Molecular Genetics - B.S. Degree
Department of Biology
Office: 221 Science Center
(716) 673-3282
Scott Medler, 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 are supported by the the Holmberg Foundation, Falcone Endowment, Dr. Robert Wettingfeld Endowment, Constantine Barker Memorial Endowment, Biology Endowment, and the Yunghans-Dieter Award. 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.
Each student performs a capstone experience in their senior year. The experience can take the form of research, an internship, a study abroad experience, or course, and provides significant learning experiences in problem solving and written and oral communication. These capstone experiences are extremely important in helping the student prepare for entry into professional programs, graduate school or employment.
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.
Major Requirements
Core Courses:
| BIOL 131 | Introductory Ecology and Evolution | 3 |
| BIOL 132 | Introductory Ecology and Evolution Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL 133 | Introductory Cell 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 | 1-3 |
| | or | |
| BIOL 492 | Senior Capstone - Internship | 1-3 |
| | or | |
| BIOL 493 | Senior Capstone - Course | 3 |
| | Nine additional credit hours of biology electives at the 300-400 level | 9 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 43 |
NOTE:
- BIOL 491 and BIOL 492 are variable, 1-3 credit hour courses. Students are to complete the course they are advised to enroll in for at least 3 credit hours to satisfy the degree requirement.
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Chemistry and mathematics courses should be completed by the end of the sophomore year, physics courses by the end of the junior year.
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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.
Supporting Courses:
Total Credit Hours: 73-77