB 751	Principles of Biochemistry I	4
BMCB Core or Lab Techniques course		4-5
Discovery Course		4
	Credits	16-17
Spring
BMCB 752	Principles of Biochemistry II	4
BMCB Core or Lab Techniques course		4-5
Discovery Course		4
Elective (any course)		4
	Credits	16-17
Fourth Year
Fall
BMCB Major Elective (possible Capstone)		4
Discovery Course		4
BMCB Major Elective (any course)		4
Elective (any course)		4
	Credits	16
Spring
Elective (any course)		4-5
BMCB Major Elective		4
Elective (any course)		4
	Credits	12-13
	Total Credits	128-131

Requirements for the Program

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 128 credits

Minimum Residency Requirement: 32 credits must be taken at UNH

Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral*

Core Curriculum Required: Discovery & Writing Program Requirements

Foreign Language Requirement: No

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

Students in the Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology (BMCB) major take eight Foundation courses, four Bioscience Core courses, five BMCB Core courses, one Laboratory Techniques course, and three Major Elective courses. One capstone experience, supervised and approved within the major, is required of all seniors. In addition, all other University academic requirements must be completed, including those for the Discovery Program and the University Writing Requirement.

A grade of C- minus or better is required in all Foundation Core, Bioscience Core, BMCB Core, Laboratory Techniques, and Major Elective courses.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Foundation Core Courses
CHEM 403	General Chemistry I ¹	4
CHEM 404	General Chemistry II	4
CHEM 547 & CHEM 549	Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory ²	5
CHEM 548 & CHEM 550	Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Laboratory ²	5
MATH 424B	Calculus for Life Sciences ^{3, 4}	4
BIOL 528	Applied Biostatistics I ⁴	4
PHYS 401	Introduction to Physics I ⁵	4
PHYS 402	Introduction to Physics II ⁵	4

¹: Fulfills Physical Science Discovery requirement
²: CHEM 651/CHEM 653 & CHEM 652/CHEM 654 can be substituted for CHEM 547/CHEM 549 & CHEM 548/CHEM 550.
³: Fulfills Quantitative Reasoning Discovery requirement
⁴: MATH 425 and MATH 426 can be substituted for MATH 424B and BIOL 528
⁵: PHYS 407 and PHYS 408 can be substituted for PHYS 401 and PHYS 402

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Bioscience Core Courses
BIOL 411	Introductory Biology: Molecular and Cellular ⁶	4
BIOL 412	Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology	4
BMS 503 & BMS 504	General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory	5
GEN 604	Principles of Genetics	4

⁶: BIOL 411 fulfills the Biological Science Discovery requirement, Discovery Laboratory requirement, and Discovery Inquiry requirement

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
BMCB Core Courses
MCBS 401	Professional Perspectives in Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences	1
BMCB 605	Principles of Cell Biology	4
BMCB 751	Principles of Biochemistry I	4
BMCB 752	Principles of Biochemistry II	4
GEN 704	Microbial Genetics and Genomics	4-5
or GEN 771	Molecular Genetics

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Laboratory Techniques Courses
Select one course from the following:
BMCB 753	Cell Culture	5
BMCB 754	Molecular Biology Research Methods	5
BMCB 755	Protein Biochemistry Laboratory	5
BMS 725	Cell Phenotyping and Tissue Engineering Laboratory	4
CHEM 741	Chemical Biology Laboratory	4

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
BMCB Major Electives
Select three courses from the following: (A total of three unique major electives are required.)
BMCB 750	Physical Biochemistry	3
BMCB 753	Cell Culture ⁷	5
BMCB 754	Molecular Biology Research Methods ⁷	5
BMCB 755	Protein Biochemistry Laboratory ⁷	5
BMCB 760	Pharmacology	4
BMCB 763	Biochemistry of Cancer	4
BMCB 794	Protein Structure and Function	4
BMCB 795	Investigations in Molecular and Cellular Biology (4-credit minimum) ⁸	1-4
BMCB 795W	Investigations in Molecular and Cellular Biology (4-credit minimum) ⁸	1-4
BMCB 799	Senior Thesis (4-credit minimum) ⁸	1-4
BMCB 799H	Honors Senior Thesis (4-credit minimum) ⁸	1-4
BMS 507 & BMS 508	Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology II	8
BMS 650	Molecular Diagnostics	4
BMS 702	Endocrinology	4
BMS 704	Pathologic Basis of Disease	4
BMS 705 & BMS 715	Immunology and Immunology Laboratory	5
BMS 706 & BMS 708	Virology and Virology Laboratory	5
BMS 718	Mammalian Physiology	4
BMS 725	Cell Phenotyping and Tissue Engineering Laboratory ⁷	4
BMS 735	Molecular and Cellular Parasitology	4
BMS 740	Human Microbiome	4
BIOL 706	Data Science with R for the Life Sciences	4
CHBE 755	Computational Molecular Bioengineering	4
CHEM 740	Chemical Biology	3
CHEM 755	Advanced Organic Chemistry	3
GEN 704	Microbial Genetics and Genomics ⁷	5
GEN 705	Population Genetics ⁹	3
GEN 706	Human Genetics	4
GEN 711	Genomics and Bioinformatics	4
GEN 712	Programming for Bioinformatics	5
GEN 715	Molecular Evolution	4
GEN 717	Molecular Microbiology	5
GEN 721	Comparative Genomics	4
GEN 771	Molecular Genetics ⁷	4
NUTR 750	Nutritional Biochemistry	4

⁷: If course is used to fulfill BMCB Core or Laboratory Technique requirement, course cannot count as BMCB Major Elective.
⁸: Choose no more than ONE of the following courses to fulfill a major elective: BMCB 795, BMCB 795W, BMCB 799, BMCB 799H
⁹: Taking GEN 725 Population Genetics Lab is recommended, but not required.

