What it’s about:

As a major in molecular biology, you investigate the basic mechanisms of life by studying the macromolecules-proteins, for example-essential to living organisms. Using chemical analysis, you explore metabolism, gene function and regulation, cell differentiation, and development. Special emphasis is placed on the role of proteins and nucleic acids in cellular processes.

What the study of the major is like:

As a molecular biology major, you focus on subcellular components. You’ll investigate cellular mechanisms (including cell metabolism and genetics) and learn to apply principles of chemistry to biological systems.

Most likely, you’ll begin with an introduction to the essential macromolecules, especially the structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids. Then you’ll conduct an in-depth study of DNA replication and function. You also focus on protein biosynthesis and enzyme regulation. In the required biochemistry courses, you cover metabolic pathways for energy and precursor production.

Cellular biology courses combine molecular and bio-chemical information to describe the production of cellular materials. Because successful molecular biologists need well-developed analytical skills, most majors enroll in biostatistics and quantitative analysis courses. You are also expected to have strong computer skills. If you don’t have experience with database searches, spread-sheets, and presentation software, you should take technology courses in your early college years.

Advanced courses focus on the interaction of specific proteins and the role of DNA in the regulation of cellular processes. In biotechnology courses, you begin to apply these principles to real-world problems. In bioinformatics and computational biology, you’ll learn to use information obtained from genome sequencing. Besides lectures and seminars, most courses have labs in which you practice basic research techniques, including DNA and protein isolation, purification, and manipulation. Advanced courses generally require you to do an independent research project.

Majors spend a considerable amount of time working independently in the lab. The field of molecular biology depends on experimentation, so you must develop excellent laboratory skills and good hand-eye coordination. You spend additional out-of-class time reading journals and writing scientific reports. Although you need to be creative, you also have to develop an organized approach to problem solving. Be able to memorize technical terms, and do complex data analysis and application. Most students in molecular biology study and work in groups; teams-work is essential to success. In addition to lightening individual workloads, study groups provide a strong support systems.

Career options and trends:

University researcher/professor; medical or pharmaceutical researcher*; forensic scientist; health professional (such as physician, nurse)*; genetic counsellor; high school teacher; agricultural researcher; laboratory technician*; public health officer.

Research positions may require a graduate degree.

Technological developments such as genome sequencing and DNA arrays have significantly increased the role of molecular biology research in the field.

Source: CollegeBoard 2012 Book of Majors