We've created a simple worksheet you can use to map out your four year plan and share with your academic advisor.
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Use the four-year academic pathways for each UMBC major/program listed below as a resource for major exploration and development of an individualized degree plan.

Please note that these academic pathways are sample pathways. Students, in consultation with their academic advisor, will create an individualized degree plan, reflecting their academic preparation, interests and goals. Students are strongly encouraged to develop an individualized degree plan by no later than 45 credits earned and to update the plan regularly, in consultation with an academic advisor.

For complete information on degree requirements, reference the Undergraduate Course Catalog (catalog.umbc.edu).

Select a major/program to view its pathway:

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology - B.S.

Degree Requirements
Total Academic Credits:
119 - 122
Major Credits:
79-82
Min. Upper-Level Credits:
45
Min. Cumulative GPA:
2.0
§ indicates Benchmark requirements
‡ indicates Gateway courses
Curriculum Notes
  • This sample plan assumes no AP/IB/CLEP or transfer credit, foreign language proficiency up to the 201 level and a math placement level of MATH 151
  • All students must complete a credit-bearing English and Mathematics course in the first year of study
  • Students are encouraged to participate in 1-4 credits of Individual Laboratory Research with participating faculty.
Year One
Fall Semester Credits
MATH 151 Calc. & Analytic Geom. (MATH GEP) § 4
CHEM 101 Princ. of Chemistry I (S non-lab GEP) § 4
ENGL GEP 3
GEP 3
Total 14
Spring Semester Credits
BIOL 141 Found. of Biology: Cells, Energy & Org. § 4
CHEM 102 Princ. of Chemistry II (S non-lab GEP) § 4
CHEM 102L Princ. of Chemistry Lab I (Lab GEP) § 2
MATH 152 Calculus & Analytic Geometry II § 4
GEP 3
Total 17
Year Two
Fall Semester Credits
BIOL 142 Found. of Biology: Ecology & Evolution § 4
CHEM 351 Organic Chemistry I § 3
CHEM 351L Organic Chemistry Laboratory I § 2
Foreign Language 201 4
GEP 3
Total 16
Spring Semester Credits
BIOL 302 Molecular & General Genetics § 4
CHEM 352 Organic Chemistry II § 3
CHEM 352L Organic Chemistry Laboratory II § 2
GEP 3
Elective 3
Total 15
Year Three
Fall Semester Credits
BIOL 303 Cell Biology § 4
CHEM 300 Analytical Chemistry § 4
CHEM 437 Comprehensive Biochemistry I 4
GEP 3
Total 15
Spring Semester Credits
BIOL 300L § 2
CHEM 438 Comprehensive Biochemistry II 4
PHYS 121 Introductory Physics I § 4
GEP 3
Elective 3
Total 16
Year Four
Fall Semester Credits
CHEM 437L Biochemistry Laboratory (WI) 4
PHYS 122 Introductory Physics II 4
BIOC Elective 3-4
Elective or Research 3
Total 14 - 15
Spring Semester Credits
CHEM 301 or 303 3-4
BIOC Elective 3-4
GEP 3
Elective or Research 3
Total 12 - 14
Advising Coordinator:
cnmsadvising@umbc.edu University Center, Room 205