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. in Biological Sciences: Biomedical Concentration; 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 5353 | 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 1105 | Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | 1 |
| CHEM 1106 | Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | 1 |
| CHEM 1305 | General Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 1306 | General Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 2124 | Lab for Organic Chemistry 2324 | 1 |
| CHEM 2125 | Lab for Organic Chemistry 2325 | 1 |
| CHEM 2324 | Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 2325 | Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 3131 | Lab for Chemistry | 1 |
| CHEM 3330 | Biochem I:Struc & Function | 3 |
| CHEM 3332 | Biochem II: Metabol & Bioenerg | 3 |
| Required Biology Courses: | ||
| BIOL 1107 | Topics in Study of Life I C | 1 |
| BIOL 1108 | Organismal Biology Laboratory C | 1 |
| BIOL 1305 | General Biology C | 3 |
| BIOL 1306 | Organismal Biology C | 3 |
| 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 |
| CBCH 4320 | Adv Topics in Mil Biochem | 3 |
| MICR 2340 & MICR 2141 | General Microbiology and Gen Microbiology Laboratory C | 4 |
| MICR 3345 & MICR 3146 | Microbial Physiology and Microbial Physiology Lab | 4 |
| MICR 3449 | Prokaryotic Molecular Genetics | 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 five hours of the following: | 5 | |
| Professional Development Sem. | ||
| Histology | ||
| Special Problems | ||
| Special Problems | ||
| Mammalian Physiology | ||
| Special Problems | ||
| Structural Biochemistry Lab | ||
| Introduction to Research | ||
| Structural Biochemistry | ||
| Introduction to Research | ||
| Pathogenic Microbiology and Pathogenic Microbiology Lab | ||
| General Virology | ||
| Medical Mycology | ||
| Medical Parasitology | ||
| Neurobiology | ||
| 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
The department may make specific suggestions for courses which are most applicable towards your major.
All courses require a C or better
Communication (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The objective of the communication component is to enable the student to communicate effectively in clear and correct prose or orally in a style appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience. | ||
| 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 | |
American History (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The objectives of the history component are to expand students’ knowledge of the origin and history of the U.S., their comprehension of the past and current role of the U.S. in the world, and their ability to critically evaluate and analyze historical evidence. U.S. history courses (three hours must be Texas history) include: | ||
| HIST 1301 | History of U.S. to 1865 | 3 |
| HIST 1302 | History of U.S. Since 1865 | 3 |
| Total Hours | 6 | |
Language, Philosophy & Culture (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The objective of the humanities component is to expand students' knowledge of the human condition and human cultures, especially in relation to behaviors, ideas, and values expressed in works of human imagination and thought. Through study in disciplines such as literature and philosophy, students engage in critical analysis and develop an appreciation of the humanities as fundamental to the health and survival of any society. | ||
| 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 | |
Mathematics (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The objective of the mathematics component is to develop a quantitatively literate college graduate. Every college graduate should be able to apply basic mathematical tools in the solution of real-world problems. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| College Algebra | ||
| Trigonometry and Conics | ||
| Math in the Modern World | ||
| Math for Social Sciences I | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Precalculus 1,2 | ||
| Math for Social Sciences II | ||
| Statistical Literacy | ||
| Elementary Statistical Methods | ||
| 1 A higher-level course in the calculus sequence can be substituted. | ||
| 2 TCCN MATH 1314 will also satisfy this requirement. | ||
| Total Hours | 3 | |
Life & Physical Sciences (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The objective of the study of the natural sciences is to enable the student to understand, construct, and evaluate relationships in the natural sciences, and to enable the student to understand the bases for building and testing theories. The courses listed are for non-majors; the major courses in the discipline can be substituted for the non-major sequence. A minimum of two semesters of lecture and one semester of laboratory associated with one of the courses, or two semesters of combined (3 credit) lecture-laboratory courses (Only six hours apply toward the required 42.): | ||
| Select one of the following: | 1-4 | |
| 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 Environment Science 2 | ||
| 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 | |
