Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Bachelor of Science, B.S.)

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree is a combined degree offered through the Chemistry and Biology Departments.  A Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology prepares graduates for entry-level work in areas such as life science industry or entry into graduate schools. It is also ideal for students who plan to pursue advanced degrees in graduate, medical, dental or pharmacy schools. Students have the option to earn this degree with American Chemical Society (ACS) certification, allowing them to graduate college with professional certification.

Our American Chemical Society approved option is the most comprehensive program available. If you are working toward an advanced degree in chemistry, biochemistry or planning a career in the chemical industry, Missouri Western’s ACS track in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is strongly recommended.

Students who choose this bachelor degree program will have no more than 6 years from admission or subsequent declaration to meet the requirements listed below. If certification, accreditation or statutory requirements change and additional requirements become effective during this time, the new requirements take precedence.

The Bachelor of Science Major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is an interdisciplinary program offered jointly by the departments of Biology and Chemistry. It is designed to prepare students for graduate level education or careers in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, and related biotechnology fields.

General Studies42
Students must complete General Studies courses
Major Requirements63
BIO 105Principles of Organismal Biology4
BIO 106Principles of Cell Biology4
BIO 205Genetics4
BIO 225Ecology4
BIO 310Molecular Cell Biology4
or BIO 430 Molecular Basis of Disease
CHE 111General Chemistry I5
CHE 120General Chemistry II with Qualitative Analysis5
CHE 310Organic Chemistry I3
CHE 311Organic Chemistry Laboratory I2
CHE 321Quantitative Analysis4
CHE 340Foundations of Physical Chemistry4
CHE 370Biochemistry I4
CHE 470Biochemistry II3
MAT 167Calculus with Analytic Geometry I5
PHY 110College Physics I4
PHY 111College Physics II4
Select one of the following:
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (No Certification)12
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ACS Certification)19

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (No Certification)
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ACS Certification)

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (No Certification) 

Select a minimum of twelve credit hours from Biology or Chemistry courses numbered 300 or higher12

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ACS Certification) 

Students are eligible to receive certification in the area of Biochemistry from the American Chemical Society (ACS) if the following course work is completed.

Certification Requirements
CHE 312
& CHE 313		Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II		5
CHE 326Instrumental Analysis4
CHE 441Advanced Inorganic Chemistry3
CHE 480Advanced Physical Chemistry4
MAT 177Calculus with Analytic Geometry II3
or MAT 287 Multivariable Calculus
Total Credit Hours19

Program Graduation Requirements 

  1. Earn an overall GPA of at least 2.0 and a major GPA of at least 2.0.

University Graduation Requirements 

  1. Earn a minimum of 120 credit hours (100 level and higher, maximum of 6 CED credit hours applicable).
  2. Earn a minimum of 30 credit hours in upper-division courses.  Lower-division transfer courses accepted as meeting upper-division departmental course requirements cannot be used to fulfill this requirement.
  3. Earn 30 of the last 45 credit hours at MWSU in institutional coursework (exclusive of credit by examination).
  4. Participate in required departmental and campus wide assessments. 
  5. Fulfill the Missouri Constitution requirement.
  6. Successfully pass the Missouri Higher Education Civics Achievement exam.