Biochemistry Major (B.S.)

The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry is ideal for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in biochemistry or related fields such as drug development or food science; medical, dental, veterinary or related professional schools; or pursuing a career in research or laboratory work.

Major Requirements

58-61 credits

Chemistry Core (21 credits)

Complete the following courses and any associated labs.

CHEM-1011	General Chemistry I	4 credits
CHEM-1012	General Chemistry II	4 credits
CHEM-3011	Organic Chemistry I	4 credits
CHEM-3012	Organic Chemistry II	4 credits
CHEM-4020	Biochemistry	3 credits
CHEM-4020L	Biochemistry Laboratory	1 credit
CHEM-4990	Chemistry Capstone	1 credit

Physical Chemistry (4 credits)

Complete one of the following:

CHEM-4060	Applied Physical Chemistry	4 credits
CHEM-4062	Physical Chem II: Thermodyn & Kinet	4 credits
PHYS-3020	Thermal Physics	4 credits

Chemistry/Biochemistry Research or Internship (1-4 credits)

Complete one of the following. Internships must be in a chemistry- or biochemistry-related area and must be approved by the Chemistry Department chair.

CHEM-3996	Chemistry Research	1-2 credits
CHEM-4996	Chemistry Research	1-4 credits
INTR-4997	Internship	1-4 credits

Biology Core (12 credits)

Complete the following courses and their associated labs.

BIOL-2201	Molecules to Cells	4 credits
BIOL-2202	Organismal Biology	4 credits
BIOL-3330	Cell Biology	4 credits

Additional Biology (4 credits)

Complete one of the following and any associated lab.

BIOL-3316	Genetics	4 credits
BIOL-3360	Microbiology	4 credits

Nucleic Acids Study (4 credits)

Complete one of the following and its associated lab.

BIOL-3331	Evolution	4 credits
BIOL-3372	Developmental Biology	4 credits
BIOL-3376	Neurophysiology	4 credits

Mathematics and Data Science (4 credits)

Complete one of the following:

MATH-1050	Applied Calculus: A Modeling Approach	4 credits
MATH-1075	Single Variable Calculus	4 credits

Physics (8 credits)

Complete either the General Physics or the Analytical Physics sequence.

PHYS-2001	General Physics I	4 credits
-	and
PHYS-2002	General Physics II	4 credits
-
PHYS-2071	Analytical Physics I	4 credits
-	and
PHYS-2072	Analytical Physics II	4 credits

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this major, students will:

1. Have broad exposure and training in the theory and application of current biochemical techniques and methodologies;
2. Be able to design and carry out scientific experiments to test biochemical hypotheses and theories using skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and analytical reasoning;
3. Be able to clearly communicate the results of scientific work in oral, written, and electronic formats to both scientists and the public at large;
4. Understand how to act ethically when collecting, analyzing, and presenting experimental data; and
5. Be able to demonstrate an understanding of biochemistry as an interdisciplinary subject and gain experience as members of an interdisciplinary, problem-solving team.