Approved BMCB Capstone Courses

The capstone explores areas of interest based on the integration of prior learning. The capstone requirement may be satisfied through a course, created work or product, or some form of experiential learning (e.g., honors thesis, mentored research project, or other special student activity). Students may take more than one capstone course. If a second Lab Techniques course is taken, the second Lab Techniques course may count as a Capstone. Capstone completion is never displayed on Degree Works; your advisor will certify capstone completion at the time of graduation. Students must have 90 credits or more when completing their capstone requirement. See your advisor for questions about capstones.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
BMCB 750	Physical Biochemistry	3
BMCB 760	Pharmacology	4
BMCB 763	Biochemistry of Cancer	4
BMCB 794	Protein Structure and Function	4
BMCB 795	Investigations in Molecular and Cellular Biology (4-credit minimum)	1-4
BMCB 795W	Investigations in Molecular and Cellular Biology (4-credit minimum)	1-4
BMCB 799	Senior Thesis (4-credit minimum)	1-4
BMCB 799H	Honors Senior Thesis (4-credit minimum)	1-4
BMS 702	Endocrinology	4
INCO 790	Advanced Research Experience (4-credit minimum)	1-4

For a Capstone experience not listed above, such as an internship, submit a Capstone Approval form prior to beginning the experience.

Student Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Core Knowledge in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Cell Biology

Students will be able to explain the structure and function of macromolecules, including key functional groups, higher order structure and function of macromolecules, catalysis and enzyme kinetics.
Students will be able to explain matter and energy conversion, including thermodynamics, catalysis, biological energy, ATP and its function in metabolism.
Students will be able to explain cellular homeostasis, including major metabolic pathways for carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids, key regulatory steps in these pathways and the organization of metabolic enzymes.
Students will be able to explain the flow of biological information, including detailed replication, transcription and translation processes in the context of homeostasis and development.

Quantitative Literacy, Inquiry & Analysis

Students will be able to apply the scientific method to examine experimental evidence and draw informed conclusions.
Students will be able to use graphs to represent scientific data.
Students will be able to apply statistical methods to interpret scientific data.

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Students will be able to use data to troubleshoot an unexpected outcome.
Students will be able to apply core knowledge to critically interpret scientific data.

Written Communication

Students will demonstrate written skills to communicate scientific knowledge and experimental data.

Oral Communication

Students will be able to demonstrate oral presentation skills to communicate scientific knowledge and experimental data.

Explore Program Details

FAQ

What kind of educational preparation does the BMCB program provide?

The BMCB provides students with conceptual competence, analytical and laboratory skills to understand life at the molecular and cellular level, through advanced coursework and laboratories in diverse research areas of modern biology.

The BMCB degree will prepare students for immediate employment as research associates, for entry into graduate or professional programs in medicine, dentistry or other allied health professionals, as well as other career tracks.

What types of jobs or careers do most BMCB majors go into?

About one-third of our majors are interested in research-oriented career track, and many got into top graduate programs in research institutions such as Chicago, Dartmouth, Duke, U Mass Medical School, U Maryland, U Wisconsin-Madison etc. in recent years.

About one-third are interested in health professional career, and attend professional health programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant, etc. About one-third of our majors join the workforce right away and work as research associates in the R&D sector of biotech or pharmaceutical companies, or biomedical research institutions. Some students work in pharmaceutical sales or in science-related non-profits, to give just a few examples.

What types of career development advice do most BMCB majors go into?

Our students receive career advice through a variety of channels. Each BMCB major has an academic advisor, who oversees their academic progress and points to appropriate resources on campus. For students who are interested in health professions, the college has a full-time pre-professional health advisor who provides detailed suggestions and supports our students’ application to health professional schools. Some BMCB faculty members have extensive experience in major medical schools and help prepare students in advising.

For students who want to join the work force right after graduation, the college has an endowed St. Martin Career Exploration Office who organizes career fairs, campus interviews, internship opportunities. The career center also provides resume review sessions, LinkedIn workshops and practice interviews. For students who feel passionate about research, faculty members BMCB, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences and Chemistry provide a plethora of research opportunities.

Do students have difficulty finding time to declare a minor or get involved in research, clubs, or other activities that they enjoy?

