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Biochemistry focuses on those processes that occur at the molecular level in living organisms. The goal of the biochemistry major is to provide an in-depth, interdisciplinary foundation in chemistry and biology needed to understand these processes. Students completing this major will be prepared for careers in the biotechnology industry or graduate studies in biochemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, molecular biology or medically-related fields.
Administered by the Department of Chemistry, a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry (61-65 semester hours) is offered in a three-tiered structure. Foundational courses are taken from biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics. Intermediate courses in biochemistry, genetics and organic chemistry provide in-depth knowledge. Advanced electives in biochemistry, biology and chemistry allow students flexibility in tailoring a curriculum to fit their post baccalaureate goals. The major concludes with a capstone experience focusing on an advanced topics in biochemistry coupled with the creation of a scientific research proposal.
Students who major in biochemistry will gain access to state-of-the-art technology and be able to put their knowledge into practice through internships and/or undergraduate research. Biochemical research may be offered by appropriate faculty in either the Department of Biology or the Department of Chemistry. Undergraduate researchers are encouraged to present their results at local, regional and national scientific meetings.
A Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry requires the following courses:
| BIO 111 | Introductory Cell Biology | 3 sh |
| BIO 112 | Population Biology | 3 sh |
| BIO 113 | Cell Biology Lab | 1 sh |
| BIO 114 | Population Biology Lab | 1 sh |
| CHM 111 | General Chemistry I | 4 sh |
| CHM 112 | General Chemistry II | 4 sh |
Select one sequence from the following:
| 8 sh | |
| MTH 121 | Calculus I | 4 sh |
| BIO 245 | Principles of Genetics | 4 sh |
| CHM 211 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 sh |
| CHM 212 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 sh |
| CHM 311 | Quantitative Analysis | 4 sh |
| CHM 351 | Biochemistry | 4 sh |
| CHM 353 | Advanced Biochemistry | 4 sh |
| CHM 495 | Senior Seminar in Biochemistry | 3 sh |
Students must also take a minimum of 10 hours with at least four hours from CHM
| 10 sh | |
Total | 61-65 sh | |
1 Other elective can be substituted with approval of the department.
2 BIO/CHM 499 must be approved by the coordinator as having biochemical content.
3 Special topics courses (2 sh each) and BIO/CHM 499 can count up to 4 sh toward the major.
4 MTH 221 is a prerequisite for this optional course.
Students majoring in biochemistry may not also declare a minor in either biology or chemistry.