Molecular Biology Major (B.S.) - Undergraduate - 2012 University Catalog
You are viewing the 2012 University Catalog. Please see the newest version of the University Catalog for the most current version of this program's requirements.
The main objectives of our undergraduate Molecular Biology major are: to educate students in greater depth in molecular studies than would be possible in our Biology program, and to prepare students in the methodological advances which have changed the study of biology in recent years. The field of molecular biology has an impact on almost every other area of study in the biological sciences, and its development has led to expanded graduate and professional programs. The Molecular Biology curriculum will provide undergraduate students with a fundamental knowledge of the principles and practices inherent in the rapidly advancing field of molecular biology.
Students who major in Molecular Biology can also enter the burgeoning biotechnology industry, well prepared to compete in the modern scientific marketplace, as most institutions carry on basic or applied research in biomedical areas today using techniques of molecular biology. Students completing this major will be well-prepared to enter professional schools of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and optometry, as well as graduate programs.
A minimum of 120 semester hours of coursework is required for the
baccalaureate degree with a minimum 2.0 overall GPA, and a minimum 2.0
major GPA. However, more than 120 semester hours may be required
depending upon the major field of study. In addition to the major
requirement outlined below, all university students must fulfill the
set of General Education requirements applicable to their degree (for
further information, see General Education Requirements).
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY MAJOR
Complete 78 semester hours including the following 6 requirement(s):
-
REQUIRED COURSES
Complete the following 2 requirement(s) for 30 semester hours:
-
REQUIRED COURSES
Complete the following 7 courses for 26 semester hours:
-
RESEARCH REQUIREMENT
Complete 4 semester hours from the following:
BIOL 409 Externship in Biological Research (Co-operative Education) 1-4 BIOL 418 Biology Independent Research 1-4
-
-
ELECTIVE COURSES
Complete 8 semester hours from the following:
BICL 405 Cell Culture (1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab) 3 BICL 406 Scanning Electron Microscopy (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) 4 BIOL 409 Externship in Biological Research (Co-operative Education) 1-4 BIOL 411 Introduction to Transmission Electron Microscopy (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) 4 BIOL 418 Biology Independent Research 1-4 BIOL 425 Elementary Plant Physiology (3 hours lecture) 3 BIOL 442 Human Physiology (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) 4 BIOL 443 Vertebrate Embryology (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) 4 BIOL 444 Cell Physiology (3 hours lecture) 3 BIOL 445 Immunology (3 hours lecture) 3 BIOL 446 Endocrinology (3 hours lecture) 3 BIOL 447 Fundamentals of Pharmacology (3 hours lecture) 3 BIOL 450 Medical Microbiology (3 hours lecture) 3 BIOL 471 Biomedical Ethics (2 hours lecture) 2 BIOL 476 Biology of Cancer (3 hours lecture) 3 BIOL 492 Senior Colloquium (1 hour lecture) 1 -
CHEMISTRY COLLATERAL
Complete the following 7 courses for 22 semester hours:
CHEM 120 General Chemistry I (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) 4 CHEM 121 General Chemistry II (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) 4 CHEM 230 Organic Chemistry I (3 hours lecture) 3 CHEM 231 Organic Chemistry II (3 hours lecture) 3 CHEM 232 Experimental Organic Chemistry I (4 hours lab) 2 CHEM 370 Biochemistry I (3 hours lecture) 3 CHEM 371 Biochemistry II (3 hours lecture) 3 -
PHYSICS COLLATERAL
Complete 1 requirement from the following for 8 semester hours:
-
Complete the following 2 courses:
PHYS 191 University Physics I (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab) 4 PHYS 192 University Physics II (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab) 4 -
Complete the following 2 courses:
PHYS 193 College Physics I (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab) 4 PHYS 194 College Physics II (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab) 4
-
-
MATH COLLATERAL
Complete 1 requirement from the following:
-
Complete the following 2 courses:
MATH 109 Statistics (3 hours lecture) 3 MATH 116 Calculus A (4 hours lecture) 4 -
Complete the following 2 courses:
MATH 122 Calculus I (4 hours lecture) 4 MATH 221 Calculus II (4 hours lecture) 4
-
-
COMPUTER SCIENCE COLLATERALS
Complete 3 semester hours from the following:
CMPT 109 Introduction to Computer Applications: Being Fluent with Information Technology (3 hours lecture) 3 CMPT 183 Foundations of Computer Science I (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab) 3
Course Descriptions:
BICL405: Cell Culture (1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab)
Theory of and practice in working with living cells: tissue culture techniques, cell communication, differentiation, regeneration and aging in several living cell systems. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: Departmental approval.
