Bachelor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Pennsylvania State University
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    Bachelor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Pennsylvania State University

    Pennsylvania State University
    Pennsylvania State University
    United States of America
    United States of America, University Park
    University Rank:#82
    Bachelor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Pennsylvania State University

    Study Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Pennsylvania State University, a Bachelor degree offered across its Main Site, Any Penn State Campus, Berks, and University Park campuses in United States of America. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 4 years to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for June 1, 2027.

    About Bachelor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

    Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is the study of the molecular basis of life. Biochemistry uses the principles of chemistry and physics to understand biological molecules, structures, and reactions. Molecular biology focuses on how biological molecules interact to form cells, organisms, and behaviors.

    You Might Like This Program If...

    • You like learning by doing experiments.
    • You want to know how life works at the most fundamental level.
    • You are interested in understanding the molecular basis of health, disease, and behavior.
    • You want to learn how molecules can be manipulated to address global challenges such as disease, famine, and energy needs.

    Students in this major apply basic principles of chemistry and physics to the study of living cells and their components to explain biology at molecular, genetic, and cellular levels. Students will develop a strong foundation in quantitative and analytical biological sciences, including molecular biology, biochemistry, enzymology, metabolism, cell biology, and molecular genetics.

    Biochemistry Option

    Available at the following campuses: Berks, University Park

    The Biochemistry Option is offered for students who have interests in the structures, properties and functions of macromolecules, and in the quantitative and analytical techniques used to characterize these macromolecules.

    Molecular and Cell Biology Option

    Available at the following campuses: Berks, University Park

    The Molecular and Cell Biology Option is available to students whose interests relate to the growth, reproduction and differentiation of cells and to signaling processes that occur in multicellular systems that activate and modulate these processes. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for advanced study leading to careers in research, medicine, and education, or to secure employment in biotechnology and health-related industries, including government, academic, and private laboratories.

    • Collaboration and Communication:
      • Students will be able to:
        • demonstrate the ability to work in teams to solve biochemical problems
        • communicate in a variety of formal and informal ways to discuss biochemical data
    • Core Concepts:
      • Students will be able to:
        • trace energy/matter transformation, storage, and mobilization in biological systems
        • explain how genetic information is exchanged and stored
        • recognize how changes in biological structures can have varying effects on function
        • describe how evolutionary processes are an integral part of the molecular life sciences
        • explain examples of how organisms maintain cellular and molecular homeostasis
    • Process of Science:
      • Students will be able to:
        • develop a hypothesis, design and conduct appropriate experiments
        • analyze and interpret data using appropriate quantitative modeling and simulation tools
        • keep an accurate laboratory notebook
        • participate in the peer review/revision process
    • Quantitative Reasoning and Data Science:
      • Students will be able to:
        • apply basic quantitative competencies such as algebra, probability, statistics, unit conversions, and fundamental biological equations
        • organize, summarize, and interpret quantitative data
        • find and analyze data from large databases
    • Science and Society:
      • Students will be able to:
        • explore the impacts of scientific research on society and how society influences/relies on research to inform decision-making
        • evaluate the ethical implications of biochemical research
        • recognize ethical issues in a variety of settings
    • Scientific Evidence Evaluation:
      • Students will be able to:
        • discriminate among scientific claims presented in a variety of sources based on the strength of evidence
        • find appropriate published scientific literature
        • analyze and critically evaluate data/conclusions from the scientific peer-reviewed literature

    Disciplines

    Penn State Berks The Berks College

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Pennsylvania State University

    Entry Requirements

    Penn State requires the submission of specific academic credentials to complete your application. Review the secondary and post-secondary requirements for your country below.

    If you are a first year student applying to Penn State:

    Click Apply to start your Penn State application. Before starting, you can also review the Applying Online Worksheet for more details and helpful hints about the application.

    Your application work can be saved at each step of the process by clicking the Save and Continue button at the bottom of the page. This feature will allow you to move back and forth within the application or log off and return to complete your application at a later time.

