Bachelors in Biology Major, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Specialization

Students can gain practical research experience from the early years of the major through structured introductory research courses and later through independent research. The program offers advanced laboratory courses involving genomics, bioinformatics, protein analysis, enzyme analysis and biotechnology, while Washington University also provides access to a major biomedical research environment through its School of Medicine and specialized research facilities.

Specific opportunities include:

• BIOL 2901 Introduction to Research: first- and second-year students work under the supervision of a research sponsor in an established biology research setting.
• BIOL 2903 Summer Introduction to Research: students undertake summer research under the supervision of a faculty mentor.
• BIOL 4950/4951 Independent Research: upper-level students can undertake supervised independent research, with research credits potentially counting toward the advanced biology requirements.
• Laboratory in Protein Analysis, Proteomics, and Protein Structure: students work with DNA manipulation, cloning, mutagenesis, DNA sequencing, protein expression and purification, enzyme kinetics, protein crystallization, X-ray diffraction and computer modeling.
• Research Explorations in Genomics: students conduct collaborative investigations using bioinformatics tools to work with genomic sequences, gene predictions, sequence conservation and gene-expression data.
• Structural Bioinformatics of Proteins: students use bioinformatics methods to analyze protein structures, molecular interactions, sequence alignments and molecular docking as part of a course-based research experience.
• Next-Gen Genetics: students design experiments, phenotype organisms, extract DNA, obtain sequencing data and analyze genomic sequences to identify genetic loci associated with traits.
• McDonnell Genome Institute: students are part of a university research environment with access to genomics and multi-omics capabilities including sequencing, proteomics, single-cell genomics, spatial transcriptomics and computational biology/bioinformatics.
• Genome Engineering & Stem Cell Center: the university research environment includes genome-edited stem-cell and cancer-cell lines, patient-derived iPSCs, stem-cell differentiation and CRISPR screening.
• Research at Washington University School of Medicine: biology students can complete research projects within the School of Medicine, supported by the university's extensive biomedical research community.
• Senior research emphasis: students completing the research emphasis undertake at least six credits of independent research and an approved senior thesis, which is presented at the undergraduate symposium.

The Molecular Biology and Biochemistry specialization can prepare students for scientific and healthcare-related careers by combining molecular science, laboratory techniques and research experience. Washington University specifically reports graduates going on to roles including biochemists, genetic engineers, healthcare administrators and pharmacists, while the broader Biology program also identifies careers such as scientific editors/writers, physicians, veterinarians and physical therapists.

Typical career directions include:

• Biochemist
• Genetic Engineer
• Biotechnology Professional
• Research Scientist
• Laboratory Researcher

Key progression opportunities include:

• Career and postgraduate advising: Arts & Sciences provides advising for students considering medical school, health professions, graduate school and other postgraduate pathways, together with career-development resources, internships and fellowship advising.
• Research experience: students can work with faculty mentors through independent research, summer research and research-emphasis options, helping them build experience for scientific employment or postgraduate study.
• Biomedical research environment: students can conduct research within Washington University School of Medicine and interact with research environments spanning molecular biology, genetics, genomics and biomedical science.
• Research partnerships and ecosystem: the Biology Department reports interactions with organizations and research facilities including the Tyson Research Center, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Missouri Botanical Gardens and Monsanto Corporation.
• Graduate and professional preparation: the major's advanced molecular biology, biochemistry, laboratory and independent research components can support progression into graduate and professional education in areas related to biology, biochemistry, biomedical science, medicine and other health professions.
• Employment statistics and salary: the official program sources reviewed do not provide a current program-specific employment rate or graduate salary figure, so no unsupported salary or employment percentage has been added.
• Graduation outcomes: Washington University's Arts & Sciences postgraduate advising page reports that 94% of reporting graduates from 2013–2016 landed a position or place in graduate, law or medical school; this is an Arts & Sciences-level historical outcome and is not specific to this Biology specialization.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.A., students can continue into graduate or professional education in areas such as biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, biomedical sciences, molecular cell biology, computational biology, immunology, molecular microbiology, medicine and other health professions. Washington University itself lists graduate programs and research areas spanning biochemistry, computational biology, immunology, molecular biophysics, molecular cell biology, molecular genetics and molecular microbiology, providing clear pathways for students seeking advanced scientific training.