As a student, you will meet with an advisor to create an education plan specifically tailored to fit your goals, your previous coursework, and your schedule all while meeting the degree requirements for your program. Your education plan will provide you the framework for your time in the program, and should be followed without deviation. We use these plans to estimate enrollment for upcoming quarters and plan the schedule to meet demand. You can help us make sure the courses you want are available when you want them by letting us know anytime you make changes to the courses outlined on your plan.
Following are sample education plans for both the Molecular Sciences Technician AAS-T degree (years one and two) and the Molecular Biosciences BAS degree (years three and four) based on a fall quarter start. Please note that the sample plans are based on completing the BAS degree in four years, but that is flexible depending on your needs.
Sample Molecular Sciences Technician AAS-T Schedule
Fall 1
CHEM& 161: General Chemistry I 6 cr.
First in a three-course chemistry sequence for science and engineering students. The 161/162/163 series covers atomic structure, stoichiometry, solutions, gas laws, periodic law, bonding, molecular orbital theory, colligative properties, radioactivity, thermochemistry, equilibrium, acids, bases, oxidation-reduction, electrochemistry, kinetics, and simple organic chemistry. Courses in the series take a quantitative approach, format includes lecture, discussion, and laboratory. Fee: $48.00 100-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
CMST 250: Communication In a Diverse Workplace 5 cr.
Applies communication concepts and theory to the culturally diverse workplace. Covers interpersonal communication, teamwork and meeting effectiveness, electronic communication, conflict management, managerial effectiveness and organizational culture. Recommended: Placement in ENGL& 101, or higher.
ENGL& 101: English Composition I 5 cr.
Develops clear, effective writing skills and emphasizes writing as a process. Students practice writing in a variety of forms and modes. Fee: $22.00 English Writing Lab (College in the High School students are exempt from this fee)
Winter 1
CHEM& 162: General Chemistry II 6 cr.
Second in a three-course chemistry sequence for science and engineering students. Fee: $48.00 100-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
MATH& 151: Calculus I 5 cr.
Introduces the concepts of limits, derivatives, and integrals. Topics include techniques and applications of derivatives of algebraic and transcendental functions. Students begin working with antiderivatives. MATH& 148 and MATH& 151 have overlapping content and students are not recommended to take both. Fulfills the quantitative or symbolic reasoning course requirement at BC.
PHIL 122: Environmental Ethics 5 cr.
Provides an introduction to the ethical and epistemological issues pertaining to our interaction with the environment. Students study the various conceptions of the value of the environment and how these bear on environmental policy debates. Topics may include the intrinsic and instrumental value of wilderness, animal rights, pollution, over-population and more specific applied topics such as global warming or saving salmon in the Pacific Northwest. Fulfills social science or humanities course requirement, not both, at BC.
Spring 1
BIOL& 160: General Biology W/Lab 6 cr.
Introduces major concepts of cell biology, including cell physiology and structure, molecular biology, genetics, and evolution. Course is a prerequisite for professional health-science programs. Format includes laboratory work. Fulfills laboratory science course requirement at BC. Strongly recommended: CHEM& 121, CHEM& 140, or one year of high school chemistry. Fee: $48.00 100-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
CHEM& 163: General Chemistry III 6 cr.
Third in a three-course chemistry sequence for science and engineering students. Fee: $48.00 100-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
MATH& 152: Calculus II 5 cr.
Continues the study of integration, emphasizing applications and special techniques. Students work with algebraic and transcendental functions. Fulfills the quantitative or symbolic reasoning course requirement at BC. Prerequisite: Placement by assessment, or MATH& 151 with a C or better.
Fall 2
BIOL& 211: Biology Majors Cellular 6 cr.
First in a three-course sequence for science majors and pre-professional students. Topics include cell structure, metabolism and energetics, genetic control of life, biotechnology, and an introduction to evolution. Fee: $62.00 200-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
CHEM 275: Introduction to Instrumental Analysis 6 cr.
Designed for students interested in a career in molecular biosciences. Topics include measurements and calculations in analytical chemistry, interaction of radiation with matter, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and separation techniques. Format includes lecture, discussion, and laboratory. Fee: $62.00 200-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
ENGL& 235: Technical Writing 5 cr.
