Biochemistry Program

Coordinator: Colin Wu (Chemistry)

Biochemistry Committee: Sitaramayya Ari (Chemistry), Adam Avery (Chemistry), Chabi Govind (Biological Sciences), Anne Hitt (Biological Sciences), Mi Hye Song (Biological Sciences), Colin Wu (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 8 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 8 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.

Program honors

Program honors may be granted to graduating seniors in biochemistry on the basis of high academic achievement (minimum 3.60 overall grade point average) and excellence in biochemical research at Oakland University.

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

Pre-Medical Studies: Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry and Veterinary Medicine Concentration

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 should refer to the pre-medical studies concentration in medicine, dentistry, optometry and veterinary medicine (Other Academic Options) and consult with the biology or biochemistry adviser.

Programs

Biochemistry, B.S.