Molecular Genetics Bachelor of Science
Department of Biology
Office: 221 Science Center
(716) 673-3282
Dr. Patricia Smith Astry, Department Chairperson
Dr. Scott B. Ferguson, Program Coordinator
Email: biology@fredonia.edu
Website: http://home.fredonia.edu/biology/molgen
Virtually all areas of the life sciences are being affected by the application of molecular genetics to solve biological problems. A strong background in molecular genetics will allow students to address problems in medicine, agriculture, environmental science, industry, forensics and basic biology. Indeed, molecular genetics is playing a central role in virtually all aspects of modern biological research.
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 molecular biology and biotechnology. Students enrolled in the program will gain experience in DNA cloning, fluorescent microscopy, protein biochemistry, forensic DNA analysis, bioinformatics, polymerase chain reaction, and DNA sequencing, which form the backbone of molecular genetics research. The B.S. degree in Molecular Genetics also combines an educational experience in the liberal arts with broad coverage of fundamental aspects of the biological sciences. Graduates in Molecular Genetics are well prepared for graduate work in molecular biology, genetic counseling or forensic science as well as entrance to a medical program, or 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. In addition, a laboratory course in Molecular Genetics provides the student with a sequence of experiments in a research project setting that includes a comprehensive selection of the techniques employed in modern genetics 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 is available in molecular or cellular biology, biochemistry, physiology, behavior, aquatic biology and ecology.
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 (40-46 credit hours)
| BIOL 131 | Introductory Ecology and Evolution | 3 |
| BIOL 132 | Introductory Ecology and Evolution Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL 133 | IntroductoryCell and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 134 | Introductory Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL 237 | Genetics | 3 |
| BIOL 238 | Genetics Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL 243 | Organismal Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 333 | Biochemistry | 3 |
| BIOL 334 | Biochemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL 338 | Microbiology | 3 |
| BIOL 380 | Cell and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 381 | Cell and Molecular Biology Lab | 1 |
| BIOL 435 | Developmental Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 437 | Molecular Genetics Laboratory | 2 |
| BIOL 491 | Senior Capstone - Research | 1-6 |
| or | |
| BIOL 492 | Senior Capstone - Internship | 1-6 |
| or | |
| BIOL 493 | Senior Capstone - Course | 0-6 |
| Nine additional credit hours of biology electives at the 300-400 level | 9 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 40-46 |
Required supporting course work (30-34 credits)
Total Credit Hours: 70-80
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.