BS in Cellular and Molecular Biochemistry
Students in this program will interact closely with faculty members from the Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, and will enjoy a training oriented toward the development of problem solving skills and critical thinking, tightly intertwined with the development of practical laboratory skills. Students graduating from this program will have a thorough education in basic biology and chemistry, and an in depth knowledge of molecular biology, cellular biology, and cellular and molecular biochemistry. At the practical level, students graduating from this program will have extensive knowledge of basic laboratory techniques, including preparation of reagents, solutions, and media for bacterial, cellular, and biochemical analyses, and will be competent in the most-extensively used techniques in the cellular, molecular, and biochemical laboratory environments, including protein and DNA purification and analysis methods, tissue culture, and recombinant DNA technologies. A degree in Cellular and Molecular Biochemistry will provide a sound preparation for graduate studies in biochemistry, molecular biology, cellular biology, cancer, infectious diseases, medicine, and other health-related fields, and provide the student with the technical and intellectual skills to pursue employment in areas related to biotechnology and biomedical research in the academic, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries.
Marketable Skills
- Communication: Reach mutual understanding through the effective exchange of information, ideas, and feelings.
- Critical thinking: Analyze and evaluate issues to solve problems and develop informed opinions.
- Organization: Use resources effectively and efficiently to stay focused on different tasks.
- Problem-solving: Find solutions to difficult or complex issues.
- Research: Be able to search, investigate and critically analyze information in response to a specific research question.
- Time management: Prioritize goals and organize time to be more productive and efficient.
The requirements for the BS degree in Cellular and Molecular Biochemistry consist of the general College of Science requirements: completion of at least 120 semester credit hours, a minimum of 37 of which must be in upper-division coursework, and completion of the University's General Education Core, which includes mathematics requirements MATH 1411. In addition, MATH 1312 or STAT 2480 is required.
For more information contact CORE advisors.
Fast Track
The Fast-Track Program enables outstanding undergraduate UTEP students to receive both undergraduate and graduate credit for up to 15 hours of UTEP course work as determined by participating Master's and Doctoral programs. Not all undergraduate programs have elected to participate in the Fast Track option, so students should see their departmental graduate advisor for information about requirements and guidelines. A list of courses that have been approved for possible use at the graduate level is found here.
M.S. in Biomedical Engineering / B.S. Biomedical Sciences; B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biochemistry; B.S. in Microbiology
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 5301 | Select Adv Topics Biol Science * | 3 |
| BIOL 5308 | Rsrch Funding & Prof Developmt | 3 |
| BIOL 5311 | Neurobiology of Brain Diseases | 3 |
| BIOL 5320 | Endocrinology | 3 |
| BIOL 5330 | Cancer Biology | 3 |
| BME 5301 | BME for Global Health | 3 |
| BME 5302 | Telemedicine & Imaging Info. | 3 |
| BME 5303 | Research & Lab Methods | 3 |
| BME 5304 | BME Device Design & Regulation | 3 |
| BME 5310 | Biomaterials | 3 |
| BME 5313 | Tissue Engineering | 3 |
| BME 5321 | Biomechatronics | 3 |
| BME 5390 | Special Topics in BME | 3 |
- *
Advisor approval needed
Degree Plan
Required Credits: 120
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| University Core C | ||
| Complete the University Core Curriculum requirements. | 42 | |
| Designated Core C | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| General Physics I and General Physics II | ||
