Program Website

Molecular Biology is an interdisciplinary science using the techniques of biology and chemistry to examine genetic inheritance at the molecular level. Molecular Biologists concentrate on genes and how these genes regulate the metabolic activities of cells. The goal is to see cell activity in its totality using the techniques of genomics and proteomics. Stetson's faculty has experience in DNA metabolism, genomic studies, and genetic engineering. Molecular Biologists are using genomic and proteomic research and recombinant DNA to understand disease, increase food production, develop new pharmaceuticals, study ways to reduce pollution, and discover more about cellular activities.

Faculty

Stetson's faculty devote themselves to teaching first. Classes are small to encourage students to ask questions and to know their professors. All molecular biology courses include hands-on laboratory sessions taught by professors.

Biology faculty members who focus on Molecular Biology in their professional research include:

• Derek T. Barkalow, Ph.D, Rutgers University; cell biology and physiology
• Melissa A. Gibbs, Ph.D, University of Delaware; developmental biology and spring fish ecology
• Michael S. King, Ph.D., University of Virginia; neuroscience/brain mechanisms underlying behavioral responses to taste input, McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching (2008)
• Alicia S. Schultheis, Ph.D., Virginia Tech University; molecular ecology, freshwater macroinvertebrates
• David A. Stock, Ph.D., North Carolina State University; microbial genetics and ornithology, DNA metabolism

Special Features

At Stetson you will work closely with a faculty member on a research project. You will be encouraged to participate in the Stetson Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE), as well as present data from your research project at our Undergraduate Research and Creative Arts Symposium. Many students also will have the opportunity to attend scientific meetings and some will coauthor a manuscript with faculty members.

Recent Senior Projects in molecular biology has included phylogeographic studies of aquatic insects based on mitochondrial DNA, repair of UV damage to DNA in photosynthetic microorganisms, directed single-site mutations of a tumor protein from a tumor virus, and the development of a DNA-based assay for a toxic cyanobacterium.

Course Information

A major in Molecular Biology requires 17 units of course work, in addition to the College of Arts and Sciences general education requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree. The required lower-division courses include: General Biology, General Chemistry, General Physics, Biostatistics, and Calculus. In addition to these courses each student must complete the following upper division courses: Genetics, Molecular Biology, Introductory Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, and one other. The capstone experience for a Molecular Biology major is the independent research project. The research project, typically completed in a faculty member's laboratory, allows one-on-one interaction between the student and a faculty mentor with the opportunity for students to become research colleagues. The student research project requires the completion of the following sequence of courses: Research Proposal, Senior Project, and Senior Seminar.

Career Opportunities

Stetson molecular Biology majors are trained to be scientists.

Most graduates pursue advanced degrees leading to careers in pharmacology, biochemistry, molecular biology, agricultural research, or biotechnology. Some others pursue careers in the health professions including medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry.

Alumni Highlights

Recent graduates:

• Jackie Booth '07, Ph.D. program, University of Central Florida
• Lisa Perlmutter '06, Ph.D. program, University of Georgia
• Michael Werner '09, Ph.D. program in Biomolecular Science, University of Chicago

Contact:
David Stock
386-822-8174
dstock@stetson.edu

Full Time Faculty: 5

Degrees Offered:

• Bachelor of Science

Our Graduates Attend:

• University of Chicago
• University of Florida
• University of Pittsburgh