Studies in molecular biology focus on the biochemical processes that compose the molecular machinery of life. The pathway that flows from DNA transcription to RNA translation to protein synthesis is one key area of study.

An associate degree is an undergraduate degree offered in the US and a few other countries. Associate degrees are a qualification below a bachelor's degree. Many students earn associate degrees during their first few years of higher education. Since they usually require about two years of study, these degrees can act either as job qualifications or as precursors to more advanced degrees.