Major in Biochemistry
The major in biochemistry is jointly administered by the Departments of Biology and Chemistry. The rapidly growing field of biochemistry involves the application of biological and chemical concepts and techniques to the understanding of life processes such as the determination of hereditary traits, utilization of energy, propagation of nerve signals, and the molecular basis of physiological and pharmacological phenomena. Biochemists are involved in agriculture, medical research, biotechnology, nutritional research, and other areas at the interface of chemistry and biology. Students majoring in biochemistry will be well equipped for professions in research and industry, as well as the pursuit of graduate study in biochemistry, medicine, genetics, and other related fields.
The program consists of a core of chemistry and biology courses beginning in the first year and continuing for the first three years, a choice of two 300-level elective courses in chemistry and/or biology, and a one-year independent study project culminating in a thesis. In addition, there are six prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, calculus, and physics. The following list of requirements includes both the core and the prerequisite courses. A student may find it convenient to take MATH 120 and/or MATH 121 during the summer. The advanced biochemistry lab, CHEM 347, provides an opportunity to learn more advanced techniques in biotechnology.
Graduate School Preparation
To meet the ACS standards described above under the chemistry major, biochemistry majors should include CHEM 341 or CHEM 348 in their program.
First Year
Note: Students may choose either CHEM 111 or CHEM 113 to fulfill the requirements.
| Course Name | Number | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 7 Courses | ||
| General Biology | BIOL-113 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Microbiology | BIOL-221 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Intro. Chemistry: Inorganic | CHEM-111 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Principles of Chemistry | CHEM-113 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Organic Chem I | CHEM-114 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Calculus I | MATH-120 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Calculus II | MATH-121 | 4.00 | Lecture |
Sophomore Year
| Course Name | Number | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 5 Courses | ||
| Cell Biology | BIOL-225 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Organic Chemistry II | CHEM-225 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Quantitative Analysis | CHEM-226 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Funds of Physics I | PHYS-112 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Funds of Physics II | PHYS-113 | 4.00 | Lecture |
Junior Year
| Course Name | Number | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 3 Courses | ||
| Molecular Biology | BIOL-337 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Thermodynamics & Kinetics | CHEM-331 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Biochemistry | CHEM-345 | 4.00 | Lecture |
Senior Year
The fourth year requires a choice of two 300-level elective courses in chemistry and/or biology, and a one-year independent study project culminating in a thesis.
