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.

Requirements

47 credits

Chemistry Core (24 credits)

CHE-141General Chemistry I

3 credits

CHE-141LGeneral Chemistry Laboratory I

1 credit

CHE-142General Chemistry II

3 credits

CHE-142LGeneral Chemistry Laboratory II

1 credit

CHE-301Organic Chemistry I

3 credits

CHE-301LOrganic Chemistry I Lab

1 credit

CHE-302Organic Chemistry II

3 credits

CHE-302LOrganic Chemistry II Lab

1 credit

CHE-412Biochemistry

3 credits

CHE-412LBiochemistry Laboratory

1 credit

CHE-465Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics

3 credits

CHE-465LChemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics Lab & Recitation

1 credit

Biology Core (11 credits)

BIO-201Molecules to Cells

3 credits

BIO-201LMolecules to Cells Lab

1 credit

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or

BIO-210LMolecules to Cells Research-Based Lab

1 credit

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BIO-316Genetics

3 credits

BIO-330Cell Biology

3 credits

BIO-330LCell Biology Lab

1 credit

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 with at least junior standing in the case of BIO-330 .)

Molecular Biology (4 credits)

Complete one lecture/lab combination.

BIO-331Evolution

3 credits

BIO-331LEvolution Lab

1 credit

BIO-372Developmental Biology

3 credits

BIO-372LDevelopmental Biology Lab

1 credit

BIO-376Neurophysiology

3 credits

BIO-376LNeurophysiology Lab

1 credit

Math and Physics Core (8 credits for major)

MAT-175Single Variable Calculus

4 credits

PHY-271Analytical Physics I

3 credits

PHY-271LAnalytical Physics I Lab

1 credit

PHY-272Analytical Physics II

3 credits

PHY-272LAnalytical Physics II Lab

1 credit

The credits for the math requirement (MAT-175) are counted in the Professional Foundations minor.

Depending on math placement, MAT-150 may be required prior to MAT-175 .