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The Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry

Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary science focused on chemical processes that occur in living systems. The mission of the Biochemistry undergraduate program is to prepare and inspire students for the discovery and dissemination of knowledge to the greater life sciences community through research and instruction. The faculty believe in a balance of interdependent formal classroom instruction with innovative laboratory training and experience in inquiry-based research methods. Classroom and lab training emphasize chemistry, physics, and biology of metabolism, molecular biology, macromolecular structure, function and synthesis. The ultimate goal is to infuse each student with sufficient breadth and depth of understanding that they are conversant in the rigors of life at the molecular level, and capable of contributing to a wide variety of future career paths that require detailed understanding of physical and chemical principles in living systems. Our program is accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Accelerated Bachelors/Masters programs in Biochemistry and Biochemistry/Biomanufacturing

Advanced, academically qualified undergraduate students have the opportunity to participate in the Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's (ABM) programs in Biochemistry or in Biochemistry & Biomanufacturing. These programs allow students to earn both the BS and theÌýMS degrees in Biochemistry or the combined disciplines within five years.

For more information about Biochemistry, visit our program

Program Requirements

¹

A grade of C- or higher is required.

²

There are two sequences for mathematics:Ìý MA 131, MA 231, ST 311, and a math/ST/CSC elective OR MA 141, MA 241, and MA 242.Ìý The three semester sequence (MA 141, 241 and 242) is a prerequisite for PY 205 and 208 and for CH 431 and 433 (CH 431/433 also requires MA 341). This sequence is recommended for those students who plan on graduate studies in Biophysics or a related specialty in Biochemistry, and is required for Biochemistry Honors Option 1. If a student elects to start with MA 141, the sequence of 241 and 242 should be taken. If a student elects to start with MA 131 and MA 231, the sequence of ST 311 and a math/ST/CSC elective should be taken. ST 311 is not a substitute for MA 242.

³

The calculus based physics sequence (PY 205 and 208) is recommended for those students who plan on graduate studies in Biophysics or a related specialty in Biochemistry; and is required for Biochemistry Honors Option 1. If a student chooses PY 205, PY 208 should be taken.Ìý

⁴

This course is an advised elective in the life sciences.Ìý BIO 240 or BIO 245 is recommended for those students who are interested in applying to the health related professions. This requirement can also be satisfied by an advised elective from upper level life science courses (life science course, 200 level or above; verify with advisor).

⁵

If a student has chosen the Math sequence of MA 131, MA 231, and ST 311, another course (200 level or above; verify with advisor) in computer science, mathematics or statistics must be chosen.ÌýÌý

⁶

If BCH 454 is not selected as an option for the Biochemistry Laboratory elective it may be used as an option for the Laboratory Analysis elective.

⁷

The two semester Physical Chemistry course sequence (CH 431 and 433) is recommended for those students who plan on graduate studies in Biophysics or a related specialty in Biochemistry, and is required for Biochemistry Honors Option 1.Ìý If CH 431 is chosen, CH 433 must be taken. If CH 331 or BCH 330 is chosen, a student must choose an advised elective from upper level courses offered in the sciences, math or computer science (200 level or above; verify with advisor).

⁸

The corresponding courses for chemistry majors may be substituted (CH 103,104 for CH 101,102; CH 203,204 for CH 201,202; CH 225,226 for CH 221,222; CH 227,228 for CH 223,224).

Laboratory Analysis Elective

Semester Sequence

This is a sample.

¹

A grade of C- or higher is required.

²

There are two sequences for mathematics:Ìý MA 131, MA 231, ST 311 [ST 380], and a math/ST/CSC elective OR MA 141, MA 241, and MA 242.Ìý The three semester sequence (MA 141,241 and 242) is a prerequisite for PY 205 and 208 and for CH 431 and 433 (CH 431/433 also requires MA 341). This sequence is recommended for those students who plan on graduate studies in Biophysics or a related specialty in Biochemistry, and is required for Biochemistry Honors Option 1. If a student elects to start with MA 141, the sequence of 241 and 242 should be taken. If a student elects to start with MA 131 and MA 231, the sequence of ST 311 [ST 380] and a math/ST/CSC elective should be taken. ST 311 or ST 380 is not a substitute for MA 242.

³

The calculus based physics sequence (PY 205 and 208) is recommended for those students who plan on graduate studies in Biophysics or a related specialty in Biochemistry; and is required for Biochemistry Honors Option 1. If a student chooses PY 205, PY 208 should be taken.Ìý

⁴

This course is an advised elective in the life sciences.Ìý BIO 240 or BIO 245 is recommended for those students who are interested in applying to the health related professions. This requirement can also be satisfied by an advised elective from upper level life science courses (life science course, 200 level or above; verify with advisor).

⁵

If a student has chosen the Math sequence of MA 131, MA 231, and ST 311, another course (200 level or above; verify with advisor) in computer science, mathematics or statistics must be chosen.ÌýÌý

⁶

If BCH 454 is not selected as an option for the Biochemistry Laboratory elective it may be used as an option for the Laboratory Analysis elective.

⁷

The two semester Physical Chemistry course sequence (CH 431 and 433) is recommended for those students who plan on graduate studies in Biophysics or a related specialty in Biochemistry, and is required for Biochemistry Honors Option 1.Ìý If CH 431 is chosen, CH 433 must be taken. If CH 331 or BCH 330 is chosen, a student must choose an advised elective from upper level courses offered in the sciences, math or computer science (200 level or above; verify with advisor).

⁸

The corresponding courses for chemistry majors may be substituted (CH 103,104 for CH 101,102; CH 203,204 for CH 201,202; CH 225,226 for CH 221,222; CH 227,228 for CH 223,224).

Career Opportunities

The Biochemistry program provides B.S. graduates with the scientific background and skills required for employment in biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, and genetics and for the health professions of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacology and related fields.Ìý

Career Titles

• Agricultural Engineer
• Agricultural Technician
• Agronomist
• Allergists and Immunologists
• Anesthesiologist (MD)
• Animal Scientist
• Biochemist
• Bioinformatics Scientists
• Biological Technician
• Biologist
• Biology Professor
• Biophysicist
• Chemical Engineer
• Chemical Technicians
• Chemist
• Chemistry Professor
• Conservation Scientist
• Criminalist
• Dairy Technologist
• Environmental Disease Analyst
• Environmental Research Analyst
• Environmental Science and Protection Technician
• Environmental Science Professor
• Environmental Technician
• Family Practitioner (MD)
• Food Science Technicians
• Food Technologist
• Forensic Science Technicians
• General Internists (MD)
• Geneticist
• Gynecologist (MD)
• Hazardous Waste Management Analyst
• High School Teacher
• Horticulturist
• Marine and Aquatic Biologist
• Microbiologist
• Middle School Teacher
• Molecular and Cellular Biologists
• Pathologist (MD)
• Perfumer
• Petroleum Laboratory Assistant
• Petroleum Technician
• Pharmacist
• Pharmacologist
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
• Plant Breeder
• Radiation Protection Engineer
• Sales Representative (Chemicals & Drugs)
• Sales Representative (Medical Equipment)
• Technical & Scientific Publications Editor
• Technical Publications Writer
• Toxicologist
• Wildlife Biologist

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