Molecular Biology (B.S.)
Program Overview
The Molecular Biology major trains students at the nexus of genetics, development, and disease, equipping them to manipulate and analyze genes and their protein products using cutting-edge molecular technologies. Advising tracks help you specialize for immediate employment in biotech or for graduate programs in medicine, biomedical research, genetic counseling, or molecular ecology. This major integrates studies in biology and chemistry for a strong foundation in the structure and function of macromolecules and an understanding of fundamental molecular processes of life. A common core of foundational courses from the traditional disciplines of chemistry and biology prepares the student for advanced coursework. Supporting courses in mathematics and physics are included in the major. The Jordan Science Center, together with the Kline Hall of Science, offers well equipped teaching and dedicated research laboratories outfitted with multiple cell and tissue culture areas, environmental growth chambers, and specialized instrumentation including real-time PCR machines, and three types of fluorescence microscopes. Specialized computer software allows the student to visualize complex molecular structures such as proteins and DNA.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates from Messiah's Molecular Biology program can:
- Describe the nature and process of science, and the fundamentals of molecular biology spanning molecular, cellular, and organismal subdisciplines.
- Articulate a rationally defensible integration of science and faith.
- Demonstrate proficiency in searching and evaluating published molecular biology literature.
- Demonstrate competence in applied skills required for molecular biology-related careers and post-graduate studies.
- Engage with the professional scientific community appropriate for vocational pursuits in molecular biology.
Major Requirements
Complete the following for your major:
BIOL 260 fulfills Writing in the major.
PSYC 323 requires a prerequisite which may increase the size of the major. Students interested in pre-genetic counseling should take PSYC 101 (meeting QuEST Social Science) as a pre-requisite for PSYC 323 Counseling Theories.
Six to seven credits from the following:
Three to four credits from the following:
Three credits from the following:
Four credits from the following:
QuEST Requirements
| Experiential Learning requirement |
0 |
| QuEST requirements |
Credits |
| First Year Seminar |
3 |
| Oral Communication |
3 |
| Created and Called for Community (W) |
3 |
| Mathematical Sciences (MATH 108, MATH 111 or STAT 269) |
met/major |
| Laboratory Science (BIOL 170, BIOL 172 or CHEM 105) |
met/major |
| Science, Technology & the World |
waived |
Two of the following (six credits total):
Social Science
European History
United States History |
6 |
| Literature |
3 |
| Philosophy and Religion (PHIL 101, 102) |
met/major |
| Arts |
3 |
| First Semester of Language |
3 |
| Second Semester of Language |
3 |
| Third Semester of Language or Cross Cultural |
3 |
| Non-Western Studies |
2-3 |
| Bible |
3 |
| Christian Beliefs |
3 |
| Wellness course |
1 |
| Ethics, World Views or Pluralism |
3 |
| QuEST requirements |
42-43 |
| Major requirements |
66-68 |
| Free electives |
15-12 |
| Total credits |
123 |