Molecular Biology Program
Students may also select the molecular biology option within the biology major. A student seeking to complete the molecular biology option must satisfactorily complete the following courses:
Major Requirements
A biology major must successfully complete the following courses:
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BIOL054 HM Experimental Biology Laboratory
Credit: 1
Instructors: Ahn, McFadden, Stoebel
Offered: Spring
Description: Investigations in physiology, biochemistry, ecology, molecular biology, and other areas of experimental biology.
Corequisites: BIOL046 HM
Concurrent requisites: BIOL154 HM
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BIOL154 HM Biostatistics
Credits: 3
Instructors: Donaldson-Matasci, Stoebel
Offered: Spring
Description: Statistical techniques for analyzing biological data, including parametric, nonparametric, and randomization methods. Statistical aspects of experimental design with an emphasis on analyzing data collected in BIOL054 HM.
Prerequisites: CSCI005 HM, CSCI005GR HM, or CSCI042 HM
Corequisites: BIOL046 HM
Concurrent requisites: BIOL054 HM
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BIOL101 HM Comparative Physiology
Credits: 3
Instructor: Ahn
Offered: Spring
Description: Topics in the structural basis underlying general physiological mechanisms of plants and animals.
Prerequisites: BIOL046 HM
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BIOL108 HM Ecology and Environmental Biology
Credits: 3
Instructors: Adolph, McFadden
Offered: Spring
Description: Principles of organization of natural communities and ecosystems, including population dynamics, species interactions, and island biogeography. Modern experimental and mathematical approaches to ecological problems. Application of ecological principles to conservation biology, human demography, and harvesting of natural resources.
Prerequisites: BIOL046 HM and MATH019 HM
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BIOL109 HM Evolutionary Biology
Credits: 3
Instructors: Adolph, McFadden
Offered: Fall
Description: Evolutionary mechanisms, including natural selection, population genetics, speciation, and macroevolutionary processes. Modern methods of phylogenetic reconstruction. History of biological diversity and the fossil record.
Prerequisites: BIOL046 HM and MATH019 HM
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BIOL111 HM Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory
Credits: 2
Instructors: Hur, Schulz, Stoebel
Offered: Fall
Description: Basic techniques of molecular biology, including restriction mapping, DNA cloning, protein expression, and fluorescence microscopy.
Prerequisites: BIOL054 HM and BIOL154 HM
Corequisites: BIOL113 HM
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BIOL113 HM Molecular Genetics
Credits: 3
Instructors: Hur, Schulz, Stoebel
Offered: Fall
Description: Molecular description of gene function in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including DNA, RNA, and protein structure; DNA replication; transcription and translation; and gene regulation.
Prerequisites: BIOL046 HM and CHEM042 HM
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BIOL182 HM Biochemistry
Credits: 3
Instructors: Haushalter, Vosburg (Chemistry)
Offered: Spring
Description: Relation of molecular structure and energy flow to reactions in living systems.
Prerequisites: CHEM056 HM
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CHEM056 HM Organic Chemistry I
Credits: 3
Instructors: Brucks, Haushalter, Vosburg
Offered: Fall
Description: A systematic study of the chemistry of carbon-containing compounds, emphasizing synthesis, reaction mechanisms, and the relation of structure to observable physical and chemical properties.
Prerequisites: CHEM042 HM and CHEM024 HM
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CHEM058 HM Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
Credit: 1
Instructors: Brucks, Haushalter, Johnson, Vosburg
Offered: Fall
Description: Laboratory taken concurrently with CHEM056 HM.
Prerequisites: CHEM024 HM
Corequisites: CHEM056 HM
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CHEM105 HM Organic Chemistry II
Credits: 3
Instructors: Brucks, Haushalter, Vosburg
Offered: Spring
Description: A continuation of the chemistry of carbon compounds.
Prerequisites: CHEM056 HM
Concurrent requisites: CHEM111 HM is recommended
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CHEM111 HM Organic Chemistry II Laboratory
Credit: 1
Instructors: Brucks, Haushalter, Johnson, Vosburg
Offered: Spring
Description: Synthesis, characterization, and analysis of organic compounds.
Prerequisites: CHEM058 HM
Corequisites: CHEM105 HM
and one of:
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BIOL122 HM Molecular Cell Biology
Credits: 3
Instructor: Hur
Offered: Spring, alternate years
Description: An examination of the fundamental unit of life, the cell. By exploring the boundary between chemical reactions and living systems, we will learn how interactions among biological molecules that are ruled by fundamental physical and chemical laws constitute and define life. Readings from the text as well as primary literature, with emphasis on experimental design and analyses.
