Coordinator: Sanela Martic (Chemistry)
Biochemistry Committee: Sitaramayya Ari (Chemistry), Chabi Govind (Biological Sciences), Anne L. Hitt (Biological Sciences), Zijuan Liu (Biological Sciences), Sanela Martic (Chemistry), 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 course work 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.