BICL406: Scanning Electron Microscopy (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
Introduction to theory and practice of scanning electron microscopy. Includes specimen preparation, scanning electron microscope operation, electron specimen interactions/imagery, and microanalysis. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: Departmental approval.
BIOL112: Principles of Biology I (3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory)
Principles of Biology I involves the study of life from molecule to multicellular organism with focus on structure and function of cells, mechanisms of heredity and change, and the ways in which these processes shape higher levels of biological organization. This course is designed to fulfill the first core course requirement of the biology major. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: MATH 100 or a satisfactory score on the Math department's precalculus readiness test.
BIOL113: Principles of Biology II (3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory)
Principles of Biology II will provide an introductory level study of biodiversity and the origins of life, phylogenetic relationships among organisms, genetics, developmental biology, reproduction, the biology of populations and communities, and ecosystem processes. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Interdisciplinary Core, Scientific Issues. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: MATH 100 or a satisfactory score on the Math department's precalculus readiness test.
BIOL230: Cell and Molecular Biology (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
An introduction to the chemistry, structure, and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Topics covered include membrane structure and transport processes, bioenergetics and energy transformations in cells, DNA replication and expression, protein synthesis, and cell movement. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: CHEM 120 with a grade of "C-" or better.
BIOL350: Microbiology (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
A study of bacteria, yeast, molds and other microorganisms in relation to modern biological concepts and the welfare of man. Standard techniques employed in the laboratory. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 230 and CHEM 120.
BIOL380: Genetics (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
Lecture and lab. Heredity, gene and chromosomal structure and function, gene regulation, mutation and repair, genes in populations, genetic manipulation, and applied genetics are covered. Lab exercises demonstrate genetic concepts. A semester-long project with research paper is required. Required of all biology majors and minors. Meets the University Writing Requirement for majors in Biology, Molecular Biology and Science Informatics. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 230 with a grade of "C-" or better and CHEM 120.
BIOL409: Externship in Biological Research (Co-operative Education)
Full or part-time work in an established laboratory with a scientific investigator for the duration of the term. 1 - 4 sh.
Prerequisites: Departmental approval.
BIOL411: Introduction to Transmission Electron Microscopy (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
Basic theory and practice of electron microscopy. Specimen preparation, ultramicrotomy, microscopy, photographic preparation of final print, interpretation of results. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 230.
BIOL418: Biology Independent Research
Under the guidance of a sponsor, students will investigate individual problems of appropriate scope. A written and/or oral report is required. (Offered on demand.) 1 - 4 sh.
Prerequisites: Minimum GPA 3.0 and departmental approval.
BIOL425: Elementary Plant Physiology (3 hours lecture)
Major physiological processes of the flowering plant: growth, metabolism, photosynthesis, respiration, water relations and mineral nutrition. (Not offered every year.) 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 113 and BIOL 230 and CHEM 230 or permission of instructor.
BIOL434: Introductory Molecular Biology (3 hours lecture)
This course is designed to examine the molecular biology of plant and animal cells. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 350, and 380, and CHEM 370.
BIOL435: Experimental Molecular Biology (6 hours lab)
A laboratory course that will introduce biology and molecular biology majors to the basic techniques of modern molecular biology. Techniques to be covered include nucleic acid isolation, restriction enzyme mapping, plasmid manipulation and subcloning, genomic library construction, PCR amplification, and DNA sequence analysis. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 434.
BIOL442: Human Physiology (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
Functions of animal organs and systems with emphasis on maintenance of homeostasis. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or better.
BIOL443: Vertebrate Embryology (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
Developmental anatomy of the vertebrates, especially amphibian, chick and human. General concepts of development and cell differentiation. (Not offered every year.) 4 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 380 and CHEM 231 with a grade of C- or better.
