Wooster Chemistry Annual Report 2001-2002

BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (BMB) MAJOR

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) major was introduced this year when members of the Chemistry Department, in collaboration with the members of the Biology Department, revised what was formally known as the Biochemistry major. The notable changes made in the development of the BMB major include:
• An autonomous Junior Independent Study (formerly Biochemistry and Chemistry majors participated in the same Junior IS).
• The ability of students to perform Independent Study with either a biology or chemistry professor, utilizing the resources of either department.
• A new research-based, laboratory course titled "Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology" taken during the junior year. The laboratory associated with the biochemistry course has subsequently been replaced by this expanded lab-based experience.
• A formal requirement to take both Cell Physiology and Genetics.
• Requirements to complete introductory courses in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.
• Flexibility in taking biology and chemistry classes. All classes from both departments count toward the major.

The BMB program is administered by a group of faculty from both the Biology and Chemistry Departments. The first class of 20 BMB majors is scheduled to graduate in 2004. This type of highly interdisciplinary major is unique to a liberal arts college and will provide students with flexible opportunities to become educated in the bio-chemical sciences, focusing on chemistry, biology, or both.