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:
PSYC 323 requires a prerequisite which may increase the size of the major. Students interested in pre-genetic counseling should take PSYC 101 (meeting GenEd Social Scientific Ways of Knowing) as a pre-requisite for PSYC 323 Counseling Theories.
Six to seven credits from the following:
Three to four credits from the following:
Four credits from the following:
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 |