At a Glance
I’m interested in this field of study. Can you tell me more about it?
Supported by the Department of Natural Sciences of Pitzer and Scripps Colleges, the molecular biology major focuses on the physical interactions of molecules within the cell and how they function in life processes. Underlying concepts from chemistry, physics, and mathematics are emphasized for deep understanding. This major is research oriented and designed to prepare you for graduate studies or medical school as well as career options in biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry.
What are some courses appropriate for first-year students interested in exploring this field of study?
We recommend that you take the following courses during your first year at Scripps:
- BIOL 43L: Introductory Cell and Molecular Biology (first semester)
- CHEM 14L: Basic Principles of Chemistry (first semester)
- CHEM 15L: Basic Principles of Chemistry (second semester)
- BIOL 42L: Integrated Biology and Chemistry (combination of BIOL 43L and CHEM 15L, second semester)
If I decide to major or minor in this field, are there certain courses that need to be taken in a specific sequence?
You can consider the following options:
- Take BIOL 43L concurrently with CHEM 14L during your first semester
- Take BIOL 43L during your first semester and CHEM 29 (a merger of CHEM 14L and CHEM 15L) during your second semester
- Take CHEM14L during your first semester and BIOL 42L during your second semester
A full year of introductory chemistry is needed before taking organic chemistry in the subsequent year. BIOL 173L: Molecular Seminar, a sophomore-level research experience, is required for this major and can be taken after completing BIOL 43L
Can students who major or minor in this field complete a second major or minor (as a double major or a major/minor combination)? If so, what are some common pairings?
There is no minor for molecular biology. It is possible to major in molecular biology while minoring in another area. However, given the number of required courses for the molecular biology major, obtaining a minor can be somewhat challenging. To learn more, we encourage you to discuss this option with a molecular biology adviser in the Department of Natural Sciences.
What other useful information should I know about this field of study?
You may also consider the biology major, which is less structured than the molecular biology major. For this reason, the biology major offers more flexibility in choice of upper-level biology electives. The molecular biology major requires a complete year of organic chemistry, physics, and one semester of physical chemistry, whereas the biology major does not. For more information on the biology major, please visit us here.
Scripps Catalog link to specific requirements for the major/minor:
https://catalog.scrippscollege.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=33&poid=4899
Additional links to information relevant for new student registration:
https://natsci.claremont.edu/biology/molecular-biology/
This interdisciplinary major is focused on biology and the physical sciences, and incorporates a significant amount of mathematics. The major is research oriented and is designed to prepare students for graduate studies or medical school as well as careers in biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry. For further information, consult with the molecular biology faculty, Professors Armstrong, Edwalds-Gilbert, Tang, or Wiley.