The BS degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology is designed to provide students an opportunity to focus their undergraduate studies in the molecular biosciences in an effort to prepare themselves for either entering the workforce directly as baccalaureate-level research scientists or for entering competitive graduate programs to further their studies. The curriculum is designed to be rich in laboratory experiences through coursework, research and an internship. In addition to 83 credit hours of science courses, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology majors will be required to take an ethics course to appreciate the interplay between biology and society.

Student Learning Outcomes for the Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Major 

Molecular Biology & Biotechnology majors at Washburn University, upon completion of the program will be able to:

• Acquire a comprehensive understanding of biological principles including cell biology, genetics, organismal biology, structure and function, ecology, and evolution.
• Acquire the ability to understand and utilize the scientific method.
• Master a variety of scientific techniques in the core biology disciplines of organismal biology, microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, and undergraduate research.
• Develop the ability to analyze and interpret scientific data.
• Develop the oral and written presentation skills to successfully communicate scientific information in a professional manner.

Degree Requirements 

The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (MBB) requires a 34-hour BI core, 44 hours of required non-biology courses, and 8 additional BI or CH hours elective hours. The non-biology coursework for the BS in MBB satisfies the 30-hour Natural Sciences Concentration. The BS degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology requires a minimum of 120 credit hours to graduate.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Core
BI 102	General Cellular Biology	5
BI 103	General Organismal Biology	5
BI 234	Introduction to Biotechnology	3
BI 301	General Microbiology	4
BI 333	General Genetics	4
BI 353	Molecular Genetics	3
BI 354	Molecular Biology Laboratory	3
BI 390	Biology Seminar	1
BI 395	Research in Biology	3
BI 440	Biotechnology Internship	3
Subtotal		34
Non-Biology Courses
CH 151 & CH 152	Fundamentals of Chemistry I and Fundamentals of Chemistry II (1 year with lab)	10
CH 340 & CH 342	Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Lab I (with lab)	5
CH 341	Organic Chemistry II	3
CH 350 & CH 351	Biochemistry I and Biochemistry Lab (1 semester with lab)	5
MA 140	Statistics	3
MA 151	Calculus & Analytic Geometry I	5
Select one of the following physics sequences:		10
PS 261 & PS 262	College Physics I and College Physics II (1 year with lab)
PS 281 & PS 282	General Physics I and General Physics II (1 year with lab)
PH 214	Medical Ethics	3
Subtotal		44
Additional Electives
Elective supportive courses		8
Subtotal		8
Total Hours		86

Elective Supportive Courses

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
BI 322	Advanced General Botany	4
BI 325	Microbiology of Human Disease	5
BI 328	Plant Anatomy and Physiology	3
BI 330	Animal Physiology	4
BI 343	Human Genetics	3
BI 355	Developmental Biology	5
BI 357	Histology	4
BI 362	Immunology	3
BI 363	Immunology Laboratory	2
BI 370	Virology	3
BI 420	Forensic Molecular Biology	4
CH 343	Organic Chemistry Lab II	2
CH 352	Biochemistry II	3
CH 353	Biochemistry Laboratory II	2