| OR | ||
| Introductory Mechanics and Laboratory for PHYS 2320 | ||
| and | ||
| Introductory Electromagnetism and Laboratory for PHYS 2321 | ||
| Cellular and Molecular Biochemistry Requirements: | ||
| Required Chemistry Courses: C | ||
| CHEM 1305 & CHEM 1105 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | 4 |
| CHEM 1306 & CHEM 1106 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | 4 |
| CHEM 2324 & CHEM 2124 | Organic Chemistry and Lab for Organic Chemistry 2324 | 4 |
| CHEM 2325 & CHEM 2125 | Organic Chemistry and Lab for Organic Chemistry 2325 | 4 |
| CHEM 3330 & CHEM 3131 | Biochem I:Struc & Function and Lab for Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 3332 | Biochem II: Metabol & Bioenerg | 3 |
| Required Biology Courses: | ||
| BIOL 1305 & BIOL 1107 | General Biology and Topics in Study of Life I C | 4 |
| BIOL 1306 & BIOL 1108 | Organismal Biology and Organismal Biology Laboratory C | 4 |
| BIOL 3320 | Genetics | 3 |
| CBCH 3316 & BIOL 3115 | Membrane Biology and Molecular Cell Biol Laboratory C | 4 |
| CBCH 4310 | Techniques in Mol Biochem C | 3 |
| MICR 2340 & MICR 2141 | General Microbiology and Gen Microbiology Laboratory C | 4 |
| MICR 3349 & MICR 3150 | Prokaryotic Molecular Genetic and Prokaryotic Mol Genetic Lab | 4 |
| MICR 4353 & MICR 4154 | Immunology and Immunology Laboratory | 4 |
| CBCH Major: | ||
| BIOL 3314 & BIOL 3115 | Molecular Cell Biology and Molecular Cell Biol Laboratory | 4 |
| CBCH 4414 | Cellular Biochemistry | 4 |
| MATH 1312 | Calculus II | 3-4 |
| or STAT 2480 | Elementary Statistical Methods | |
| Prescribed Course Electives: | ||
| Select twelve hours of the following: | 12 | |
| Professional Development Sem. | ||
| Histology | ||
| Special Problems | ||
| Special Problems | ||
| G Protein-Coupled Recept Biol | ||
| Cancer Biology | ||
| Mammalian Physiology | ||
| Developmental Neurobiology | ||
| Special Problems | ||
| Structural Biochemistry and Structural Biochemistry Lab | ||
| Introduction to Research and Introduction to Research | ||
| Pathogenic Microbiology and Pathogenic Microbiology Lab | ||
| Microbial Physiology and Microbial Physiology Lab | ||
| Epidemiology | ||
| General Virology | ||
| Medical Mycology | ||
| Medical Parasitology | ||
| Cellular Neuroscience | ||
| Total Hours | 120 | |
| C Course requires a grade of C or better. | ||
| 1 A total of thirty-seven hours of upper division coursework is required for all Bachelor of Science degrees. | ||
University Core Curriculum (A program may recommend specific courses. All courses require a C or better.)
I. Communication (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on developing ideas and expressing them clearly, considering the effect of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate persuasively. Courses involve the command of oral, aural, written, and visual literacy skills that enable people to exchange messages appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility. | ||
| Select six hours of the following: | 6 | |
| For students whose secondary education was in English: | ||
| Written and Oral Communication | ||
| Writing About Literature | ||
| Rhetoric & Composition I | ||
| Rhetoric & Composition 2 | ||
| Rhetoric, Composition & Comm | ||
| For students whose secondary education was not in English: | ||
| Expos Engl Compos-Spkr Esl | ||
| Res & Crit Writng Spkr Esl | ||
| TOTAL HOURS | 6 | |
II. American History (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on the consideration of past events and ideas relative to the United States, with the option of including Texas History for a portion of this component area. Courses involve the interaction among individuals, communities, states, the nation, and the world, considering how these interactions have contributed to the development of the United States and its global role. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Social Responsibility, and Personal Responsibility. | ||
| HIST 1301 | History of U.S. to 1865 | 3 |
| HIST 1302 | History of U.S. Since 1865 | 3 |
| TOTAL HOURS | 6 | |
