Five sample schedules fulfilling the MOL Major*

No Chemistry AP, Example 1
YearFallSpring
First-YearCHM 201CHM 202, COS 126
SophomoreCHM 301, MOL 214CHM 302, MOL 348
JuniorMOL 345, MOL 350MOL 342, PHY 108
SeniorSML 201, DepartmentalDepartmental
No Chemistry AP, Example 2
YearFallSpring
First-YearCHM 201, COS 126 (or MAT 103)CHM 202, MOL 214
SophomoreCHM 301, SML 201CHM 302, MOL 348
JuniorMOL 345, MOL 350MOL 342, PHY 108
SeniorDepartmentalDepartmental
No Chemistry AP, Pre-Med
YearFallSpring
First-YearCHM 201, COS 126 (or MAT 103)CHM 202, MOL 214
SophomoreCHM 301, EEB 211CHM 302, MOL 348, SML 201
JuniorMOL 345, MOL 350, PHY 101MOL 342, PHY 108
SeniorDepartmentalDepartmental
Chemistry AP 5, Example 1
YearFallSpring
First-YearCHM 301CHM 302, MOL 214
SophomoreMOL 345MOL 348, PHY 108
JuniorMOL 350, COS 126MOL 342, SML 201
SeniorDepartmentalDepartmental
Chemistry AP 6, Example 2
YearFallSpring
First-YearMOL 214COS 126, MOL 348
SophomoreCHM 301, SML 201CHM 302, MOL 320
JuniorMOL 345, DepartmentalMOL 342, PHY 108
SeniorDepartmentalDepartmental

*Notes

  1. There are many other possibilities in addition to the sample schedules shown above.
  2. MOL 214 and MOL 345 are offered in both the fall and spring semesters.
  3. Junior independent work and a senior thesis are also required for graduation.
  4. MOL 320 has limited enrollment and is offered in the spring to sophomores who intend to concentrate in MOL and plan to study abroad in the fall of junior year, or have taken/are concurrently taking MOL 348 and want an early introduction to research methods and laboratory experience. MOL 320 and MOL 350 are considered equivalent courses and only one can be taken.

Strategic Advice for First-Years/Sophomores

To major in Molecular Biology, you must take MOL 214 before the end of your sophomore year. You must also complete the four-semester sequence of general and organic chemistry before the start of junior year. If you don’t have AP credit in chemistry, this means taking CHM 201 (or CHM 207) in the fall semester of your first year. Incoming first-years with one semester AP credit in chemistry take CHM 202 or CHM 215 in the spring semester of their first year. Students with two semesters AP credit in chemistry can take organic chemistry as either first-years or sophomores. Finally, students who take first-year Integrated Science are exempted from taking general chemistry (and MOL 214), and should take organic chemistry sophomore year.

If you enjoyed MOL 214 and are interested in another MOL course, you can take MOL 348 as a sophomore or even as a first-year. It is also helpful to begin fulfilling the quantitative and physics requirements during your first-year/sophomore years by taking at least one of the following courses: SML 201, COS 126, or PHY 108. (Sophomores may not be able to get into PHY 108; it is fine to wait until junior year.)