Dec 04, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Biochemistry, B.S.


Program Website

Students must complete the Oakland University General Education Requirements, General College of Arts and Sciences requirements , College of Arts and Sciences Exploratory requirement , Major Requirements, and an appropriate number of free elective classes to meet the overall credit requirement for the degree (in most cases a minimum of 124; some degrees may require a greater number).

As a general rule, no more than eight credits of coursework used to satisfy one major, minor or concentration may be applied toward another, but exceptions to this rule may be allowed with the written approval of the program coordinators.

Schedule of Classes


Specific offerings for each semester may be found in the Schedule of Classes.

General Education Requirements


In order to graduate on-schedule without taking additional courses, it is highly recommended that students meet with an Undergraduate Academic Adviser concerning the selection of all of their general education courses.

Each candidate for an Oakland University baccalaureate will need to satisfactorily complete approved courses in each of the following areas: Foundations, Explorations, and Integration. For details, refer to the General Education Requirements   section of the catalog.

Requirements for biochemistry, B.S.


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.

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


4. Required biochemistry courses (minimum of 12 credits)


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: Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry and Veterinary Medicine Concentration


Students interested in a medical career may also refer to the Pre-Medical Studies: Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry and Veterinary Medicine Concentration  (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.