Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (MB&B) focuses on the molecular basis of life–on mechanisms by which cells process, integrate, and act on information to create and propagate living organisms. In keeping with the culture of liberal education at Wesleyan University, the MB&B major is designed to accommodate a broad range of academic interests and allow students to concentrate in particular disciplines such as molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, cell biology, genetics, epigenetics, genomics, and computational modeling. The interdisciplinary nature and flexibility of the MB&B major also enables students to couple their affinity for biological sciences with other majors, including chemistry, mathematics and computer science, science in society, psychology, government, economics, etc. MB&B provides foundational training for a range of professional careers in medicine, public health, the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry, public policy, science journalism, and teaching, among others. We welcome students of all interests and backgrounds to join us.
Students are encouraged to begin coursework toward the MB&B major in their first year to take maximum advantage of upper-level MB&B courses, research, and study-abroad opportunities in later years. However, the major can certainly be completed successfully if initiated during sophomore year.