Molecular Genetics Bachelor of Science

Department of Biology
Office: 221 Science Center
(716) 673-3282
Patricia Smith Astry, Department Chairperson
Scott B. Ferguson, Program Coordinator
Email: biology@fredonia.edu
Website: http://home.fredonia.edu/biology/molgen

Virtually all areas of the life sciences use molecular approaches to solve biological problems. Molecular Genetics majors will develop a strong background in genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, and developmental biology that will develop a strong background in genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, and developmental biology that allows students to address problems in medicine, physiology, agriculture, environmental science, industry, forensics and basic biology. Indeed, molecular genetics is playing a central role in virtually all aspects of modern biology from genes to ecosystems.

Fredonia’s Bachelor of Science program in Molecular Genetics, the first of its kind in New York State, provides students with the necessary background, skills and training to enter the exciting areas of medicine, molecular biology, and biotechnology. Students enrolled in the program will gain experience in DNA cloning, fluorescent microscopy, protein biochemistry, forensic DNA analysis, bioinformatics, gene editing, and DNA sequencing, which form the backbone of molecular genetics research. Graduates in Molecular Genetics are well prepared for medical school or graduate work in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, and developmental biology, genetic counseling or forensic science as well direct employment as a research technician.

The first two years of the program consist of a core of courses taken by most students interested in the biological sciences. The program then allows students to specialize in genetics, development, cell biology, biochemistry, and/or physiology. Many of the upper-level lab courses engage students in a research project setting. This provides bona fide research opportunities to all students as well as comprehensive, hands-on experience with the techniques employed in modern biomedical research.

The Department of Biology is particularly proud of its undergraduate research opportunities. Undergraduate students work closely with faculty members on original research projects (for example, see BIOL 440). Students annually present their research results at the university-wide Student Research and Creativity Exposition and at regional and national meetings. Students have been co-authors of papers published in scientific journals. A wide range of research projects are available in molecular or cellular biology, biochemistry, physiology, behavior, aquatic biology and ecology. Students interested in research frequently complete a capstone research project as the culmination of their undergraduate experience.

Summer Research Fellowships are sponsored in biology each summer. Each sophomore or junior awarded a prestigious fellowship will work on a specific project designed in collaboration with a faculty sponsor. The fellowships have been previously supported by the Constantine Barker Memorial Endowment, the Biology Endowment, the Holmberg Foundation, Merck/A.A.A.S. and the McNair Scholars program. Each award provides the student with a generous stipend and a supplies budget. For more information, interested students should contact a faculty sponsor in the department.

Requirements for Transfer Credit

The Molecular Genetics program requires students to complete 40 credit hours of biology core courses and elective courses chosen under advisement. Students are expected to complete at least half of the biology courses at Fredonia. Additional credit hours transferred may be used as general electives toward graduation. As a rule, the department will not accept as equivalent for upper level courses, credit earned at two-year colleges.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Molecular Genetics

Core program (43 credit hours):

BIOL 131Introductory Ecology and Evolution

3

BIOL 132Introductory Ecology and Evolution Laboratory

1

BIOL 133Introductory Cell and Molecular Biology

3

BIOL 134Introductory Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory

1

BIOL 237Genetics

3

BIOL 238Genetics Laboratory

1

BIOL 243Organismal Biology

3

BIOL 333Biochemistry

3

BIOL 334Biochemistry Laboratory

1

BIOL 338Microbiology

3

BIOL 380Cell and Molecular Biology

3

BIOL 381Cell and Molecular Biology Lab

1

BIOL 435Developmental Biology

3

BIOL 437Molecular Genetics Laboratory

2

BIOL 491Senior Capstone - Research

1-6

or

BIOL 492Senior Capstone - Internship

1-6

or

BIOL 493Senior Capstone - Course

0-6

Nine additional credit hours of biology electives at the 300-400 level

9

Total Credit Hours:43

NOTE:

  • BIOL 491, BIOL 492, and BIOL 493, are variable 1-6 credit hour courses. Students are to complete the course(s), by advisement, for three credit hours.

Required supporting course work (30-34 credits)

CHEM 115General Chemistry Lecture I

3

CHEM 125General Chemistry Laboratory I

1

CHEM 116General Chemistry Lecture II

3

CHEM 126General Chemistry Laboratory II

1

CHEM 215Organic Chemistry Lecture I

3

CHEM 225Organic Chemistry Laboratory I

1

CHEM 216Organic Chemistry Lecture II

3

CHEM 226Organic Chemistry Laboratory II

1

PHYS 121College Physics I

3

PHYS 123College Physics Lab I

1

PHYS 122College Physics II

3

PHYS 124College Physics II Lab

1

or

PHYS 230University Physics I

4

PHYS 232University Physics I Lab

1

PHYS 231University Physics II

4

PHYS 233University Physics II Lab

1

MATH 120Survey of Calculus I

3

MATH 121Survey of Calculus II

3

or

MATH 122University Calculus I

4

MATH 123University Calculus II

4

Total Credit Hours:30-34

 

Total Credit Hours: 73-77

Chemistry and mathematics courses should be completed by the end of the sophomore year, physics courses by the end of the junior year.

The Molecular Genetics major is strongly advised to plan on at least one year of Undergraduate Research (BIOL 440-BIOL 441) in the area of molecular biology.