Focuses on the development of professional skills in research, design, and communication of technical information. Emphasis on audience analysis, clear and effective writing style, and use of visual elements, by creating documents in a variety of professional report formats, such as memos, proposals, progress reports, completion reports, and instruction manuals. Computer use is required. Fulfills a written communication course requirement at BC. Fee: $22.00 English Writing Lab (College in the High School students are exempt from this fee)
Winter 2
BUS& 101: Introduction to Business 5 cr.
Examines the role of business in a modern economy: growth, structure, organization, and relationship to the environment. Students investigate the objectives, functions, and management of business firms. Other topics include problems of organization, decision-making, and controls. Fulfills social science course requirement at BC.
CHEM 272: Undergraduate Research In Chemistry 6 cr.
This course is designed for students to get a head start in the field of fundamental and applied chemistry research by providing knowledge and experience using the scientific method to tackle real-life problems. Topics include developing a question and hypothesis, designing an experiment, collecting data, drawing conclusions from findings, and presenting research. Format includes lecture and laboratory. Fee: $62.00 200-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
BIOL& 212: Biology Majors Animal 6 cr.
Second in a three-course sequence for science majors and pre-professional students. Topics include evolution of species, embryonic development of animals, vertebrate systems, and animal taxonomy. Fee: $62.00 200-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
Spring 2
BA 240: Statistical Analysis 5 cr.
Surveys techniques used in decision-making and research. Topics include descriptive and inferential statistics, probability, central tendency, variability, normal and t-distributions, hypothesis testing, and regression. Material has applications in business, health care, etc.
BIOL 275: Laboratory Methods in Genomics 6 cr.
Introduces the use of laboratory tools and techniques to sequence DNA. Topics covered include DNA structures and gene expression. Emphasis on experimental methods and design. Students learn to think critically about research methodology and scientific investigation. Fee: $62.00 200-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
DEV 108: Introduction to Python Programming 5 cr.
Using the Python programming language, students learn and apply the fundamental principles of programming. Students plan and design solutions, write computer statements to solve required problems, learn procedural programming, and document and debug computer applications.
Sample Molecular Biosciences BAS Schedule
Fall 3
CHEM& 261: Organic Chemistry I 6 cr.
The first of a three-course series in organic chemistry. The 261/262/263 series covers structure, nomenclature, reactions, and synthesis of organic compounds. Format includes laboratory work. Fee: $62.00 200-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
MBS 320: Molecular Biosciences Seminar 2 cr.
This course provides strategies for reading and analyzing articles in molecular biosciences. Students engage in discussion while they learn to evaluate data, analyze figures and focus on the major questions addressed in a scientific paper. Students can take this class a second time for elective credit. Prerequisite: BIOL& 211 or BIOL 275 with a C or higher.
MBS 330: Modern Genetics 5 cr.
This course examines the principles of inheritance, the molecular nature of the gene and regulation of gene expression in various systems, and the basis for mutation, variation and evolution. The course begins with an introduction to Mendel’s experiments and culminates in a survey of modern methods in genetics research. Prerequisite: Admission to the MBS BAS program and BIOL 160 or BIOL 211 with C or higher, or permission of the program chair.
PHYS& 114: General Physics I 6 cr.
First in a three-course survey of physics for allied health, building construction, biology, forestry, architecture, and other programs. Topics include units, kinematics, vectors, dynamics, work and energy, momentum, rotational motion, and harmonic motion. Laboratory work is integral to the course. Fee: $48.00 100-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee. However, students in some on-line classes are required to obtain a lab rental kit from the BC Bookstore.
Winter 3
CHEM& 262: Organic Chemistry II 6 cr.
Second in a three-course organic chemistry sequence. Format includes laboratory work. Fee: $62.00 200-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
MBS 340: Molecular Cell Biology 5 cr.
Exploration of cellular structure, organization, dynamics and signaling of diverse cell types at the molecular level. The course emphasizes the experiments and techniques used throughout the research process. Topics include biological membranes, protein targeting, the endomembrane system, cell signaling, the cytoskeleton and control of the cell cycle. Prerequisite: Admission to the MBS BAS program and MBS 330 or equivalent with C+ or higher or permission of the program chair.
PHYS& 115: General Physics II 6 cr.
Second in a three-course survey of physics for allied health, building construction, biology, forestry, architecture, and other programs. Topics include fluids, heat, thermodynamics, electricity, and magnetism. Laboratory work is integral to the course. Fee: $48.00 100-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee. However, students in some on-line classes are required to obtain a lab rental kit from the BC Bookstore.