    After completing your Academic History, you will need to provide your Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR). As you begin the SRAR process, a new window will open allowing you to complete your SRAR. SRAR will focus on your high school coursework. It is important that this step is a complete and accurate representation of your school record. Therefore, have a copy of your secondary school records available as you complete your SRAR. You will need to enter every class and every grade earned for the last three years, as well as those classes in progress.

    After completing your SRAR, you will be directed back to the Penn State application in order to complete the Program of Study portion of the application. Here, you will indicate your desired starting semester, your intended program of study, and your starting and ending campus. For further details on how to complete this portion based on your applicant type, please see the steps to apply for first-year students.

    After completing this section of the application, you will provide some additional information, an activities resume, and a personal statement. You will be able to paste in this information from other sources, but note that the formatting may not always paste in as intended.

    If you are a transfer student applying to Penn State:

    All international transfer students will be required to submit official high school transcripts in order to complete the application. International transfer students will not complete the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) for either their high school or college coursework.

    If you have accepted your offer of admission to Penn State:

    If you completed SRAR and are accepted to Penn State, please provide the following for grade verification:

    • Official transcript from years 9, 10, 11, and 12. If the transcript is issued in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by a separate line-by-line English translation.
    • Official copy of the Tawjihi, accompanied by a separate line-by-line English translation.

    English Requirements

    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 80

    Career Opportunities after Completing Bachelor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

    Penn State students with a B.S. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology are prepared for jobs in industry as well as government, medical, and university research laboratories. Many students also decide to continue their studies by attending graduate programs or professional schools including medical, dental, business, and law school.

    A B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology prepares students for a wide variety of careers, including health related professions, professions in academia, government, and industry. Examples of biochemistry related careers are:

    • Agricultural Scientist
    • Biological / Media Illustrator
    • Biomedical Researcher
    • Drug Development
    • Genetic Counselor
    • Genetic Engineer
    • Health Professions – e.g. Dentist, Optometrist, Pharmacist, Physician, Physician Assistant
    • Industry Scientist
    • Pharmaceutical Sales
    • Pharmaceutical Sciences
    • Professor
    • Science Policy Expert
    • Optometrist
    • Science Writer / Editor
    • Patent Attorney
    • Research Technician

    MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY PROGRAM

    Opportunities for Graduate Study

    Many Penn State students with a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology will pursue graduate education in biochemistry or other related disciplines (biology, bioinformatics, chemistry, genomics, immunology, neurobiology, toxicology, pharmacology, and others). A B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology also prepares students to pursue higher degrees in the health professions. Opportunities for graduate studies include, but are not limited to, the following:

    • Graduate Studies (M.S. or Ph.D.)
    • Dental School Medical School (MD or DO)
    • Optometry School, Pharmacy School
    • Physical Therapy School
    • Veterinary School.

    In addition, graduates with a BMB degree may decide to pursue further education in law or business.

    Professional Resources

    • American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

    Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Pennsylvania State University

    Application Fee 75

    How to Apply for Bachelor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Pennsylvania State University

    Step 1: Choose Your Application Method

    Apply through MyPennState

    The first step of the application process is to create a Penn State account, if you do not have one already. MyPennState is where future students can access the online application.

    If you are new to MyPennState, you will need to establish a Penn State User ID and password, which you will access during the MyPennState profile creation process. Once you have your log in information, you can sign in to begin work on your application.

    When creating the profile, please use the name that is on your passport. Because materials are filed alphabetically under the family name on the application, it is important that all correspondence and records consistently use the same name (family and given) and spelling. If this name does not match your academic records, please notify us of the difference. Please note: In the U.S., the family name is usually referred to as the last name, and the given name is referred to as the first name.

    Additionally, Penn State requires a current, valid email address, as that is our primary means of communication with international students. To ensure deliverability, please make Penn State (psu.edu) an eligible sender to the account.

    Applying through the Common App

    Applying to Penn State via the Common App is available to first-year (freshman) international students. If applying through the Common App, Penn State will create a MyPennState profile when the application is submitted and you will receive instructions on how to access your profile. If you intend to apply with the Common App, you do not need create a MyPennState profile prior to submitting your application.