III. Language, Philosophy & Culture (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on how ideas, values, beliefs, and other aspects of culture express and affect human experience. Courses involve the exploration of ideas that foster aesthetic and intellectual creation in order to understand the human condition across cultures. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Social Responsibility, and Personal Responsibility. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Intro-African Amer Studies | ||
| Latina/o Presence in the U.S. | ||
| English Literature | ||
| English Literature | ||
| Intro to American Fiction | ||
| Intro to American Drama | ||
| Intro to American Poetry | ||
| Making of the "Other" Americas | ||
| World History to 1500 | ||
| World History Since 1500 | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy | ||
| Ethics | ||
| Introduct to Religious Studies | ||
| Seeing & Naming: Conversations | ||
| Introduction to Womens Studies | ||
| Global Feminisms | ||
| TOTAL HOURS | 3 | |
IV. Mathematics (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on quantitative literacy in logic, patterns, and relationships. Courses involve the understanding of key mathematical concepts and the application of appropriate quantitative tools to everyday experience. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, and Empirical & Quantitative Skills. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| College Algebra | ||
| Trigonometry and Conics | ||
| Math in the Modern World | ||
| Math for Social Sciences I | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Precalculus | ||
| Math for Social Sciences II | ||
| Statistical Literacy | ||
| Elementary Statistical Methods | ||
| TOTAL HOURS | 3 | |
V. Life & Physical Sciences (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural phenomena using the scientific method. Courses involve the understanding of interactions among natural phenomena and the implications of scientific principles on the physical world and on experiences. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills, and Teamwork. | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Astronomy Lab I | ||
| Elem Astronomy-Solar System | ||
| Elem Astr Stars & Galaxies | ||
| Introductory Biology Lab | ||
| Human Biology Laboratory | ||
| Topics in Study of Life I | ||
| Organismal Biology Laboratory | ||
| Introductory Biology | ||
| Human Biology | ||
| General Biology | ||
| Organismal Biology | ||
| Human Anat/Physio Lab I | ||
| Human Anat/Physio Lab II | ||
| Human Anat/Physiology I | ||
| Human Anat/Physiology II | ||
| Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | ||
| Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | ||
| Intro General Chemistry Lab | ||
| Intro Organic & Biochem Lab | ||
| General Chemistry | ||
| General Chemistry | ||
| Intro to General Chemistry | ||
| Intro Organic & Biochemistry | ||
| Environmental Sci. Lab | ||
| Non-major Lab for ESCI 1301 | ||
| Intro to Environmental Sci | ||
| Laboratory for GEOG 1306 | ||
| Physical Geography | ||
| Lab for GEOL 1313 | ||
| Lab for GEOL 1314 | ||
| Principles of Earth Sci - Lab | ||
| Laboratory for Geology 1212 | ||
| Principles of Earth Sciences | ||
| Principles of Earth Science | ||
| The Blue Planet | ||
| Natural Hazards | ||
| Intro to Physical Geology | ||
| Intro to Historical Geol | ||
| Fundamentals of Nutrition | ||
| Wellness Dynamics | ||
| Microorganisms and Disease | ||
| General Physics I | ||
| General Physics II | ||
| Laboratory for PHYS 2320 | ||
| Laboratory for PHYS 2321 | ||
| Introductory Mechanics | ||
| Introductory Electromagnetism | ||
| TOTAL HOURS | 6 | |
VI. Political Science (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on consideration of the Constitution of the United States and the constitutions of the states, with special emphasis on that of Texas. Courses involve the analysis of governmental institutions, political behavior, civic engagement, and their political and philosophical foundations. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Social Responsibility and Personal Responsibility. | ||
| Required Courses: | ||