Spring 3
CHEM& 263: Organic Chemistry III 6 cr.
Third in a three-course sequence. Continues the lecture and lab component of CHEM& 261 and CHEM& 262. Topics include functional groups and biologically important compounds. Format includes laboratory work. Fee: $62.00 200-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
DATA 310: Introduction to Analytics 5 cr.
Introduces the importance of data management, data analysis and data representation. Includes the use of common statistical tools and their applications in decision-making and research. Emphasis is on quantitative and technology based analysis of real world problems to improve decision-making in various disciplines, along with report writing and presentation skills.
MBS 350: Bioinformatics 5 cr.
Topics include protein and DNA sequence alignments, evolutionary analysis and phylogenetic trees, obtaining protein secondary structure from sequence, and analysis of gene expression including clustering methods. Prerequisite: Admission to the MBS BAS program and MBS 340 or equivalent with a C+ or higher, or permission of the program chair.
Fall 4
CHEM 405: Biochemistry I 5 cr.
The first in a two-quarter sequence for students in the Bachelor in Applied Science in Molecular Biosciences, science majors and students interested in careers in pharmacy, dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine and medical technology. Topics include protein structure and function; carbohydrates and their metabolism, electron transport processes and some of the major metabolic pathways. Previously CHEM 265. Only CHEM 265 or CHEM 405 can be taken for credit, not both. Fee: $48.00 100-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
MBS 455: Advanced Methods in Molecular Biology 6 cr.
Topics for this advanced lab class include molecular biology, protein biochemistry and immunochemistry techniques. Fee: $48.00 100-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
MBS 480: Senior Capstone Proposal 1 cr.
First course in a sequence of three senior level capstone classes. Students will select a research topic, formulate a relevant research question, choose a research mentor, and design a detailed plan to answer their research question. Prerequisites: Permission of the Program Chair of Molecular Biosciences program.
Winter 4
CHEM 406: Biochemistry II 5 cr.
The second in a two-quarter sequence for students in the Bachelor in Applied Science in Molecular Biosciences, science majors, and students interested in careers in pharmacy, dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine, and medical technology. Topics include lipid structure, metabolism, transport and biosynthesis, nucleic acid structure and function, DNA replication, transcription and translation. Previously CHEM 266. Only CHEM 266 or CHEM 406 can be taken for credit, not both.
MBS 470: Patents for Scientists and Engineers 2 cr.
Patent applications are filed to protect inventions, designs, intellectual property, etc. This course provides an overview of patent law with emphasis on science and engineering careers, as well as business technology and entrepreneurial careers. Topics include the four basic forms of intellectual property, patents and patentability, patent challenges and litigation, drafting and prosecuting a patent application, and elements of licensing intellectual property. Prerequisites: BIOL& 160, or CHEM& 161 or PHYS& 114 (MBS students must earn a C+ or higher); or permission of the instructor.
MBS 481: Senior Capstone Project I 4 cr.
Second course in a sequence of three senior level capstone classes. Each student works on her/his research proposal developed during MBS 480, collecting and analyzing data, documenting results and completing approximately half of the project. Fee: $48.00 100-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
Spring 4
MBS 410: Modern Topics in Bioethics 5 cr.
This class introduces ethical problems relating to molecular biosciences research and the biomedical industry. The emphasis is to train students on awareness of ethical issues specifically applicable to laboratory research and biomedical industry. Prerequisite: MBS 330 or equivalent, with a C+ or higher.
MBS 430: Systems Immunology 5 cr.
This course is an introduction to molecular immunology. Topics include an overview of the immune system, antibody and T-cell receptor structure and function, genes of the immunoglobulin family, cells and molecules that mediate the immune response, and medical applications of modern immunology. Prerequisites: MBS 340 and CHEM 406 with a C+ or higher for Molecular Biosciences BAS students, MBS 340 and CHEM 406 with a C or better for non-matriculated MBS students, or permission of program chair.
MBS 482: Senior Capstone Project II 5 cr.
Last course in the capstone project sequence where students complete their research. The project culminates with the preparation of a scientific poster and a seminar to be presented to the students and faculty in the Molecular Biosciences program. Fee: $48.00 100-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
Last Updated August 8, 2024
