Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics

Why should a biologist know about physics and chemistry? Why should physicists and chemists know about biology? Just ask some of Illinois Institute of Technology’s faculty who are using x-ray synchrotron radiation science to study proteins and their molecular structures. This research may lead to the important advances in understanding the causes of a number of diseases.

Molecular biochemistry and biophysics (MBB) is an interdisciplinary major, combining studies in biology, chemistry, and physics. Its objectives are to give students solid training in the areas of modern cell biology, genetics, and biochemistry while also providing a strong background in mathematics and the physical sciences. In this way the MBB degree will provide each student with the skills needed to succeed as a professional in biology as the field becomes increasingly dependent on new technologies.

Through this curriculum, students will discover the essential building blocks of life, how they fit together, how they work, and the physical methods for exploring them. With its quantitative emphasis encompassing all the sciences, this program is a great way to prepare for careers in medicine or medical research. It is also one of the majors that is part of the honors medical programs with Rush University.

Required Courses

Biology Requirements (34-35)
BIOL 100Introduction to the Profession2
BIOL 107General Biology Lectures3
BIOL 109General Biology Laboratory1
BIOL 115Human Biology3
BIOL 117Human Biology Laboratory1
BIOL 210Microbiology3
BIOL 214Genetics3
BIOL 401Introductory Biochemistry3
BIOL 402Metabolic Biochemistry3
BIOL 445Cell Biology3
BIOL 455Macromolecular Techniques3
BIOL 451Biological Literature2-3
or CHEM 451 Undergraduate Seminar
BIOL 495Biology Colloquium1
Select three credit hours from the following courses:3
Biochemistry Laboratory3
Animal Physiology Laboratory3
Cell Biology Laboratory3
Chemistry Requirements (22)
CHEM 124Principles of Chemistry I with Laboratory4
CHEM 125Principles of Chemistry II with Laboratory4
CHEM 237Organic Chemistry I4
CHEM 239Organic Chemistry II3
CHEM 247Analytical Chemistry3
CHEM 343Physical Chemistry I3
CHEM 485Chemistry Colloquium1
Physics Requirements (11-12)
PHYS 123General Physics I: Mechanics4
PHYS 221General Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism4
PHYS 223General Physics III3-4
or PHYS 224 General Physics III for Engineers
Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics Electives (6)
Select two courses from the following:6
Macromolecular Structure3
Physical Biochemistry3
Chemical Statistical Thermodynamics and Molecular Simulation3
Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics3
Molecular Biophysics
Bio-Nanotechnology3
Technical Electives (6)
Select a minimum of six credit hours from any 300-level or above Biology, Chemistry, or Physics class, or other approved class.6
Mathematics Requirements (21)
MATH 151Calculus I5
MATH 152Calculus II5
MATH 251Multivariate and Vector Calculus4
MATH 252Introduction to Differential Equations4
MATH 425Statistical Methods3
Computer Science Requirement (2)
CS 104Introduction to Computer Programming for Engineers2
Humanities and Social Science Requirements (21)
See Illinois Tech Core Curriculum, sections B and C21
Interprofessional Projects (6)
See Illinois Tech Core Curriculum, section E6
Total Credit Hours129-131
 

Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics Curriculum

Year 1
Semester 1Credit HoursSemester 2Credit Hours
BIOL 1002BIOL 1153
BIOL 1073BIOL 1171
BIOL 1091CHEM 1254
CHEM 1244MATH 1525
MATH 1515Humanities 200-level Course3
 15 16
Year 2
Semester 1Credit HoursSemester 2Credit Hours
BIOL 2143BIOL 2103
CHEM 2374CHEM 2393
CS 1042MATH 2514
PHYS 1234PHYS 2214
Humanities or Social Sciences Elective3Social Sciences Elective3
 16 17
Year 3
Semester 1Credit HoursSemester 2Credit Hours
BIOL 4013BIOL 4023
CHEM 2473BIOL 4951
MATH 2524CHEM 3433
PHYS 223 or 2243-4Technical Elective13
IPRO Elective I3IPRO Elective II3
 Humanities Elective (300+)3
 16-17 16
Year 4
Semester 1Credit HoursSemester 2Credit Hours
BIOL 4453BIOL 451 or CHEM 4512-3
BIOL 4553Biology Laboratory Elective33
CHEM 4851MATH 4253
MBB Elective23MBB Elective23
Technical Elective13Social Sciences Elective (300+)3
Humanities Elective (300+)3Social Sciences Elective (300+)3
 16 17-18
Total Credit Hours: 129-131
1

Choose from any BIOL, CHEM, or PHYS 300-level or above approved course.

2

Students may select from the following courses: BIOL 555; CHEM 538; CHEM 553; PHYS 410 or PHYS 304; or PHYS 420.

3

Students may select from the following courses: BIOL 404, BIOL 431, or BIOL 446.