Undergraduate Bulletin > Chemistry and Biochemistry > Major-Biochemistry

Biochemistry Major (BCHE)

The Biochemistry Major (B.S.) is designed to prepare students for graduate training in the biochemical sciences, medicine, and other health professions, or for employment in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. Students who complete the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry will meet all or most of the academic requirements for admission to medical, dental, veterinary, or pharmacy schools.

The curriculum involves a solid foundation of Chemistry and Biology courses, along with core and advanced elective courses in Biochemistry. Undergraduate research is encouraged, and students may collaborate with participating faculty from a variety of departments (Chemistry, Biology, Nutrition, Physics, and Kinesiology).

This program follows the biochemistry curriculum recommendations of the American Society of Biochemists and Molecular Biologists.

Requirements

I General Education Core Requirements (GEC)

See complete GEC requirements and approved course listings for all categories.

Core Category	S.H.
Students may select courses for:
Literature (GLT)	3
Fine Arts (GFA)	3
Philosophical, Religious, Ethical Principles (GPR)	3
Historical Perspectives on Western Culture (GHP)	3
Reasoning and Discourse (GRD) ENG 101 or FMS 115 or RCO 101, and one additional GRD course	6
Social and Behavioral Sciences (GSB)	6
Department specifies courses for:
Mathematics (GMT) required: MAT 191	3
Natural Sciences (GNS) required: CHE 111 and 112, and PHY 211 or 291	7

 

II General Education Marker Requirements

See details and courses. It is possible to meet all GE Marker Requirements while completing the GE Core requirements or courses required by the major/concentration.

 

III College of Arts and Sciences Additional Requirements (CAR)

See requirements and approved courses.

Category	S.H.
Historical Perspectives on Western Culture either a GHP/GPM or GMO course	3
Humanities and Fine Arts one additional Literature (GLT) course	3
Natural Sciences (GNS/GLS) required: BIO 111	3–4
Social and Behavioral Sciences (GSB) one additional GSB course	3
Foreign Language (GFL) intermediate-level proficiency in one language, demonstrated by placement test, or completion of course work through course number 204	0–12
Writing Intensive Courses (WI) a total of four WI courses

 

IV Major Requirements

CHE 111*, 112*, 114, 115, 331, 333, 342, 351, 352, 354, 355, 401 (audit), 402, 406, 407, 556, 557, 558

Only major requirement and related area requirement courses in which grades of C- or better are earned will be counted toward the major. Students must earn a C- or better in prerequisite major requirement and related area requirement courses before advancing to subsequent courses.

V Related Area Requirements

1. MAT 191*, 292
2. BIO 111 and 112, and either BIO 392, 393 (lab), or BIO 355, 356 (lab)
3. PHY 211*, 212 or 291*, 292
4. Advanced Biochemistry Elective or Independent Study (3–4 s.h.)
   CHE 442, 481, 531, 536, 553, 555, 570B or BIO 494, or one of the following independent study courses: CHE 491, 492; BIO 499; KIN 475; NTR 427; PHY 495
5. Advanced Biological Science Elective (3–4 s.h.)
   one or more of the following: BIO 277, 424, 464, 477, 479, 481, 494 strongly recommended (if not used as Advanced Biochemistry elective), 578, 583, 584, 595, 596; PHY 543

Only major requirement and related area requirement courses in which grades of C- or better are earned will be counted toward the major. Students must earn a C- or better in prerequisite major requirement and related area requirement courses before advancing to subsequent courses.

*MAT 191 satisfies GMT; CHE 111, 112 and PHY 211 or 291 satisfy GNS.

VI Electives

Electives should be sufficient to complete the 122 semester hours required for the degree. Additional advanced courses in Chemistry and Biology are recommended. CST 105, which fulfills the GRD requirement, is recommended.