Program Contact: Robert Collins 203-582-6407
For highly qualified students, the Accelerated Dual-Degree BS in Biochemistry/MS in Molecular and Cell Biology (3+1) provides an opportunity for students to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Master of Science within the field of Molecular and Cell Biology within a 4-year time frame typically associated with only an undergraduate education. The 3+1 program provides an excellent foundation for students intending to pursue studies in professional healthcare fields and doctoral programs. It also offers a competitive edge for students wishing to pursue a career in the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries.
The requirements and policies for the undergraduate degree are the same as described on the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry page, except that students in the 3+1 combined BS/MS program are expected to maintain a GPA of at least 3.00 at the end of each school year for continued participation in the program. The requirements and policies for the graduate degree are the same as described on the Master of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology page.
Shown below is one of several possible paths through the curriculum.
Students choose courses and follow a curriculum determined in consultation with their adviser; individual planning will vary based on a number of factors, including, for instance, Advanced Placement and/or transfer credits.
The minimum number of credits required for undergraduate degree completion is 120, and the minimum number of credits required for the graduate degree is 34. At least 18 graduate credits must be completed after conferral of the bachelor’s degree and cannot be double-counted. Graduate full-time status: ≥9 credits; graduate part-time status: 5-8 credits. This course plan reflects the non-thesis track. For details about the thesis track, see the qu.edu page.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| Milestones: Earn 40 credits, meet with your adviser at least once a semester and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| BIO 150/151L | General Biology for Majors | 4 |
| CHE 110 & 110L | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| EN 101 | Introduction to College-Level Reading And Writing | 3 |
| FYS 101 | First-Year Seminar | 3 |
| MA 140 | Pre-Calculus | 3 |
| January Term | ||
| UC Elective | 3 | |
| Spring Term | ||
| BIO 151/151L | Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics | 4 |
| CHE 111 & 111L | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| EN 102 | Reading, Writing, & Research In College and Beyond | 3 |
| MA 141 | Calculus of a Single Variable | 3 |
| UC Elective | 3 | |
| Summer Term | ||
| UC Elective | 3 | |
| UC Elective | 3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Milestones: Earn 80 credits and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Meet with your adviser at least once per semester to discuss academic, experiential learning, career and co-curricular opportunities. | ||
| Fall Term | ||
| CHE 210 & 210L | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| CHE 215 & 215L | Analytical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry Lab | 4 |
| PHY 110 & 110L | General Physics I and General Physics I Lab | 4 |
| Biology elective/Open Elective | 3 | |
| Language at the 101 Level | 3 | |
| January Term | ||
| UC Elective | 3 | |
| Spring Term | ||
| CHE 211 & 211L | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| CHE 305 & 305L | Instrumental Analysis and Instrumental Analysis Lab | 4 |
| PHY 111 & 111L | General Physics II and General Physics II Lab | 4 |
| Chemistry Elective | 3 | |
| Language at the 102 Level | 3 | |
| Summer Term | ||
| UC Elective | 3 | |
| UC Elective | 3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Milestones: Earn 120 credits and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Meet with your adviser at least once per semester. Participate in study abroad, complete internship or research opportunities. Prepare for your undergraduate graduation in May. | ||
| Fall Term | ||
| BIO 571 | Advanced Molecular Genetics | 4 |
| BIO 515 | Advanced Biochemistry | 4 |
| CHE 315L | Biochemistry I Lab | 1 |
| CHE 301 & 301L | Physical Chemistry I and Physical Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| CHE 350 | Science Communication | 3 |
| January Term | ||
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Spring Term | ||
| BIO 605 | DNA Methods Laboratory | 4 |
| CHE 302 & 302L | Physical Chemistry II and Physical Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| CHE 316 | Biochemistry II | 3 |
| CHE 420 | Chemistry Integrative Capstone | 3 |
| CHE 490 | Chemistry Research | 1-3 |
| Summer Term | ||
| Graduate Elective | 3 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Milestones: Earn 34 Graduate credits and a GPA of 3.0 or higher with a minimum grade of C in all graduate courses. Meet with your academic advisor at least once each semester and prepare for graduation. | ||
| Fall Term | ||
| BIO 568 | Advanced Cell Biology | 4 |
| BIO 606 | Protein Methods Laboratory | 4 |
| Graduate Elective | 3 | |
| Spring Term | ||
| BIO 675 | Comp Exam in Molecular and Cell Biology | 2 |
| Graduate Elective | 3 | |
| Graduate Elective | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 142 | |
The accelerated dual-degree (3+) program is designed for outstanding students. First-year applicants will be considered for an accelerated dual-degree program based on demonstrated academic achievement to complete the bachelor’s degree at an accelerated pace.
For detailed admission requirements, including required documents, please visit the Admissions page of this catalog. You can also learn more about accelerated dual-degrees on qu.edu