    Step 2: Access the Application and Review Important Dates

    While you can create a MyPennState profile at any time, the application for admission becomes available on the following dates:

    Fall/Summer Admission: August 1

    Spring Admission: June 1

    The application submission dates vary by applicant type and intended program of study. Some programs have specific deadlines or admissions requirements. Please refer to our Dates & Deadlines for more information about application deadlines, as well as our Admissions Requirements to review information about any additional materials required for your intended program of study.

    Step 3: Start Your Penn State Application

    If applying through MyPennState:

    Click Apply Online to start your Penn State application. 

    Your application work can be saved at each step of the process by clicking the "Save and Continue" button at the bottom of the page. This feature will allow you to move back and forth within the application or log off and return to complete your application at a later time.

    After completing your Academic History, you will need to provide your Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR), unless otherwise directed. You will be directed to enter information about your secondary school coursework. Please have a copy of your secondary school records as you complete SRAR. It is important that this step is a complete and accurate representation of your school record. You will need to enter every grade for every course you have taken in the last three years, as well as your current schedule of classes.

    Students educated in South Korea will not complete SRAR. The document requirements for South Korea can be found by reviewing our International Credential Requirements.

    After this section, you will be directed back to the Penn State application to complete the Program of Study portion. Here, you will indicate your desired starting semester, your intended program of study, and your starting and ending campus. For further details on how to complete this portion based on your applicant type, please see the steps to apply for either first-year students or transfer students.

    After this portion, you will provide some additional application information, an activities resume, and a personal statement. You will be able to paste in this information from other sources, but note that the formatting may not always paste in as intended.

    If applying through the Common App:

    Complete the Common App, which will then direct you to MyPennState to complete SRAR. Applicants using the Common App may feel that they provided their high school record via the Common App, but Penn State requires the completion of SRAR via MyPennState. We strongly encourage you to obtain an official copy of your high school transcript to ensure accurate entry of your coursework completed and grades earned. The SRAR will include all of your high school coursework from your last three years of work and your current year schedule. If your final year grades are available when you enter SRAR, you can enter them at that time.

    Step 4: Submit Your Application

    The application requires a nonrefundable application fee of $75 for international students. Be sure to complete the last step after Summary and Review, which finalizes payment of your fee, and be certain it is successfully submitted. Once the application is submitted, you can verify its completion by accessing your MyPennState profile.

    Step 5: Submit Required Application Materials

    In order to complete your Penn State application, we need the following materials:

    • Application
    • Secondary school record
    • Post-secondary school records (if applicable)
    • First-year applicants only: Official test scores: SAT (code #2660) or ACT (code #3656)

      Writing Component and Subject Tests

      Please note: The writing component of standardized tests (SAT or ACT) is not required. The writing component will not be used as part of our evaluation. If your test scores include the writing component, by all means, have those scores sent to Penn State. Additionally, we do not require SAT Subject Tests.

    • English language proficiency, if your native language is not English

    Please see the admissions requirements for international students to review the details about the required application materials. Some programs require additional items to complete your application. Please review our Admissions Requirements for those details.

    Penn State does not require letters of recommendation, nor are they used in a student’s evaluation (unless required for a specific program).

    Step 6: Check Your Application Status in MyPennState

    You can always check the status of your application in MyPennState. We will communicate with you via MyPennState and through a series of emails regarding the missing items for your application. When everything has arrived, you will see a status in MyPennState confirming the completion of your application.

    Please note: It is your responsibility to check on the status of your application and send us any missing materials.

    Step 7: Receive Your Admission Decision

    Once we have reached a decision regarding your application, we will update your status in MyPennState and provide a printable PDF of your decision letter. Review our Dates & Deadlines to see when you should expect your decision.

    If accepted, you can accept your offer of admission in MyPennState to begin the process of becoming a Penn State student. Visit our Accepted Students section to review the next steps in this process. Once you accept your offer of admission to Penn State, those students completing SRAR will submit their official records for validation purposes as soon as possible.

    Bachelor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Pennsylvania State University
    Pennsylvania State University
    Pennsylvania State University
    United States of America

    United States of America, University Park

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