Bachelor of Science Degree in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics:

Underlying the diversity of living things is an extraordinary diversity of molecules and molecular interactions.  Technological advances have enabled the capture of this molecular diversity in computer code.  The challenge for molecular biologists is to organize and utilize the wealth of information entering computer databases to answer basic biological questions and to solve problems such as diagnosis and treatment of disease, management of environmental degradation, and production of a stable food supply.

The Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics (MBBI) program integrates training in molecular biology with the computer and programming skills essential for success in an expanding set of careers in the life sciences. Critical thinking, problem solving, and practical work at the laboratory bench and computer terminal are emphasized.  Seniors complete a full year of independent research culminating in a written thesis and public seminar.  Refer to the catalog for complete program description.

The Molecular Biology & Bioinformatics curriculum is based on the knowledge that a major challenge for today's molecular biologists is to organize and utilize the wealth of information to answer basic biological questions and to solve problems. Therefore, we expect our graduates to be practiced critical thinkers. To reach this objective, the curriculum for B.S. in Molecular Biology& Bioinformatics at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside emphasizes the following four learning objectives:

Knowledge of the Natural World: Breadth of scientific knowledge, specifically, the ability to think beyond one's area of concentration.

Critical and Creative Thinking Skills: Experiential and problem solving skills as well as higher order qualitative and quantitative reasoning.

Effective Communication Skills: Competence in speaking, reading, and writing abilities.

Individual, Social and Environmental Responsibility: Civic knowledge and engagement (both local and global), ethical reasoning, and action; ability to interact and work with people under standard civility and professional norm.

All four learning objectives will be achieved through our courses as indicated below:

Learning Goals	Introduced	Strengthened	Mastered
Knowledge of the Natural World	BIOS 101 and 102 Chem 101 and 102 Physics 105 and 106	BIOS 260 and BIOS 309 Chem 321 and 322	BIOS 489 and BIOS 499
Critical and Creative Thinking Skills	BIOS 101 and 102 Chem 101 and 102 Physics 105 and 106	BIOS 210, BIOS 453 and BIOS 455 Chem 321 and 322 Math 221	BIOS 489 and BIOS 499
Effective Communication Skills	BIOS 101 and 102	BIOS 453 and BIOS 455	BIOS 489 and BIOS 499
Individual, Social and Environmental Responsibility	BIOS 101 and 102 Chem 101 and 102 Physics 105 and 106	BIOS 453 and BIOS 455 Chem 321 and 322	BIOS 489 and BIOS 499

The MBBI is excellent preparation for M.S. and Ph.D. programs.  Most of our graduates progress to graduate school or professional school (Click here to see placement data).  The opportunities for MBBI students are numerous and diverse, including:  medicine, pharmaceuticals and drug design, agriculture, environmental protection, and forensics.

Dear Dr. Lewis,

I just wish to let you, faculty and staff at Parkside know that I matched in Neurosurgery at University of Oklahoma-Oklahoma city. This would not have been possible without the support and guidance that I received as an undergrad at University of WI-Parkside. My life has been molded by the mentors at Parkside and I just wanted to share my joy with everyone at Parkside. Please accept my humble thanks and also thank the faculty and staff at the University.

Thanks, Ahmed Cheema

Ahmed Cheema, M.D.
B.S. in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
UW-Parkside, Class of 2005