Indiana University Bloomington

What you'll study

The BBMB programme builds from a foundation of general chemistry, calculus and introductory biology into core courses that emphasise molecular structure, chemical reactivity and the physical principles underlying biological systems. You will study topics such as:

• General and Organic Chemistry — foundational chemical principles, reaction mechanisms and laboratory techniques.
• Physical Chemistry and Biophysics — thermodynamics, kinetics, spectroscopy and the physical models used to describe biomolecules.
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology — metabolism, protein structure and function, nucleic acids, gene expression and regulation.
• Cell Biology and Genetics — cellular organisation, signalling pathways and genetic principles underpinning molecular function.
• Laboratory and Instrumentation Courses — hands-on experience with techniques such as chromatography, electrophoresis, spectroscopy, microscopy and basic mass spectrometry.
• Computational and Quantitative Methods — introduction to bioinformatics, basic programming, data analysis and modelling relevant to molecular systems.
• Research and Capstone — a sustained laboratory research project or senior thesis option allows students to apply methods to original questions under faculty supervision.

Programme structure typically includes a sequence of prerequisite natural science and mathematics courses in the early years, followed by specialised BBMB core courses and electives. Students can tailor electives to interests such as structural biology, enzymology, neurobiology or molecular genetics, and may combine the major with a minor or certificate in areas like informatics or entrepreneurship.

Entry requirements

Admission to Indiana University Bloomington is competitive and requires a strong secondary school record with emphasis on mathematics and the sciences. Typical preparation for BBMB includes high school coursework in:

• Chemistry (including laboratory experience)
• Biology
• Mathematics (calculus or pre-calculus)
• Physics is recommended where available

U.S. applicants are evaluated on their high school GPA and coursework; international applicants must present the academic equivalents from their home country. Indiana University supports a test-optional admissions policy for standardised tests — check the university admissions pages for current guidance. Successful BBMB students demonstrate strong analytical skills, laboratory aptitude and an interest in experimental science. Transfer students should consult departmental advisors about prerequisite equivalencies and research opportunities.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BBMB degree enter a wide range of career paths. Common directions include:

• Research and Development — roles in biotechnology, pharmaceutical companies, and academic or government research labs as laboratory technicians, research associates or, with further study, independent researchers.
• Graduate and Professional Study — many students proceed to PhD programmes in molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics or related fields, as well as professional programmes in medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine.
• Clinical and Health-Related Careers — work in clinical laboratories, public health, or allied healthcare professions (often combined with additional credentialing).
• Industry and Applied Science — positions in quality control, regulatory affairs, patent examination and technical consulting for life-science companies.
• Data and Computational Roles — with supplementary training, roles in bioinformatics, computational biology and data analysis are available.
• Science Communication and Policy — opportunities in scientific publishing, education, outreach and science policy.

The programme’s laboratory training and research experience provide a practical foundation for employers and for applicants to competitive graduate training programmes.

Why study at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington offers the BBMB major within a large research university environment that combines breadth and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students benefit from:

• Undergraduate research opportunities — early access to faculty-led labs, summer research programmes and senior thesis projects that build practical skills and professional networks.
• Core research facilities — campus instrumentation and service cores (for microscopy, proteomics, NMR and related techniques) that support advanced laboratory training.
• Interdisciplinary faculty — researchers working across chemistry, biology, physics and computational fields, allowing students to pursue diverse molecular-level questions.
• Support for career development — pre-health advising, career services, internship connections with local and regional biotech and healthcare employers, and resources for graduate school preparation.
• Lively campus environment — opportunities to join student organisations, academic societies and outreach programmes that enrich practical experience and professional development.

These features make Indiana University Bloomington a strong setting for students who want rigorous molecular training combined with hands-on research and pathways into both industry and advanced study.