Nov 18, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Biochemistry, B.S.


Minimum number of credits required to graduate:  124

Minimum cumulative GPA required to graduate:  2.0

Minimum number of credits to complete the major:  66

 

School: School of Arts and Sciences

Department: Natural Sciences

Learn more about the program

 

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biochemistry prepares graduates to enter directly into the many areas of the chemical industry, or to pursue advanced studies in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, medicine, dentistry or veterinary science. This program provides a thorough understanding of chemical and biological principles, both theoretical and practical. A strong emphasis is placed on laboratory work and excellent instrumentation facilities are available for student use. Students have the option of conducting independent research and/or summer research, and participating in internships and co-op opportunities.

Biochemistry majors may want to consider a minor in forensic science, mathematics, physics, or education (middle or secondary school). Students can fulfill the standard prerequisites for professional schools (medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, or physician assistant) by majoring in Biochemistry. Some professional schools recommend that students take additional courses.

Students can receive an ACS Certified B.S. Biochemistry degree by taking two additional courses (CHM 4910 Directed Research I  and CHM 4920 Directed Research II ) above those required for the B.S. degree.

Major Requirements


The major requires the completion of eight core chemistry courses, four core biology courses, an advanced course in chemistry or biology, two physics courses, and two mathematics courses.

Biology


There are four required Biology courses. Complete the following three courses:

And choose one course from the following:


Physics


Complete the following two required courses:

Mathematics


Complete the following two required courses:

Advanced Course


Choose one additional Chemistry (CHM) or Biology (BIO) course at the 4000 level or greater.

Internship courses (such as CHM 4930 Senior Internship I CHM 4940 Senior Internship II BIO 4095 Biology Internship , etc.) cannot be used to satisfy this requirement.

B.S. Biochemistry Degree with ACS Certification


Students may earn an ACS-certified B.S. in Biochemistry degree by taking two additional courses above the requirements for the B.S. degree. Students will perform an independent research project with a faculty mentor and gain invaluable experience working in a chemistry research laboratory. This option is an excellent choice for students who wish to pursue graduate studies in either chemistry or biochemistry.