Requirements for the BMB Minor

The BMB Minor is an option for UMass undergraduates who want to add Biochemistry and Molecular Biology skills to their major degree studies. For students majoring in the physical or chemical sciences, the BMB minor will satisfy the documented training necessary for careers in the growing pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

Course Requirements

  • Biology 151, Introduction to Biology - 4 credits
    • Prereqs: None
  • Biochem 285, Cellular & Molecular Biology - 3 credits
    • Prereqs: Bio 151 & 152
  • Biochem 423, General Biochemistry I - 3 credits
    • Prereqs: Biochem 285, Chem 261 & 262
  • Biochem 424, General Biochemistry II - 3 credits
    • Prereqs: Biochem 423
  • Choose One: Biochem 311, Molecular Genetics and Genomics - 3 credits; OR Biology 311, General Genetics - 3 credits; OR AnSci 311, Animal Genetics - 3 credits
    • Prereqs: Bio 151 & 152

Eligibility Criteria

Students must complete all of the courses listed above with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00, and no more than one of these courses will be accepted with a grade below a 2.00.

While we may accept substitutions for Bio 151, Biochem 285, and Biochem 311, students must have taken at least two courses offered by the BMB department to be considered for the minor. Biochem 320 and Biochem 321 DO NOT count toward the minor.

No more than two courses at the 200-level or above may be double-counted toward the BMB minor and another credential (i.e. a major, minor, or certificate). 

Students are responsible for satisfying any and all eligibility requirements and course prerequisites not listed here. 

Students interested in declaring the minor should contact a BMB Academic Advisor. The BMB minor will only be added as a credential once a student has completed all of the required courses.