University of Mount Union

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary degree integrates molecular biology, biochemistry and biophysics to give students a rigorous grounding in the molecular basis of life. The curriculum balances core courses in genetics, cell biology, organic chemistry and physical chemistry with specialised modules in structural biology, biomolecular spectroscopy and molecular biophysics.

• Core molecular and cellular courses: molecular biology, cell biology, and genetics with emphasis on experimental design and data analysis.
• Chemistry foundation: general and organic chemistry, analytical chemistry and biochemistry to understand chemical principles underlying biological processes.
• Biophysics and quantitative methods: thermodynamics, kinetics, molecular modelling, biophysical techniques such as spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography fundamentals.
• Laboratory and practical skills: multi‑semester laboratory sequence that teaches modern molecular biology techniques, protein purification and characterisation, microscopy and computational analysis.
• Advanced electives: structural biology, enzymology, bioinformatics, proteomics, neurobiology and courses addressing current topics in synthetic biology and biotechnology.
• Research project or capstone: a substantial independent research experience working with a faculty mentor in a campus laboratory or in partnership with external research sites, culminating in a written thesis or poster presentation.
• Professional development: courses and seminars on scientific communication, ethics, and preparation for graduate and professional school applications; internships with local hospitals, biotech firms or research institutes are encouraged.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a strong secondary‑school record with particular preparation in the sciences and mathematics. Typical successful applicants will have completed courses in biology, chemistry and mathematics at the high‑school level; physics and advanced placement or IB science courses are advantageous.

• Academic preparation: competitive high‑school grades with evidence of strength in biology and chemistry.
• Recommended subjects: biology, chemistry, mathematics (including algebra and precalculus; calculus preferred) and physics if available.
• Additional evidence: personal statement outlining interest in molecular sciences, and references that speak to academic potential and laboratory aptitude.
• Placement and transferrable credit: students with prior college coursework or AP/IB scores should consult the department for transfer credit and placement in higher‑level courses.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme pursue a wide range of careers in science, healthcare and industry or continue to graduate and professional training. The combination of molecular, chemical and quantitative skills is valued across research, clinical and commercial settings.

• Laboratory research: entry‑level positions as research technicians in academic, government or private sector labs.
• Biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry: roles in development, quality control, production and regulatory affairs.
• Healthcare and allied professions: preparation for medical, dental, physician assistant or other professional schools; roles in clinical laboratories and diagnostics.
• Further study and academia: many graduates progress to MSc/PhD programmes in molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics or related interdisciplinary fields.
• Other pathways: science communication, patent law (with additional qualifications), forensic science and teaching at secondary level with appropriate certification.

Why study at University of Mount Union

University of Mount Union offers a small‑class environment where students receive close mentorship from faculty actively engaged in research and teaching. The programme emphasises hands‑on laboratory training, undergraduate research opportunities and personalised academic advising to support career and graduate‑school goals.

• Hands‑on experience: well‑equipped teaching and research laboratories where students develop practical skills in modern molecular and biophysical techniques.
• Faculty mentorship: accessible faculty who supervise independent research projects and guide students toward presentations and publications.
• Interdisciplinary approach: the curriculum bridges chemistry, physics and biology to produce graduates with broad, applicable skill sets.
• Experiential learning: strong emphasis on internships, collaborative projects and community‑partnered placements that connect classroom learning to real‑world contexts.
• Support for career progression: resources for graduate‑school preparation, professional school advising and networking with alumni in research and industry.