Grade Requirements

BMB majors should achieve a C- or above in all courses required for the major, but there are some predictor courses that require a higher grade threshold.

Continuation Policy

BMB majors need to achieve a GPA of 2.5 or better across the following four courses in their first three semesters in order to continue in the BMB major:

• General Chemistry I
• General Chemistry II
• Calculus I
• Calculus II 

These courses are strong predictors of success in BMB and in science, as they are essential for developing the quantitative/organizational skills necessary for success. Students should aim to earn B- or better in each of these four courses.

BMB majors who have not met the Continuation Policy must meet with an Academic Advisor to talk about goals and next steps.

Biochem 285

BMB majors must achieve a B- or better in Biochem 285 – Cellular & Molecular Biology (or its equivalents) as a prerequisite for other Biochem courses.

Statistics show that earning below a B- in Biochem 285 frequently leads to earning below a C in upper-level Biochemistry courses.  

Pass/Fail Policy

BMB prohibits the use of pass/fail toward courses required for the major. Students can learn more about the university's pass/fail policy in the Academic Regulations handbook on the Registrar's website.