BIOL444: Cell Physiology (3 hours lecture)
Advanced course in cell function. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 230 with a grade of "C-" or better, and CHEM 230.
BIOL445: Immunology (3 hours lecture)
Cellular and humoral immunal responses, immunoglobulins, antigen-antibody reactions, immunopathology, transplantation and blood transfusion. (Not offered every year.) 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 230 with a grade of "C-" or better, and CHEM 230.
BIOL446: Endocrinology (3 hours lecture)
Basic anatomy and physiology of the mammalian endocrine glands with special attention directed to the human endocrine glands. The interrelationships between the various endocrines including neural control and the role of these glands in maintaining the homeostasis of the body will be stressed. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 230 with a grade of "C-" or better, and CHEM 230.
BIOL447: Fundamentals of Pharmacology (3 hours lecture)
Introduction to the study of chemicals that have biological effects, with special emphasis on those with medical importance. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 230 and CHEM 230.
BIOL450: Medical Microbiology (3 hours lecture)
The course is designed to acquaint the biology major with those microorganisms which cause disease, the prevention of disease, therapeutic agents to control microbial diseases and the body's natural defense mechanisms. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 350.
BIOL471: Biomedical Ethics (2 hours lecture)
Seminar course dealing with ethical dilemmas posed by advances in biomedical technology. Background readings in ethics will be followed by discussions of readings on the applications and consequences of modern biomedical research. 2 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 380.
BIOL476: Biology of Cancer (3 hours lecture)
An in depth examination of the biology of cancer, including risk factors, genetics, causes of cancer, metastasis, therapies (conventional and recombinant DNA), and prevention will be presented. This course will also help students develop proficiency in critically evaluating primary scientific articles dealing with cancer. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 230, BIOL 380, and CHEM 231.
BIOL492: Senior Colloquium (1 hour lecture)
Students in this course will read primary resources material and interpret the data. This course will also teach students how to read, critique and present scientific data to a peer group. Students will analyze, discuss and present primary research articles with respect to scientific content, accuracy of the data and significance of the experiments. 1 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 230 or departmental approval.
CHEM120: General Chemistry I (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
Introductory lecture and laboratory course for science majors, prerequisite for all advanced chemistry courses. Introduction to atomic and molecular structure, bonding, stoichiometry, states of matter, solutions, and selected topics in descriptive inorganic chemistry. Laboratory stresses techniques and data treatment and their use in examining chemical systems. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on the Mathematics readiness test OR MATH 100 with a grade of C- or better. Satisfactory score on the Chemistry/Biochemistry Department readiness test OR CHEM 113 with a grade of C- or better.
CHEM121: General Chemistry II (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
Introductory lecture and laboratory course for science majors, prerequisite for all advanced chemistry courses. Introduction to thermochemistry, kinetics; general acid base, precipitation, redox equilibria, electrochemistry and selected topics in descriptive inorganic chemistry. Laboratory stresses techniques and data treatment and their use in examining chemical systems. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: CHEM 120 with a grade of C- or better.
CHEM230: Organic Chemistry I (3 hours lecture)
Structure and bonding in organic compounds: nomenclature, reactions, properties, and aromatic compounds: stereochemistry; structure analysis by IR, NMR, UV, and MS; introduction to molecular orbital theory. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: CHEM 121 with a grade of C- or better.
CHEM231: Organic Chemistry II (3 hours lecture)
Nomenclature, reactions, properties, and synthesis of ethers, epoxides, alcohols, amines, and carbonyl compounds; carbohydrates; amino acids, peptides and proteins; pericyclic reactions; synthetic polymers. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: CHEM 230 with a grade of C- or better.
CHEM232: Experimental Organic Chemistry I (4 hours lab)
A laboratory course to be taken concurrently with CHEM 230. Basic techniques for the separation, analysis and synthesis of organic compounds: recrystallization, distillation, extraction, GC, HPLC, TLC, GC/MS, IR, H/C13- NMR, chemical safety methods and regulations. 2 sh.
Prerequisites: CHEM 230 is a prerequisite or corequisite.
