Course Requirements

Example degree plans can be found here.

Major in Biochemistry (B.S.)

BIOL 201 Diversity and Adaptation (4 credits)
BIOL 202 Genetics, Evolution, and Ecology (4 credits)
BIOL 204 Cellular and Molecular Biology (4 credits)

Plus:
CHEM 111 General Chemistry I (4 credits) and CHEM 112 General Chemistry II (4 credits)
or
CHEM 115 Accelerated General Chemistry (4 credits)

Plus:
CHEM 201 Organic Chemistry I (4 credits)
CHEM 202 Organic Chemistry II (4 credits)
CHEM 440 Biochemistry I (4 credits)
CHEM 442 Biochemistry II (4 credits)

Plus four credits from the following:
CHEM 331 Chemical Thermodynamics and Reaction Dynamics (4 credits)
CHEM 332 Quantum Chemistry and Molecular Spectroscopy (4 credits)

Plus:
Twelve additional credits numbered BIOL 295 or higher.*
Note: Four credits must be at the BIOL 400-level, excluding Research. Four credits may be in Research at the BIOL 300-level.

Four additional credits in CHEM, selected in consultation with the adviser.*
Note: CHEM 300 is strongly recommended for this elective.

Plus:
BCHM 301-303 Biochemistry Seminar Series (0-2 credits)

Allied requirements
MATH 113 Calculus I (4 credits) (or equivalent)
MATH 114 Calculus II (4 credits)
PHYS 111 Introduction to Classical Physics I (4 credits)
PHYS 112 Introduction to Classical Physics II (4 credits)

All graduating seniors are required to take achievement exams in both biology and chemistry for purposes of assessment of the major and College accreditation. Students choosing this major may not take a second major or a minor in either Biology or Chemistry.

*A research course in either biology or chemistry can be counted as one of the electives and is highly encouraged if the student will be seeking admission to a graduate program in biochemistry or molecular biology.

Graduation with Honors in Biochemistry

Students graduating with a B.S. in Biochemistry may also qualify for honors. Students interested in this designation must consult with the chair of the Biochemistry Committee one year or more prior to graduation.

Requirements include:

• An overall minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25.
• A cumulative GPA of 3.50 in the courses in both biology and chemistry combined.
• Completion of four credits in research. This may consist of a four credit course or two, two credit courses in either biology or chemistry.
• Preparation of a written thesis in the form of the primary literature.
• Successful defense of the thesis before an examining panel which includes the thesis director, a representative from each of the departments of biology and chemistry, a faculty member from outside the departments of chemistry and biology and a faculty member from another institution. The panel members should be selected in consultation with the thesis adviser.
• Presentation of the research at an off-campus meeting.

Note: All requirements should be completed by April 20 for a spring graduation, or by November 15 for a fall graduation.