Program Contact: Robert Collins 203-582-6407
The Dual-Degree BS in Biochemistry/MS in Molecular and Cell Biology (4+1) program is designed for highly motivated Biochemistry majors who are particularly interested in Molecular and Cell Biology. The MS in Molecular and Cell Biology 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 pharmaceutical industries.
The requirements and policies for the undergraduate degree are the same as described on the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry page. Upon satisfactory completion of the undergraduate curriculum requirements, students receive a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. Students complete graduate-level biology courses during their fourth year; the requirements and policies for the graduate degree are the same as described on the Master of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology page. Students earn the MS in Molecular and Cell Biology upon satisfactory completion of all the graduate curriculum requirements.
Students who choose to pursue the Dual-Degree BS in Biochemistry/MS in Molecular and Cell Biology (4+1) should complete coursework in Biochemistry (CHE 315/L and CHE 316), Physics, Instrumental Analysis (CHE 305/L), and a biology elective from the Molecular and Cellular category by the end of their third year.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | ||
| Milestones: Earn 30 credits, meet with your adviser at least once a semester and have a GPA of 2.00 or higher. | ||
| BIO 150 & 150L | General Biology for Majors and General Biology for Majors Laboratory | 4 |
| CHE 110 & 110L | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| EN 101 | Introduction to College-Level Reading And Writing (UC First Year Writing) | 3 |
| FYS 101 | First-Year Seminar (UC Foundations Inquiry) | 3 |
| Spring Semester | ||
| BIO 151 & 151L | Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics and Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics Lab | 4 |
| CHE 111 & 111L | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| MA 141 | Calculus of a Single Variable | 3 |
| EN 102 | Reading, Writing, & Research In College and Beyond (UC First Year Writing) | 3 |
| Second Year | ||
| Milestones: Earn 60 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Meet with your adviser at least once per semester to discuss academic, experiential learning, career and co-curricular opportunities. Discuss 5-year program with advisor and Program Coordinator. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHY 110 & 110L | General Physics I and General Physics I Lab | 4 |
| CHE 210 & 210L | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| Language at the 101 level | 3 | |
| University Curriculum (UC) Course | 3 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHY 111 & 111L | General Physics II and General Physics II Lab | 4 |
| CHE 211 & 211L | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| Language at the 102 level (Satisfies CAS Language Requirement) | 3 | |
| University Curriculum (UC) Course | 3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Milestones: Earn 90 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Meet with your adviser at least once per semester. Participate in study abroad, complete internship or research opportunities. Formal application / admisson to 5-year program. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| CHE 315 & 315L | Biochemistry I and Biochemistry I Lab | 4 |
| CHE 215 & 215L | Analytical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry Lab | 4 |
| Biology Elective | 4 | |
| University Curriculum (UC) Course | 3 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| CHE 316 | Biochemistry II | 3 |
| CHE 305 & 305L | Instrumental Analysis and Instrumental Analysis Lab | 4 |
| University Curriculum | 3 | |
| Chemistry Elective | 3 | |
| University Curriculum | 3 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Milestones: Earn 120 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Complete possible minor or double major and prepare for graduation. Bachelor's degree awarded in May. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| BIO 571 | Advanced Molecular Genetics | 4 |
| Graduate Elective | 3 | |
| CHE 350 | Science Communication | 3 |
| CHE 301 & 301L | Physical Chemistry I and Physical Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| CHE 490 | Chemistry Research | 3 |
| Spring Semester | ||
| BIO 515 | Advanced Biochemistry | 4 |
| CHE 302 & 302L | Physical Chemistry II and Physical Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| CHE 420 | Chemistry Integrative Capstone | 3 |
| BIO 605 | DNA Methods Laboratory | 4 |
| Fifth Year | ||
| Milestones: Earn at least 34 graduate credits with a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.00 or higher with a minimum grade of C in all graduate courses. Master's degree awarded in May. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| BIO 568 | Advanced Cell Biology | 4 |
| BIO 606 | Protein Methods Laboratory | 4 |
| Graduate Elective | 3 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| BIO 675 | Comp Exam in Molecular and Cell Biology | 2 |
| Graduate Elective | 3 | |
| Graduate Elective | 3 | |
| Total combined credits | 143 | |
Interested biochemistry majors should speak to their academic adviser, contact program director Alexandre de Lencastre, and apply for the graduate program (+1 year) by March 30 of their third year using this form. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00 is preferred.
Students are offered formal acceptance into the MS in Molecular and Cell Biology program after successful completion of the undergraduate degree.
Admission Requirements: College of Arts & Sciences
The requirements for admission into the undergraduate College of Arts & Sciences programs are the same as those for admission to Quinnipiac University.
Admission to the university is competitive, and applicants are expected to present a strong college prep program in high school. Prospective first-year students are strongly encouraged to file an application as early in the senior year as possible, and arrange to have first quarter grades sent from their high school counselor as soon as they are available.
For detailed admission requirements, including required documents, please visit the Admissions page of this catalog.
Pre-Medical Studies
The Pre-Medical Studies designation is designed for undergraduate students interested in pursuing clinical doctorates such as MD, DO, PharmD, OD, DPM, DC, DPT or DVM. The designation allows students to enroll in and track common medical or professional school course requirements. Interested students should refer to the Pre-Medical Studies page for more information.