Not at all. While being rigorous, our curriculum is designed with great flexibility for students to explore and grow not only for a variety of career paths passions, but also as future citizens with social responsibility. In the 1-credit Freshman Orientation seminar (Professional Perspectives in BMCB), we provide additional resources to help students know campus resources, set academic goals and become engaged in campus life.

Is it possible to Study Abroad when you are a BMCB major?

Absolutely, but it requires planning! Our BMCB majors take a full year of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry in their first three years. So, they often study abroad in the summer or J-term to stay on track. It is a good idea to discuss with your advisor early on, so that you reserve appropriate Discovery Courses for study abroad. For instance, you get the World Cultures Discovery automatically if you do a semester abroad, so hold off on taking one of those courses at UNH. Plus, Discovery courses taken abroad give you an opportunity to learn more about the history, literature, and culture of the country you are visiting.

Are courses taught by professors and do they hold office hours?

Almost all our courses are taught by professors. They have scheduled office hours every week but are usually also available for meetings by appointment. In addition, many courses have teaching assistants (graduate students) who also hold weekly office hours.

What is a typical class size?

Class sizes vary quite a lot - there is no typical size. Usually, introductory courses taken in freshman year tend to be large (~200 students); while major required or elective courses are small (20-40 students). For example, in ENGL 401 Freshman English, the class size is 24 but in BIOL 411 Introductory Biology: Molecular & Cellular, the lecture is about 200 students. However, large classes almost always have a lab or recitation each week which has only 25-30 students.

Are there opportunities for students to do research?

Yes, lots of opportunities. Faculty members in the BMCB program are highly accomplished, well-funded researchers with undergraduate researchers in their group all the time. UNH has a long-standing tradition in undergraduate research and has a large Undergraduate Research Conference every spring semester where students present their work and mingle with other researchers. In addition, the endowed Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research sponsors a variety a research programs (REAP, UROP, SURF, IROP) to financially support undergraduate research activities.

Can students get credit for doing research?

Yes. Students can enroll in BMCB 795, BMCB 799, INCO 590, or INCO 790 to earn credit for the research they are conducting with a faculty member.

Can first year students do research?

Yes, some BMCB freshmen carry out research with a faculty member. However, we usually advise students to focus on exceling in coursework, engaging in campus life and finding research areas they feel passionate about in their freshman year. Students in the honors program can consider the Research Experience and Apprentice Program (REAP) in freshman summer.

Can students get paid for the time that they spend doing research?

Yes, but not if you are taking research for credit. There are several ways to get paid. First, a faculty member may have funding to pay you from grant funds. Second, if you have work-study as financial aid, a faculty member may have funds to pay the matching portion of your aid. Third, the Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research at UNH administers several competitive research programs (REAP, UROP, SURF, IROP) that students can apply for once they’ve identified a faculty mentor.

What are some good clubs to get involved in if you want to meet people?

There is a club for almost anything you can think of. Anything that interests you can help you meet new people on campus. There are several clubs relating to science and biology that are popular among COLSA students such as: Women in Science, Lab Science Society, American Red Cross, and the UNH chapter of American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Capstone Experience

As part of the University of New Hampshire’s Discovery Program requirements, all students must complete a Capstone experience.

Capstone Experiences

Forms

Closed Course Form

Capstone Approval Form

Five Year B.S./M.S. in Biochemistry

This accelerated five-year program leading to a combined bachelor and master's degree in biochemistry is designed for highly motivated and qualified students seeking additional training to further their career goals as a researcher in the life sciences.

Admission to the combined degree program is highly competitive. Students wishing to pursue this option must have a grade point average greater than 3.2 at the time of application. A thesis advisor must be identified during the junior year, and the approval of the advisor must be obtained. Prior to the first semester of the senior year, the student must formally apply to the department through the Graduate School and receive early admission. The requirement for the Graduate Record Examinations is waived for combined degree applicants.

Thirty credits of graduate level (800-999) course work (including dual credit courses) must be completed. Six to eight credits must be taken during the senior year, and are applied to both the B.S. and M.S. requirements. All other requirements for the M.S. degree must be followed.

Limited financial support for the M.S. component of this combined degree program may be available through University Financial Aid or from the student's project advisor.

Pre-Professional Health Advising

Advising is available for UNH students, alumni, and post baccalaureates pursuing health professional careers.

The Pre-Health Advising Office provides support throughout the process of preparing for health professions school from advising on the courses they should take to helping navigate through the complex steps of the application process.

Advising

Explore the Health Professions

Application Process

Prospective Students

Experiential Opportunities

Honors Society

Alpha Chi Sigma

Alpha Epsilon Delta - The Health Professional Honor Society

American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB)

Phi Sigma - Biological Sciences Honor Society

Relevant UNH Graduate Programs

Students interested in the Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology major may also be interested in the following advanced degrees at UNH. Students in the program also have the opportunity to participate in the UNH accelerated master’s program.

Integrative Biology M.S.

Integrative Biology Ph.D.

Microbiology M.S.

Microbiology Ph.D.

Molecular and Cellular Biotechnology M.S.

Molecular and Evolutionary Systems Biology Ph.D.

Biotechnology: Industrial and Biomedical Sciences, Manchester M.S.