Biochemistry/molecular biology (commonly called “BMB”) involves the study of life processes at the molecular level. At the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, biochemistry/molecular biology students study how molecules such as DNA and proteins control heredity, development, aging and mental activity; and how abnormalities in these molecules can lead to diseases such as cancer. The biochemistry/molecular biology major is an interdisciplinary major (meaning core classes are in both the biology and chemistry department). The major offers a balanced curriculum integrating modern molecular biology and biochemistry. In addition, built into the major is the flexibility to accommodate students planning a variety of future endeavors (e.g. medicine, research, technical) while maintaining a strong liberal arts educational experience. This comprehensive major is a laboratory-intensive interdisciplinary bachelor of science program which provides students a solid foundation in chemistry along with exceptional depth in the biological sciences.

Knowledge:

By studying biochemistry/molecular biology at UW-Eau Claire, students will strengthen their abilities in problem solving, analyzing data and communicating new information, while gaining a greater understanding of statistics and computing. Students studying biochemistry/molecular biology also have many opportunities to enhance laboratory skills, as much of the curriculum is laboratory intensive.

Skills:

* Gathering data/interpretation
* Operating knowledge of scientific equipment
* Experimenting with ideas
* Organizing/classifying
* Inspecting/examining
* Diagnosing
* Testing hypothesis
* Problem solving
* Thinking critically
* Summarizing data