Prerequisites: BIOL113 HM
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BIOL160 HM Molecular Immunology
Credits: 3
Instructor: Schulz
Offered: Spring, alternate years
Description: The number of microbes in the human body is comparable to the number of human cells. How does the immune system identify and respond to the small number of these microbes that can cause illness or death? In this course, we will explore fundamental processes of the immune system and how they relate to medicine and biotechnology. Topics will include antibody and T-cell receptor structure and function, cells and molecular mediators that regulate the immune response, allergy, autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, tissue and organ transplants, and tumor immunology.
Prerequisites: BIOL113 HM
Electives
Six credits of advanced biology electives, selected by the student and advisor. One chemistry course may be substituted for an advanced biology course with the prior approval of the department. Electives must include:
At least one Harvey Mudd laboratory course, selected from:
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BIOL103 HM Comparative Physiology Laboratory
Credits: 2
Instructor: Ahn
Offered: Fall, alternate years
Description: Experimental techniques and concepts in plant and animal physiology, including the general areas of cellular biology, energetics, ionic regulation, and signaling. The final third of the course will involve independent student research projects culminating with oral and written presentations of experimental investigations.
Prerequisites: BIOL054 HM and BIOL101 HM
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BIOL110 HM Experimental Ecology Laboratory
Credits: 3
Instructor: Donaldson-Matasci
Offered: Spring, alternate years
Description: Design and analysis of ecological experiments with an emphasis on hypothesis testing, sampling techniques, and computer-based statistical analysis of data. Most projects are field-based, designed to address aspects of population, community, physiological, and behavioral ecology in animals and plants; work in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Includes several all-day field trips to local coastal, desert, and mountain sites.
Prerequisites: BIOL054 HM and BIOL154 HM
Corequisites: BIOL108 HM
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BIOL184 HM Biochemistry Laboratory
Credit: 1
Instructors: Haushalter, Vosburg (Chemistry)
Offered: Spring
Description: Experiments in biochemistry.
Corequisites: BIOL182 HM or CHEM182 HM
AND
One Harvey Mudd seminar-style course (requiring student presentations and reading from the primary literature), some examples include:
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BIOL121 HM Marine Ecology
Credits: 3
Instructor: McFadden
Description: Advanced ecology focusing on marine communities. Dispersal, recruitment, competition, disturbance, plant/animal interactions, and other topics. Readings in the primary literature. Counts as a seminar course for Biology majors.
Prerequisites: BIOL154 HM. It is strongly preferred to have taken BIOL108 HM
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BIOL129 HM Topics in Human Evolution
Credits: 3
Instructor: Bush
Description: What makes humans different from our closest relatives and how have these differences evolved? This course examines human evolution from several perspectives, ranging from studies of the fossil record to computational and genomic approaches. It relies heavily on readings from the primary literature, and counts as a seminar course for Biology majors.
Prerequisites: BIOL154 HM. It is also recommended to have taken one of BIOL109 HM or BIOL113 HM
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BIOL183 HM Topics in Physiology
Credits: 3
Instructor: Ahn
Description: Readings from the primary literature in animal physiology. Specific topics may vary. Counts as a seminar course for Biology majors.
Prerequisites: BIOL101 HM
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BIOL185 HM Special Topics in Biology (most offerings)
Credits: 1.5-3
Instructor: Staff
Offered: Fall and spring
Description: Topics in a particular area of biology, depending on the instructor.
Prerequisites: BIOL046 HM; additional prerequisites may be required dependent on topic
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BIOL189 HM Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (most offerings)
Credits: 3
Instructors: Haushalter, Schulz, Stoebel
Offered: Fall
Description: Advanced topics at the interface between chemistry and biology. Counts as a seminar course for Biology majors.
Prerequisites: BIOL113 HM and senior standing
Colloquium
Four semesters of Biology Colloquium or Chemistry Seminar:
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BIOL191 HM Biology Colloquium
Credit: 0.5
Instructor: Staff
Offered: Fall and spring
Description: Oral presentations and discussions of selected topics including recent developments. Participants include biology majors, faculty members, and visiting speakers. Required for junior and senior biology majors. No more than 2.0 credits can be earned for departmental seminars/colloquia.
Prerequisites: HMC Biology (including joint majors) only.
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CHEM199 HM Chemistry Seminar
Credit: 0.5
Instructor: Staff
Offered: Fall and spring
Description: Presentations of contemporary research by students, faculty, and visiting scientists. Attendance by junior and senior majors is required. No more than 2.0 credits can be earned for departmental seminars/colloquia.
The colloquium requirement is waived for any semester during which a student is away on a study abroad program.
