BIOLOGY at ILLINOIS
School of Integrative Biology
Integrative biology is the study of how the different components of life interact, from molecules through global cycles. An Integrative Biology (IB) major prepares students in genetics and evolution, anatomy and physiology of plants and animals, ecology and behavior, and molecular biology. After completion of the core sequence courses (IB 202, 203, 204 and 302) students complete the required additional approved coursework by either taking a variety of courses or specializing in such areas as the health professions, biotechnology, biodiversity and conservation, and environmental sciences. A student works with an IB advisor to plan this additional approved coursework.
School of Molecular & Cellular Biology
The MCB undergraduate curriculum is focused on the fundamental structures, functions, and mechanisms of living organisms. The MCB major provides a solid foundation in biochemistry, cell and developmental biology, microbiology, molecular genetics, physiology and structural biology. The program prepares students for various biomedical careers and for medical, dental and graduate schools. This major covers not only existing knowledge but recent developments, many of which come from the work of departmental faculty members whom students have the opportunity to work with in both research lab and classroom settings. MCB majors also develop a strong foundation in math and physical sciences. To major in MCB, students first take a set of five required courses----MCB 250, 251, 252, 253, and 354----and then choose from a broad set of advanced offerings to complete the major. MCB majors meet regularly with academic advisors in the MCB Advising Program to ensure appropriate course selection and enhanced career planning.
Biochemistry at Illinois is an advanced, interdisciplinary field that encompasses
the biological and chemical sciences. Biochemists deal with the chemical composition of living matter and the molecular nature of the process of life; they seek to learn the chemical and 3-dimensional structures of biological molecules and to define chemical principles underlying biological functions. The focus of the Biochemistry major is to provide training that is targeted towards students with definite research-oriented goals, including Ph.D and joint MD/PhD programs. The Biochemistry major provides instruction in the physical-chemical principles of catalysis, biomolecular structure, molecular recognition, and gene expression. It also introduces undergraduates to current developments in biochemistry through the research literature, and requires a substantial research effort. Students who desire a more general understanding of the role of biochemistry in biology and medicine are encouraged to explore the MCB major with an advising emphasis in biochemistry. Freshmen in the Biochemistry major will meet with an MCB advisor for the first year and will be assigned a Biochemistry advisor during the sophomore year.