| POLS 2310 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
| POLS 2311 | American Gover & Politics | 3 |
| TOTAL HOURS | 6 | |
VII. Social & Behavioral Sciences (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on the application of empirical and scientific methods that contribute to the understanding of what makes us human. Courses involve the exploration of behavior and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, and events, examining their impact on the individual, society, and culture. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills, and Social Responsibility. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Intro-Phys Anth/Archeolog | ||
| Intro-Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Intro to Linguistics | ||
| Asian American Studies | ||
| Econ for Engrs & Scientists | ||
| Intro to Chicano Studies | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Mass Media and Society | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Introduction to Ed Psychology | ||
| Action Research in Classrooms | ||
| Introduction to Linguistics | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Leadership in Action | ||
| Introduction to Linguistics | ||
| Lang. Inside & Out: Sel Topics | ||
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| TOTAL HOURS | 3 | |
VIII. Creative Arts
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on the appreciation and analysis of creative artifacts and works of the human imagination. Courses involve the synthesis and interpretation of artistic expression and enable critical, creative, and innovative communication about works of art. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, and Social Responsibility. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| History of Art I | ||
| History of Art II | ||
| Chicana/o Fine Arts Appreciat | ||
| Introduction to Dance | ||
| Intro-Art of Motion Pict. | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Jazz to Rock | ||
| Music, Culture, and Society | ||
| Introduction to Theatre | ||
| TOTAL HOURS | 3 | |
IX. Component Area Option (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| a. A minimum of 3 SCH must meet the definition and corresponding Core Objectives specified in one of the foundational component areas. b. As an option for up to 3 semester credit hours of the Component Area Option, an institution may select course(s) that: (i) Meet(s) the definition specified for one or more of the foundational component areas; and (ii) Include(s) a minimum of three Core Objectives, including Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, and one of the remaining Core Objectives of the institution's choice. | ||
| Intro to Global Business | ||
| COMM 1301 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Business/Profession Comm | ||
| Intro-Computational Thinking | ||
| Computer Programming Sci/Engr | ||
| Eng Innovation and Leadership | ||
| Engineering Design Experience | ||
| Applied Engineering Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Leadership | ||
| Inquiry in Math & Science | ||
| Comm. Var. Across the Lifespan | ||
| Seminar/Critical Inquiry | ||
| TOTAL HOURS | 6 | |
4-Year Sample Degree Plan
BS in Cellular and Molecular Biochemistry (Starting with Calculus)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BS CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOCHEMISTRY (STARTING WITH CALCULUS) | ||
| FRESHMAN | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIOL 1305 & BIOL 1107 | General Biology and Topics in Study of Life I | 4 |
| MATH 1411 | Calculus I | 4 |
| SCI 1301 | Inquiry in Math & Science | 3 |
| RWS 1301 | Rhetoric & Composition I | 3 |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 1306 & BIOL 1108 | Organismal Biology and Organismal Biology Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 1305 & CHEM 1105 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | 4 |
| RWS 1302 | Rhetoric & Composition 2 | 3 |
| Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| SOPHOMORE | ||
| Fall | ||
| CHEM 1306 & CHEM 1106 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | 4 |
