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:

1. Describe the nature and process of science, and the fundamentals of molecular biology spanning molecular, cellular, and organismal subdisciplines.
2. Articulate a rationally defensible integration of science and faith.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in searching and evaluating published molecular biology literature.
4. Demonstrate competence in applied skills required for molecular biology-related careers and post-graduate studies.
5. Engage with the professional scientific community appropriate for vocational pursuits in molecular biology.

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

BIOL 170	Cellular Foundations of Life	4
BIOL 171	Biological Sciences Cornerstone	1
BIOL 172	Diversity of Life	4
BIOL 260	Genetics	4
BIOL 375	Developmental Biology	3
BIOL 380	Genomics and Disease	4
BIOL 416	Cancer and Cell Biology	4
CHEM 105	General Chemistry I	4
CHEM 106	General Chemistry II	4
CHEM 309	Organic Chemistry I	4
CHEM 310	Organic Chemistry II	4
CHEM 410	Biochemistry I	4
SCIE 495	Natural Sciences Capstone	3
PHIL 101	Problems in Philosophy	3
STAT 269	Introductory Statistics	3

Six to seven credits from the following:

BIOL 265	Microbiology	4
BIOL 301	Healthcare in the Developing World	3
BIOL 325	Medicinal Botany	3
BIOL 418	Immunology	3
BIOL 460	Physiology	4
PSYC 323	Counseling Theories	3

Three to four credits from the following:

MATH 108	Intuitive Calculus with Applications	3
MATH 111	Calculus I	4

Four credits from the following:

PHYS 201	Introductory Physics I	4
PHYS 202	Introductory Physics II	4
PHYS 211	General Physics I	4

General Education Requirements

Experiential Learning requirement		0
General Education requirements		Credits
First Year Seminar	IDFY 101/102H	3
Written Communication	ENGL 110/110H	3
Oral Communication	COMM 105	3
Mathematical and Scientific Ways of Knowing	Mathematics (MATH 108, MATH 111, or STAT 269)	met/major
	Science with Lab (BIOL 170, BIOL 172, CHEM 105)	met/major
Social Scientific Ways of Knowing	Social Science	3
Cultural/Humanistic Ways of Knowing	24GE History	3
Literary & Aesthetic Ways of Knowing	Literature or Arts	3
Cultural/Humanistic Ways of Knowing	Philosophy (PHIL 101) or Religion	met/major
Cultural/Humanistic Ways of Knowing	1st and 2nd Level Language	6
Intercultural Perspectives	Intercultural Global or International Cross-cultural or 3rd Level Language	3
Bible	24GE Bible	3
Christian Beliefs	24GE Christian Beliefs	3
Holistic Wellness	WELL 1xx	1
Ethics and the Common Good	24GE Ethics and the Common Good	3
Intercultural Perspectives	Intercultural U.S. or Domestic Cross-cultural	3
Common Learning	Experiential Learning
General Education requirements		40
Major requirements (inclusive of concentration)		66-68
Free Electives		15-17
Total credits		123