The Molecular Biology Minor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences provides a supplementary program of study for students interested in developing a background in the theory and techniques of modern molecular biology. Students majoring in biology or in the biochemistry emphasis in the Chemistry Department are the most likely candidates for this minor. The molecular biology minor is recommended for students whose career goals include graduate education in genetic engineering, biomedicine, biotechnology, bioinformatics, and other cell and molecular areas in the biomedical and life sciences. Prerequisites for the listed courses are usually met by those groups of students likely to choose this minor. See the SMSU Undergraduate Catalog for course prerequisites and official course descriptions.

List of Required Courses: 22 credit hours:

BMS 521 Molecular Cell Biology 4(3-2)
This course studies the origins, structure and function of cells and basic life processes from a molecular perspective. Major topics focus on the energy, chemical, and informational exchanges within and among cells and their environment.

BMS 524 Virology 3(2-2)
A study of viruses and their interactions with bacterial, plant, and animal cells. Basic techniques of tissue culture and virology are performed in the laboratory.

BMS 525 Molecular Biology 4(3-3)
An in-depth examination of nucleic acid structure, function, regulation, repair, mutagenesis; principles of genetic engineering. Laboratory provides experiences in the techniques used to isolate, separate, measure, characterize, and modify nucleic acids. The course also includes an introduction to GenBank and EMBL, nucleic acid, and protein sequence databases.

BMS 529 Molecular Genetics 3(2-2)
Recent advances in the molecular aspects of genetics. Mammalian DNA is characterized and manipulated using modern molecular techiques.

BMS 558 Recombinant DNA Techniques 3(1-4)
Basic principles of genetic cloning using major types of cloning vectors.

BIO 310 Microbiology 5(3-4)
Fundamental principles of microbiology; development of sound laboratory skills.