Major in Biochemistry

The Biochemistry major conforms to the recommendations of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Through a rigorous course of study with a strong emphasis on the learn-by-doing approach, the Biochemistry Program is committed to providing the practical knowledge and skills necessary for graduate study in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, genetics and biotechnology, or admission to professional school.

It will also enable students to obtain skilled technical positions after graduation in research laboratories in universities, biotechnology or pharmaceutical development industries, hospitals and government agencies. Juniors and seniors are encouraged to apply for off-campus internships in biochemistry.

In addition, each junior and senior Biochemistry major presents two program seminars covering information from the current chemical literature as well as writing and defending a senior thesis, usually relating to research they have completed.

The course of study normally pursued by Biochemistry majors is:

First Year

Fall Semester
BIO 101 Biological Principles I ¹
CHM 113 General Chemistry
MTH 125 Calculus I

Spring Semester
BIO 102 Biological Principles II
CHM 221 Organic Chemistry I
MTH 126 Calculus II

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester
BIO 211 Cell Biology
CHM 222 Organic Chemistry II
PHY 121 Physics I

Spring Semester
BIO 202 Genetics
CHM 244 Inorganic Chemistry
PHY 122 Physics II

Junior Year

Fall Semester
BCH 343 Biochemistry I
CHM 331 Analytical Chemistry²
CHM 333 Physical Chemistry I
BIO 304 Molecular Biology (or BIO 309 Microbiology in Spring)
BCH 449 Biochemistry Seminar & Thesis³

Spring Semester
BCH 344 Biochemistry II
BCH 345 Biochemistry Laboratory
BIO 309 Microbiology  (or BIO 304 Molecular Biology in the Fall)
BCH 449 Biochemistry Seminar & Thesis³

Senior Year

Fall Semester
BCH 449 Biochemistry Seminar & Thesis³

Spring Semester
BCH 449 Biochemistry Seminar & Thesis³

Additional Requirements

BCH 496 Independent Research or
BCH 475 Internship in Biochemistry or other research experience approved by the Director of the Biochemistry Program
BIO/CHM 300/400-level Advanced Biology or Chemistry  (one course)

^{1Fulfills the Natural Scientific Inquiry requirement of the Cornerstone Program.
2Fulfills the Statistical Reasoning requirement of the Cornerstone Program.
3Seminar and Thesis is required in each semester of the junior and senior years and satisfies the Capstone Experience requirement of the Cornerstone Program. Four credits are obtained in the second semester of the senior year.}

American Chemical Society (ACS) Certified Degree

Biochemistry majors desiring a degree certified by the ACS must have at least 76 hours of additional (for credit) chemistry or biochemistry laboratory experience above that associated with the courses specifically required for the biochemistry major described above.