Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Major

What You'll Learn

Some of the most exciting scientific breakthroughs of the past decade—production of cutting-edge vaccines, the rise of drugs genetically tailored to individual patients, and advances in our understanding of mysterious cellular processes, clinical diseases, and potential treatments—draw on biochemistry and molecular biology.

You’ll receive a wide-ranging introduction to the field in Drake University’s Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology (BCMB) major. Through hands-on courses, you’ll learn about the chemistry and biology of living organisms and the experimental techniques used to probe the structures and functions of biologically important molecules.

Depending on your career goals, you’ll choose from a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Both include a core set of courses in chemistry, biochemistry, cell, and molecular biology. Then, our flexible curriculum allows you to choose upper-division courses in chemistry (B.S.) or biology or other disciplines (B.A.) that meet your personal and professional interests.

Research, and the invaluable lessons you’ll gain from seeing classroom lessons unfold in real life, is a critical component of both degrees. Some students begin research as early as their freshman year, with most participating in research projects during their junior and senior years. In the process, you’ll acquire marketable experience in wet-lab research, gaining hands-on experience with research equipment, and have opportunities to present your findings on campus, at conferences, and in scientific journals.

About the Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Major

• All students engage in research, sometimes as early as their first or second year, in up-to-date facilities, including a recently renovated teaching lab, faculty research lab, and common equipment rooms with modern research equipment in chemistry and biology that are intended for undergraduate use.
• Work with DUSCI, the Drake Undergraduate Science Collaborative Institute, and Drake faculty to identify research opportunities on and off campus.
• Liberal arts courses equip you to problem solve and communicate in a global environment.
• Develop marketable scientific skills for many lucrative and in-demand careers.
• The program curriculum follows the guidelines set by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB).
• Courses prepare you for the MCAT and provide marketable research experience—key for graduate and professional school admission.

Program Facts

• 120 total credits; 66–84 credits for the B.A. program and 61–72 credits for the B.S. program
• On campus
• Full-time
• Four years to completion