Capstone Project
Two semesters (at least 6 credits total) of Senior Thesis Research:
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BIOL193 HM Senior Thesis Research: Biology
Credits: 3
Instructor: Staff
Offered: Fall and spring
Description: A year-long experimental investigation in biology under the direction of a faculty advisor. Two oral presentations, a written proposal, and a thesis are required. Required of all senior biology majors.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor
OR
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BIOL195 HM Intensive Research in Biology
Credits: 6
Instructor: Staff
Offered: Fall and spring
Description: Intensive experimental research in biology undertaken in consultation with a faculty member. Replaces 3 credits of BIOL193 HM and 3 credits of advanced biology courses for credit toward biology major.
Prerequisites: BIOL161 HM, and departmental approval of formal application
Or an approved biology-related Clinic:
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CHEM151 HM Senior Thesis Research in Chemistry
Credits: 2-3
Instructor: Staff
Offered: Fall
Description: A yearlong experimental or computational investigation in chemistry under the direction of a faculty advisor. Two oral reports and a written thesis are required. Two or three credit hours per semester (2 credit hours equals a minimum of 6 hours of laboratory per week, 3 credit hours equals a minimum of 10 hours of laboratory per week: additional library time is required).
Prerequisites: Senior standing
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CHEM152 HM Senior Thesis Research in Chemistry
Credits: 2-3
Instructor: Staff
Offered: Spring
Description: A yearlong experimental or computational investigation in chemistry under the direction of a faculty advisor. Two oral reports and a written thesis are required. Two or three credit hours per semester (2 credit hours equals a minimum of 6 hours of laboratory per week, 3 credit hours equals a minimum of 10 hours of laboratory per week: additional library time is required).
Prerequisites: Senior standing
OR
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CSCI183 HM Computer Science Clinic I AND
Credits: 3
Instructor: Staff
Offered: Fall
Description: The Clinic Program brings together teams of students to work on a research problem sponsored by business, industry, or government. Teams work closely with a faculty advisor and a liaison provided by the sponsoring organization to solve complex real-world problems. Students are expected to present their work orally and to produce a final report conforming to professional publication standards. CSCI183 HM and CSCI184 HM must be taken consecutively to count toward the major.
Prerequisites: CSCI121 HM and senior standing; or permission of the Computer Science Clinic director
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CSCI184 HM Computer Science Clinic II
Credits: 3
Instructor: Staff
Offered: Spring
Description: The Clinic Program brings together teams of students to work on a research problem sponsored by business, industry, or government. Teams work closely with a faculty advisor and a liaison provided by the sponsoring organization to solve complex real-world problems. Students are expected to present their work orally and to produce a final report conforming to professional publication standards. CSCI183 HM and CSCI184 HM must be taken consecutively to count toward the major.
Prerequisites: CSCI121 HM, CSCI183 HM, and senior standing; or permission of the Computer Science Clinic director
OR
Two from:
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ENGR111 HM Engineering Clinic I
Credits: 3
Instructors: Gokli, staff
Offered: Fall and spring
Description: Participation in engineering projects through the Engineering Clinic. Emphasis is on design of solutions for real problems, involving problem definition, synthesis of concepts, analysis, and evaluation.
Prerequisites: Junior standing in engineering or permission of Clinic director
Concurrent requisites: ENGR122 HM
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ENGR112 HM Engineering Clinic II
Credits: 3
Instructors: Gokli, staff
Offered: Fall
Description: Participation in engineering projects through the Engineering Clinic. Emphasis is on design of solutions for real problems, involving problem definition, synthesis of concepts, analysis, and evaluation.
Prerequisites: ENGR004 HM, ENGR080 HM, and ENGR111 HM or permission of Clinic director
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ENGR113 HM Engineering Clinic III
Credits: 3
Instructors: Gokli, staff
Offered: Spring
Description: Participation in engineering projects through the Engineering Clinic. Emphasis is on design of solutions for real problems, involving problem definition, synthesis of concepts, analysis, and evaluation.
Prerequisites: ENGR004 HM, ENGR080 HM, and ENGR112 HM or permission of Clinic director
OR
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MATH193 HM Mathematics Clinic (taken twice)
Credits: 3
Instructor: Staff
Offered: Fall and spring
Description: The Clinic Program brings together teams of students to work on a research problem sponsored by business, industry, or government. Teams work closely with a faculty advisor and a liaison provided by the sponsoring organization to solve complex, real-world problems using mathematical and computational methods. Students are expected to present their work orally and to produce a final report conforming to the publication standards of a professional mathematician. Students are expected to take the two semesters of Clinic within a single academic year.
Prerequisites: Senior standing as a mathematics major or permission of the Mathematics Clinic director.
OR
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PHYS193 HM Physics Clinic AND
Credits: 3
Instructor: Staff
Offered: Fall
Description: Team projects in applied physics, with corporate affiliation.
Prerequisites: Seniors only
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PHYS194 HM Physics Clinic
Credits: 3
Instructor: Staff
Offered: Spring
Description: Team projects in applied physics, with corporate affiliation.
Prerequisites: Seniors only