CHEM370: Biochemistry I (3 hours lecture)
Organization of the living cell; structure, function and chemistry of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids; bioenergetics and oxidation. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: CHEM 231 with a grade of C- or better.
CHEM371: Biochemistry II (3 hours lecture)
The second semester of a two semester course in biochemistry. The course continues the coverage of the chemistry of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids, and their role in cellular function and processes. Topics such as the chemistry of hormones, recombinat DNA, mechanisms of enzyme action, protein synthesis, immunoglobulins and membranes are included. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: CHEM 370 with a grade of C- or better.
CMPT109: Introduction to Computer Applications: Being Fluent with Information Technology (3 hours lecture)
An introduction to the skills, concepts, and capabilities necessary to effectively use information technology across the curriculum through computer applications. Not for mathematics major elective credit or computer science elective credit. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Computer Science. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: MATH 051 or MATH 061 or satisfactory score on both of the mathematical components of the MSUPT.
CMPT183: Foundations of Computer Science I (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)
Basic theory of digital computers. Syntax and semantics of a programming language. Algorithms: logic, design, testing and documentation. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: MATH 100, MATH 112, MATH 114, MATH 116, MATH 122 or MATH 221.
MATH109: Statistics (3 hours lecture)
Introduction to the use of statistics in the real world. Topics include: analysis and presentation of data, variability and uncertainty in data, techniques of statistical inference and decision-making. Computer assisted including lecture, individual and small group tutoring in Mathematics Computer Laboratory. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Mathematics. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: MATH 051 or MATH 061 or MATH 071 or placement through the Montclair State University Placement Test (MSUPT). Not for majors in Mathematics (MATH), Mathematics with Applied Math concentration (MAAM) or Mathematics-Teacher Education (MTED).
MATH116: Calculus A (4 hours lecture)
Differentiation and integration of functions, including trigonometric functions. Applications to biology and geoscience. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: MATH 111 or MATH 112 or placement through the Montclair State University Placement Test (MSUPT) or a satisfactory score on department's Calculus Readiness Test. (Students who did not satisfy the course prerequisite at MSU and students who received a grade of D-, D, or D+ in the prerequisite course taken at MSU are required to demonstrate competency on the department's Calculus Rediness Test.)
MATH122: Calculus I (4 hours lecture)
Limits, continuity; derivative and differentiation; applications of the derivative, maxima, minima, and extreme considerations; antiderivatives; Riemann integral. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: MATH 111 or MATH 112 or placement through the Montclair State University Placement Test (MSUPT) or a satisfactory score on department's Calculus Readiness Test. (Students who did not satisfy the course prerequisite at MSU and students who received a grade of D-, D, or D+ in the prerequisite course taken at MSU are required to demonstrate competency on the department's Calculus Readiness Test.)
MATH221: Calculus II (4 hours lecture)
Riemann integral applications, transcendental functions, techniques of integration, improper integrals, L'Hospital's rule, infinite series. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: MATH 122.
PHYS191: University Physics I (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)
This one-semester calculus-based course including laboratory is a study of the principles of physics and some applications to society's problems. Topics covered include mechanics, thermodynamics, fluids, and harmonic motion. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: MATH 122 is prerequisite or co-requisite.
PHYS192: University Physics II (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)
Calculus-based course. Study of some principles of physics and some applications to society's problems. Topics include: wave motion, sound and noise pollution, optics, electricity, lasers, nuclear theory, radiation, nuclear reactors, waste disposal. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: MATH 221 is prerequisite or corequisite.
PHYS193: College Physics I (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)
This one-semester course including laboratory is a study of the principles and applications of classical physics. Topics covered include mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, wave motion and sound, as well as societal applications of physical principles. Calculus is not used, but familiarity with some algebra and trigonometry is required. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: MATH 100.
PHYS194: College Physics II (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)
This one-semester course including laboratory is a study of the principles and applications of classical physics. Topics covered include optics, electricity and magnetism, and an introduction to modern and nuclear physics, as well as societal applications of physical principles. Calculus is not used, but familiarity with some algebra and trigonometry is required. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: PHYS 193 and MATH 100 or MATH 111 or MATH 112.
Output generated in 0.00088 seconds.