Biochemistry Major

Location(s): Main Campus

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The biochemistry major is intended to prepare students for advanced study in areas such as biochemistry, biotechnology, medicinal chemistry, and the health sciences including medical school. It is also excellent preparation for students interested in careers in the area of cell and molecular biology and medical research.

A biochemistry major consists of a series of required courses in chemistry and biology plus at least 8 credits of biology and chemistry electives. Students planning to pursue advanced study are strongly encouraged to participate in research projects and to consider additional electives in their area of interest. Supporting courses in mathematics and physics are also recommended.

Students will complete ten and a half courses plus a capstone as follows:

Required:

CHEM 101 - General Chemistry I Credit(s): 4
CHEM 102 - General Chemistry II Credit(s): 4
CHEM 201 - Organic Chemistry I Credit(s): 4
CHEM 202 - Organic Chemistry II Credit(s): 4
CHEM 301 - Physical Chemistry I Credit(s): 4
CHEM 330 - Biochemistry Credit(s): 4
CHEM 330L - Cellular Biochemistry Laboratory Credit(s): 2
BIOL 111 - Principles of Biology II Credit(s): 4
BIOL 334 - Cellular Biology Credit(s): 4
BIOL 363 - Genetics and Molecular Biology with Lab Credit(s): 4
MATH 151 - Calculus I Credit(s): 4

Capstone:

BIOL 386 - Capstone Writing and Presentation in Biochemistry Credit(s): .5
CHEM 386 - Capstone Writing and Presentation in Biochemistry Credit(s): 2
AND
BIOL 370 - Biochemistry Seminar Credit(s): 2
CHEM 370 - Biochemistry Seminar Credit(s): 2
AND/OR
BIOL 398 - Independent Research Credit(s): 1 to 4
CHEM 398 - Independent Research in Chemistry Credit(s): 1 to 4

Capstone Experience

The department allows students to fulfill the requirement of a capstone experience in a variety of ways. Students can combine a summer research experience (like an REU), a seminar BIOL 370 /CHEM 370 ) and/or on campus research experience (BIOL 398 /CHEM 398 ) with CHEM 386 - Capstone Writing and Presentation in Biochemistry to complete the capstone requirement. Students using a seminar as part of the capstone experience will need to complete a literature review of a topic explored in the seminar as a basis for their paper and presentation in CHEM 386 .

At least 2 additional electives selected from the following:

For those students planning on going to graduate school in a field related to Biochemistry, the additional following course are recommended:

BIOL 251 - Microbiology Credit(s): 4
CHEM 205 - Quantitative Analysis Credit(s): 4
CHEM 307 - Instrumental Analysis Credit(s): 4
BIOL 398 - Independent Research Credit(s): 1 to 4
OR
CHEM 398 - Independent Research in Chemistry Credit(s): 1 to 4
BIOL 290 - Special Topics in Biology Credit(s): 1 to 4
OR
CHEM 390 - Special Topics in Chemistry Credit(s): 1 to 4

Recommended supporting classes:

PHYS 151 - Principles of Physics I Credit(s): 4
PHYS 152 - Principles of Physics II Credit(s): 4
OR
PHYS 191 - General Physics I Credit(s): 4
PHYS 192 - General Physics II Credit(s): 4
MATH 152 - Calculus II Credit(s): 4

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