BA in Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Program Learning Outcomes for BA in Biochemistry and Cell Biology Students graduating from this program will: Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of biology with particular emphasis on biochemistry, genetics, and cell biology. Demonstrate the ability to apply the modern scientific method, including designing experiments and/or building mathematical models, and collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data using common statistical methods and software programs. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills, including an ability to effectively communicate and work with diverse groups and the ability to interpret and communicate the results of original research. Locate primary scientific literature and demonstrate the ability to use critical thinking and problem solving skills to evaluate published and proposed research in the biological sciences and to apply these skills. Demonstrate understanding of the practice and culture of science, scientific ethics, and the relationship between science and society. Develop quantitative reasoning via the construction of models and/or the analysis of data. Degree Requirements for BA in Biochemistry and Cell Biology These paths emphasize a broad understanding of cell biology and biochemistry, provide room for exploration anywhere in the Natural Sciences or Engineering, and culminate in one (BA) or two (BS) required 400-level capstone courses incorporating primary scientific literature, presentations, and writing. Students in Biochemistry and Cell Biology are strongly encouraged to pursue their research interests through independent research experiences. The BS offers greater coverage and depth while the BA offers greater flexibility with two fewer required courses as detailed below. All of the following requirements must be completed for a BS in Biochemistry & Cell Biology. Students pursuing a BA may omit one of the following courses: BIOC 302, BIOC 344 or BIOC 352, and are required to take only one BIOC 400 level course. Permissible substitutions: MATH 111/112 may be substituted for MATH 101; CHEM 151 and 152 and corresponding labs may be substituted for CHEM 121 and 122 and corresponding labs; CHEM 320 may be substituted for Chem 212; CHEM 365 may be substituted for CHEM 215; PHYS 101 and 102 or PHYS 111 and 112 may be substituted for PHYS 125 and 126; CHEM 310 or CHEM 311/312 may substitute for BIOC 352. Qualified Rice University undergraduate students can apply to enroll in the Biochemistry and Cell Biology BA-MA-PhD program track in the spring of their sophomore year. Course requirements for graduate studies are pursued at the same time as the upper-level undergraduate degree requirements. Laboratory research performed in 300, 400, and 800-level research courses is presented as the MA thesis in the summer following graduation and can serve as the initial phases of the PhD thesis work. As a result, the graduate careers of these students will be accelerated by an anticipated 1-2 years, and such students may be able to obtain their PhD degrees approximately 3 years after obtaining their BA and MA degrees. Criteria for selection include academic performance (GPA ≥ 3.5), motivation, previous research experience, and personal qualities. Detailed information on this track may be found in the Graduate section of these General Announcements.