Recommend
Read full review“A lot of the class requirements can be tough but worth it for the knowledge gained”
Difficulty
Moderately challenging
Average difficultyBased on 6 students.View review makeup
3.5/ 5
Share of students at each rating
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What makes this major demanding?
Worth it?
67% would recommend it
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What you will study and do
Curriculum and careers
Molecular Biology focuses on the study of the molecular processes within cells, including DNA, RNA, proteins, and their synthesis. Students learn about gene expression, cellular mechanisms, and the biochemical interactions that drive living organisms.
Core course themes
Genetics
Covers the principles of heredity, gene structure, function, and regulation in various organisms.
Cell Biology
Explores the structure and function of cells, focusing on cellular processes and signaling pathways.
Biochemistry
Examines the chemical processes within and related to living organisms, including enzyme function and metabolism.
Molecular Genetics
Focuses on molecular techniques used to study genes and genomes, including sequencing and genetic manipulation.
Bioinformatics
Introduces computational tools and methods for analyzing biological data, such as genomic sequences.
Microbiology
Studies microorganisms, their impact on humans, and their role in ecosystems and biotechnology.
Common roles
- Research Scientist
- Biotechnologist
- Genetic Counselor
- Laboratory Technician
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Why salary figures are not shownSalary data appears only when its source, geography, occupation mapping, and date can be verified.
Molecular Biology by school
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Student reviews
Support & communityPositive
As a freshman first arriving on campus, it has been really relieving to find out that at UCLA, there is so much support in molecular biology. All of the professors are very collaborative, have plenty of office hours which many students utilize to get extra help outside the class, and are friendly in general. Additionally, the students are also very friendly, there isnt much gatekeeping and in general everyone is happy to help out whenever you need. In terms of the workload, the syllabi for all my classes are very detailed and the professors are very clear on what they expect for each class. This makes it so that when I study I know exactly what I have to know in order to succeed in the course. Utilizing bruin learn has also been very helpful since all the past students have reviewed all the various professors in terms of workload and passion, which was very helpful in figuring out what professors I want and what professors to avoid. I would very much recommend molecular biology!
Courses & teachingPositive
Studying Molecular Biology has been an incredibly rewarding and intellectually stimulating experience. It’s a major that combines the excitement of discovery with rigorous scientific training. If you’re curious about how life works at the cellular and molecular level, this major gives you the tools to explore everything from DNA replication to gene expression and protein structure.
Coursework and Academics: The coursework is challenging but fascinating. You’ll take foundational classes in biology, chemistry, physics, and math, then move into specialized topics like genetics, biochemistry, molecular genetics, cell biology, and bioinformatics. Lab work is a huge part of the curriculum—you’ll spend a lot of time doing hands-on experiments, analyzing data, and learning essential lab techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and microscopy.
Careers & next stepsPositive
I think that Molecular Biology is a great major for people looking to go down the Pre-Med route as its very focused on general biology and a lot of the content on the exam also appears on the MCAT. Its not super hard or niche so its great for people who are interested in med school but maybe don't have a part of biology they really enjoy
Courses & teachingMixed
It’s an interesting major, but many of the required classes are boring. This major is good for research.
Difficulty & workloadPositive
A lot of the class requirements can be tough but worth it for the knowledge gained
Advice & things to knowMixed
fire class tbh like lmao they don't even have psychobiology i think they really should include to make this app better my friend felt left out
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