Biochemistry Specialization
This interdisciplinary specialization allows depth in the study of the chemistry that occurs in living systems. It incorporates upper level coursework in both chemistry and biology. The Biochemistry specialization will develop in students a framework of chemical principles and knowledge which can be applied to understanding living systems at the atomic and molecular level. Particular emphasis will be placed on exploration of the structure, assembly, and function of biomolecules (in particular proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids), metabolic processes, energetics, and information transfer.
The specialization is an excellent preparation for graduate or professional school in the health sciences, or for careers in biotechnology, drug development, or the health professions.
This specialization can be completed by any student, but it is designed to be completed in combination with a major in biology or chemistry.
Chemistry Core
These Chemistry courses with their associated labs are required for the specialization:
| CHE-141 | General Chemistry I | 3 credits |
| CHE-141L | General Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 credit |
| CHE-142 | General Chemistry II | 3 credits |
| CHE-142L | General Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 credit |
| CHE-301 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 credits |
| CHE-301L | Organic Chemistry I Lab | 1 credit |
| CHE-302 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 credits |
| CHE-302L | Organic Chemistry II Lab | 1 credit |
| CHE-412 | Biochemistry | 3 credits |
| CHE-412L | Biochemistry Laboratory | 1 credit |
| CHE-465 | Physical Chemistry II | 3 credits |
| CHE-465L | Physical Chemistry II Lab & Recitation | 1 credit |
Biology Core
These Biology courses with their associated labs are required for the specialization:
(note: the BIO-202 prerequisite for BIO-316 and BIO-330 can, for the purposes of this specialization but for no other program, be waived by signature of the Biochemistry Specialization supervisor, and at least junior standing in the case of BIO-330)
Required Molecular Biology Component (4 credits)
In order to receive exposure to the concepts and techniques of molecular biology, students must take one of the following courses with associated lab:
Math and Physics Core
These Physics courses with associated labs and Mathematics course are required for the specialization:
| MAT-175 | Single Variable Calculus | 4 credits |
| PHY-271 | Analytical Physics I | 3 credits |
| PHY-271L | Analytical Physics I Lab | 1 credit |
| PHY-272 | Analytical Physics II | 3 credits |
| PHY-272L | Analytical Physics II Lab | 1 credit |
Depending on Math Placement, MAT-150 may be required prior to MAT-175.
Total Credit Hours: 53