Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biochemistry, B.S.


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Coordinator: Colin Wu (Chemistry)

Biochemistry Committee: Sitaramayya Ari (Chemistry), Chabi Govind (Biological Sciences), Zijuan Liu (Biological Sciences), Adam Avery (Chemistry)

This interdepartmental program offers a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biochemistry. The biochemistry program is based on faculty resources and research facilities in the departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for a career in biochemical research, graduate study in biochemistry or molecular biology, or professional education in medicine, dentistry or other health sciences.

Undergraduate students in the biochemistry program have access to faculty research laboratories and are encouraged to participate in various ongoing research programs such as studies in metabolism, gene expression, neurodegeneration, cancer research, hormone action, immunochemistry, molecular biology, molecular genetics and macromolecular structure.

The minimum requirement for a B.S. in biochemistry is 124 credits, including coursework in biological sciences (16 credits), chemistry (32 credits) and biochemistry (12 credits). No more than eight credits of coursework used to fulfill the requirements of a major or minor in biology may be used to fulfill the requirements of a major in biochemistry. Courses used to fulfill the requirements for a major in biochemistry may not be used simultaneously to fulfill the requirements for a major or minor in chemistry.

Admission to Major Standing
Students may apply for major standing after completion of 18 credits of chemistry and at least eight credits of biology from the requirements listed below, with a grade-point average (GPA) of at least 2.50 in those courses. The biochemistry committee must approve major standing and a detailed plan of study at least three semesters prior to graduation.

Requirements for biochemistry, B.S.


Students wishing to select the biochemistry major should prepare a detailed plan of study in consultation with a Biochemistry Coordinator. To earn the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biochemistry, students must complete:

1. Required biology courses


2. Eight or more credits of biology chosen in consultation with the biochemistry program coordinator from the following courses


6. Admission to major standing at least three semesters prior to graduation


Students may apply for major standing after completion of 18 credits of chemistry and at least eight credits of biology, with a grade-point average (GPA) of 2.50 in those courses. The biochemistry committee must approve major standing and a detailed plan of study at least three semesters prior to graduation.

Pre-medical studies concentration: medicine, dentistry, optometry and veterinary medicine


The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biochemistry provides students with all the requirements for a pre-medical studies concentration. The Bachelor of Science degree and the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in chemistry provide students with all the requirements for a pre-medical studies concentration with the exception of five courses in biology/biochemistry that must be completed. Students interested in a medical career may also refer to the pre-medical studies concentration in medicine, dentistry, optometry and veterinary medicine (see Other Academic Options of catalog) and consult with the biology or biochemistry adviser and with the College of Arts and Science Advising Office or a Department of Biological Sciences Adviser.

The department offers selected courses from this catalog as warranted by student needs and faculty availability.

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