| HIST 1301 | History of U.S. to 1865 | 3 |
| PHYS 1403 | General Physics I | 4 |
| MICR 2340 & MICR 2141 | General Microbiology and Gen Microbiology Laboratory | 4 |
| Spring | ||
| CHEM 2324 & CHEM 2124 | Organic Chemistry and Lab for Organic Chemistry 2324 | 4 |
| COMM 1301 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| PHYS 1404 | General Physics II | 4 |
| HIST 1302 | History of U.S. Since 1865 | 3 |
| JUNIOR | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIOL 3320 | Genetics | 3 |
| CHEM 2325 & CHEM 2125 | Organic Chemistry and Lab for Organic Chemistry 2325 | 4 |
| POLS 2310 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
| Creative Arts Elective | 3 | |
| Language, Philosophy, and Culture | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| CHEM 3330 & CHEM 3131 | Biochem I:Struc & Function and Lab for Chemistry | 4 |
| STAT 2480 | Elementary Statistical Methods | 3-4 |
| or MATH 1312 | Calculus II | |
| POLS 2311 | American Gover & Politics | 3 |
| BIOL 3314 & BIOL 3115 | Molecular Cell Biology and Molecular Cell Biol Laboratory | 4 |
| Prescribed Electives | 3 | |
| SENIOR | ||
| Fall | ||
| CBCH 4310 | Techniques in Mol Biochem | 3 |
| CBCH 3316 | Membrane Biology | 3 |
| Prescribed Elective | 3 | |
| MICR 4353 & MICR 4154 | Immunology and Immunology Laboratory | 4 |
| Spring | ||
| Prescribed Elective | 3 | |
| Prescribed Elective | 3 | |
| CBCH 4414 | Cellular Biochemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 3332 | Biochem II: Metabol & Bioenerg | 3 |
| MICR 3349 & MICR 3150 | Prokaryotic Molecular Genetic and Prokaryotic Mol Genetic Lab | 4 |
| Total Hours | 120-121 | |
BS in Cellular and Molecular Biochemistry (Starting with Pre-Calculus)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BS CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOCHEMISTRY (STARTING WITH CALCULUS) | ||
| FRESHMAN | ||
| Fall | ||
| RWS 1301 | Rhetoric & Composition I | 3 |
| MATH 1508 | Precalculus | 5 |
| SCI 1301 | Inquiry in Math & Science | 3 |
| BIOL 1305 & BIOL 1107 | General Biology and Topics in Study of Life I | 4 |
| Spring | ||
| RWS 1302 | Rhetoric & Composition 2 | 3 |
| MATH 1411 | Calculus I | 4 |
| CHEM 1305 & CHEM 1105 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | 4 |
| BIOL 1306 & BIOL 1108 | Organismal Biology and Organismal Biology Laboratory | 4 |
| SOPHOMORE | ||
| Fall | ||
| HIST 1301 | History of U.S. to 1865 | 3 |
| PHYS 1403 | General Physics I | 4 |
| CHEM 1306 & CHEM 1106 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | 4 |
| MICR 2340 & MICR 2141 | General Microbiology and Gen Microbiology Laboratory | 4 |
| Spring | ||
| HIST 1302 | History of U.S. Since 1865 | 3 |
| PHYS 1404 | General Physics II | 4 |
| COMM 1301 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| CHEM 2324 & CHEM 2124 | Organic Chemistry and Lab for Organic Chemistry 2324 | 4 |
| BIOL 3320 | Genetics | 3 |
| JUNIOR | ||
| Fall | ||
| Creative Arts Elective | 3 | |
| Language, Philosophy, and Culture | 3 | |
| CHEM 2325 & CHEM 2125 | Organic Chemistry and Lab for Organic Chemistry 2325 | 4 |
| Prescribed Elective | 3 | |
| BIOL 3314 & BIOL 3115 | Molecular Cell Biology and Molecular Cell Biol Laboratory | 3 |
| Spring | ||
| Social and Behavioral Science | 3 | |
| CHEM 3330 & CHEM 3131 | Biochem I:Struc & Function and Lab for Chemistry | 4 |
| STAT 2480 | Elementary Statistical Methods | 3-4 |
| or MATH 1312 | Calculus II | |
| Prescribed Elective | 3 | |
| SENIOR | ||
| Fall | ||
| POLS 2310 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
| CBCH 4310 | Techniques in Mol Biochem | 3 |
| CBCH 3316 | Membrane Biology | 3 |
| MICR 4353 & MICR 4154 | Immunology and Immunology Laboratory | 4 |
| Prescribed Elective | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| POLS 2311 | American Gover & Politics | 3 |
| CHEM 3332 | Biochem II: Metabol & Bioenerg | 3 |
| CBCH 4414 | Cellular Biochemistry | 4 |
| MICR 3349 & MICR 3150 | Prokaryotic Molecular Genetic and Prokaryotic Mol Genetic Lab | 4 |
| Prescribed Elective | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 124-125 | |