Once you have officially declared BMB as your major, a faculty advisor will be assigned to you. For assistance, please contact the Biological Sciences office (438-3669).

Major overview

The baccalaureate degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Illinois State University is a cross-disciplinary program offered by the School of Biological Sciences and Department of Chemistry. This 70 hour program provides the basics in biological and chemical science (including one year each of calculus and physics) needed for advanced study in chemistry, biology, the integrated biomedical sciences and the professions such as medicine and veterinary medicine. The program also provides the technical and theoretical skills necessary for entry-level positions in pharmaceutical and biotechnical industries.

Fundamental biology courses including BSC 196 Biological Diversity, BSC 197 Molecular and Cellular Basis of Life, and BSC 203 Cell Biology create the framework for modern biochemistry which is taken as a full year sequence CHE 342 General Biochemistry I, CHE 343 Biochemistry Laboratory and CHE 344 General Biochemistry II. BSC 219 Genetics extends biological background to support today's critical understanding of molecular biology covered in BSC 350 Molecular Biology. Progress through upper level foundational Chemistry courses is dramatically impacted by success in lower division courses. Students should earn a C or better in both semesters of Calculus, Physics, General and Organic Chemistry, demonstrating their mastery of key concepts in these subjects. The school strongly encourages students to repeat those courses wherein students were unable to earn the noted C or better. However, a pattern of repeated courses in lower division coursework suggests that the student is not likely to be in the correct major, and the school encourages students to seek the input from advisors and mentors regarding their future in chemistry.

Lower division chemistry, math and physics courses are preparatory for CHE 389.02 Physical Biochemistry or its alternative CHE 360 Physical Chemistry I, such that a solid foundation in these courses is essential. Students are required to complete 8 h of 200-level chemistry coursework and CHE 342 General Biochemistry, along with a full year of calculus in preparation for this course. Students with strong grades in these subjects and their first semester of physics may be allowed into the course with the instructor's approval. Note that successful completion of Physical Biochemistry or Physical Chemistry I is required for admittance to CHE 315 Instrumental Analysis.