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Since 2016, the Biochemistry/Molecular (BCMB) major at ������Ƶ has been  accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). Ninety institutions have been accredited in the United States and currently, ������Ƶ is one of only two in New Jersey.

ASBMB offers graduates of accredited programs a chance to take the ASBMB certification exam. This exam is written and graded by teams of educators from around the nation using a set of learning objectives considered essential for this discipline. According to ASBMB, “A team of experienced ASBMB education fellows scores the exams using detailed rubrics. Every evaluator participates in a training experience to enhance uniformity of scoring. Each student's response is reviewed by multiple independent scorers. The ASBMB compiles all scores and determines cutoffs for certification and certification with distinction.” 

In spring 2020, 926 students took the exam in the nation. 40.4% earned certification from ASBMB and 16.6% earned certification with distinction. At ������Ƶ, 21 graduates took the exam and 23.8% earned certification and 23.8% achieved it with distinction.    

All told, 10 of the 21 graduates earned the accreditation, which is the highest amount in all the years of giving the exam at ������Ƶ. Questions on the exams are based on the learning objectives and are written at lower and higher levels. 

In particular, ������Ƶ student scores exceed the national average on topics related to quantitative reasoning and the relationship between structure and function at both the high and low levels.

Students who earn the accreditation receive a certificate from ASBMB, a year’s membership in ASBMB and a cord to wear at graduation. BCMB faculty are proud of these graduates and thankful to the Provost’s office for providing funds to cover the cost of the exam.