Biochemistry (B.S.)
Biochemistry is the study of biological molecules and chemical processes that make up all living systems, which in turn relates to the study and understanding of whole organisms. To fully interact with known biochemical information and make future contributions to our molecular understanding of life, students must obtain a broad background in biology and a firm foundation in chemistry, mathematics, and physics.
The program prepares students for professional school (medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine) and graduate school in biochemistry, molecular biology, or another biological science discipline. Graduates will find employment opportunities in university research programs or industrial and government laboratories.
Upon successful completion of the biochemistry program, students will be able to
- independently conduct and evaluate scientific research;
- demonstrate effective oral and written scientific communication skills;
- understand the moral and ethical impact of science on their communities, both local and global;
- integrate a range of scientific concepts and ideas; and
- demonstrate an understanding of fundamental biochemistry principles.
Minimum Grade Requirements: A minimum grade of C- is required in any course within the major courses (biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics) that serves as a prerequisite for a higher-numbered course. Courses in which the minimum grade is not achieved may not be repeated more than once without permission of the School of Science, Mathematics, and Engineering director.
Degree Requirements - Biochemistry
This degree requires a total of 120 credits.
Liberal Arts Core Requirements
See the Liberal Arts Core for details.
Major Requirements
To fulfill the requirements of the major, all students in this program will take the following coursework in a sequence determined in collaboration with an advisor. Some courses also satisfy Liberal Arts Core requirements. BIO 123 and BIO 223SL are strongly recommended for the first and second years, respectively.
Major Required Courses
Major Elective Courses
Six (6) credits from the following (a minimum of 3 credits must be at the 300 level or higher):
Sample Degree Plan - Biochemistry
Please note that this is a sample plan; all students must consult with an advisor in making course selections.
Year One - Fall
| BIO 123 | Biology First-Year Seminar | |
| BIO 151 | General Biology I * | 3 |
| BIO 151L | General Biology I Lab * | 1 |
| EN 101 | Composition I * | 3 |
| MA 181 | Calculus I * | 4 |
| | Social Science (SS) core course * | 3 |
Year One - Spring
| BIO 152 | General Biology II * | 3 |
| BIO 152L | General Biology II Lab * | 1 |
| EN 102 | Composition II * | 3 |
| MA 218 | Probability and Statistics * | 3 |
| TRS 100 | Theological Inquiry * | 3 |
| HI | History (HI) core course * | 3 |
EN 102: WR core course
TRS 100: TRS core course
Year Two - Fall
Year Two - Spring
| BIO 262 | Genetics for Majors * | 3 |
| BIO 262L | Genetics for Majors Lab | 1 |
| CHM 152 | Principles of Chemistry II * | 3 |
| CHM 152L | Principles of Chemistry II Lab * | 1 |
| | Philosophy (PH) core course * | |
| | Social Science (SS) core course * | 3 |
Year Three - Fall
Year Three - Spring
Year Four - Fall
| BIO 423 | Pathways in STEM - 4th Year Seminar | 3 |
| BIO 442 | Nucleic Acids and Metabolism | 3 |
| | One (1) biology elective course | |
| | Depth in Faith and Reason core course * | 3 |
| | Depth in Humanities core course | 3 |
Biology elective course: See Major Requirements above for course selections.
Year Four - Spring
| BIO 400 | Internship | 1 |
| BIO 449 | Advanced Molecular Biology | 4 |
| CHM 441 | Physical Biochemistry | 3 |
| | One (1) biology elective course | |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
Biology elective course: See Major Requirements above for course selections.
* Fulfills Liberal Arts Core Requirements. See the Liberal Arts Core and Course Descriptions for further information.