Political Science (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The objectives of the political science component are to expand students’ knowledge of the origin and evolution of the U.S. and Texas political systems, focusing on the growth of political institutions, and on the constitutions of Texas and the United States; and to enhance their understanding of federalism, states rights, and individual civil liberties, rights, and responsibilities. | ||
| Required Courses: | ||
| POLS 2310 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
| POLS 2311 | American Gover & Politics | 3 |
| Total Hours | 6 | |
Social and Behavioral Sciences (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The objective of the social and behavioral science component is to increase students' knowledge of how social and behavioral scientists discover, describe, and explain the behaviors and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, events, and ideas. Such knowledge will better equip students to understand themselves and the roles they play in addressing the issues facing humanity. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Intro-Phys Anth/Archeolog | ||
| Intro-Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Intro to Linguistics | ||
| Econ for Engrs & Scientists | ||
| Asian American 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 | ||
| Community Service | ||
| An Intro. to Linguistics | ||
| Lang. Inside & Out: Sel Topics | ||
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Total Hours | 3 | |
Creative Arts (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The objective of the visual and performing arts component is to expand students' knowledge and appreciation of the human imagination as expressed through works of visual art, dance, music, theatre and film. Through study in these disciplines, students will form aesthetic judgments and develop an appreciation of the arts as fundamental to the health and survival of any society. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| History of Art I | ||
| History of Art II | ||
| Chicana/o Fine Arts Appreciat | ||
| Dance Appreciation | ||
| Intro-Art of Motion Pict. | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Jazz to Rock | ||
| Music, Culture, and Society | ||
| Introduction to Theatre | ||
| Total Hours | 3 | |
Component Area Option (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The objective of the institutionally designated option component is to develop the critical thinking skills and academic tools required to be an effective learner. Special emphasis is placed on the use of technology in problem-solving, communications, and knowledge acquisition. | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Intro to Global Business | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Business/Profession Comm | ||
| Intro-Computational Thinking | ||
| Computer Programming Sci/Engr | ||
| Eng Innovation and Leadership | ||
| Introduction to Leadership | ||
| Inquiry in Math & Science | ||
| 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 |
| Menu Electives in Major | 3 | |
| Menu Electives in Major | 3 | |
| SENIOR | ||
| Fall | ||
| CBCH 4310 | Techniques in Mol Biochem | 3 |
| CBCH 3316 & BIOL 3115 | Membrane Biology and Molecular Cell Biol Laboratory | 4 |
| MICR 3345 & MICR 3146 | Microbial Physiology and Microbial Physiology Lab | 4 |
| MICR 4353 & MICR 4154 | Immunology and Immunology Laboratory | 4 |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 4198 | Special Problems | 1 |
| CBCH 4320 | Adv Topics in Mil Biochem | 3 |
| CBCH 4414 | Cellular Biochemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 3332 | Biochem II: Metabol & Bioenerg | 3 |
| MICR 3449 | Prokaryotic Molecular Genetics | 4 |
| Total Hours | 119-120 | |
BS in Cellular and Molecular Biochemistry (Starting with Pre-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 1508 | Precalculus | 5 |
| 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 |
| COMM 1301 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| MATH 1411 | Calculus I | 4 |
| RWS 1302 | Rhetoric & Composition 2 | 3 |
| SOPHOMORE | ||
| Fall | ||
| CHEM 1306 & CHEM 1106 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | 4 |
| HIST 1301 | History of U.S. to 1865 | 3 |
| MICR 2340 & MICR 2141 | General Microbiology and Gen Microbiology Laboratory | 4 |
| PHYS 1403 | General Physics I | 4 |
| Spring | ||
| CHEM 2324 & CHEM 2124 | Organic Chemistry and Lab for Organic Chemistry 2324 | 4 |
| 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 |
| Menu Electives in Major | 3 | |
| SENIOR | ||
| Fall | ||
| CBCH 4310 | Techniques in Mol Biochem | 3 |
| CBCH 3316 & BIOL 3115 | Membrane Biology and Molecular Cell Biol Laboratory | 4 |
| MICR 3345 & MICR 3146 | Microbial Physiology and Microbial Physiology Lab | 4 |
| MICR 4353 & MICR 4154 | Immunology and Immunology Laboratory | 4 |
| Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 4198 | Special Problems | 1 |
| CBCH 4320 | Adv Topics in Mil Biochem | 3 |
| CBCH 4414 | Cellular Biochemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 3332 | Biochem II: Metabol & Bioenerg | 3 |
| MICR 3449 | Prokaryotic Molecular Genetics | 4 |
| Total Hours | 121-122 | |