Biochemistry Major

Description

Biochemistry is the study of chemical reactions involved with living beings. Biochemical studies include DNA, proteins, hormones, and all other components of life, reproduction, and genetics. The study of biochemistry is very diverse and involves enzymes, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, sugars, proteins, and lipids, and their breakdown to provide energy.

The major in biochemistry is intended to serve the needs and interests of students who wish to concentrate their studies in the fields of biochemistry. Students majoring in biochemistry regularly go on to graduate or professional schools and have enjoyed very successful careers. The program is designed to be flexible, allowing the students to emphasize biology or chemistry to greater degrees depending on their interests.

Required (62 credits):

• BIO 1111 - Principles of Biology
• BIO 1101 - Principles of Biology I Lab
• BIO 1117 - Topics in Biology
• BIO 2208 - Molecular Biology

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• CHE 1103 - General Chemistry I: Structure and Bonding
• CHE 1001 - General Chemistry I Lab
• CHE 1104 - General Chemistry II: Chemical Reactivity
• CHE 1002 - General Chemistry II Lab
• CHE 2206 - Bioinorganic Chemistry
• CHE 2006 - Bioinorganic Chemistry Lab
• CHE 2208 - Bioanalytical Chemistry
• CHE 2008 - Bioanalytical Chemistry Lab
• CHE 2217 - Organic Chemistry I
• CHE 2017 - Organic Chemistry I Lab
• CHE 2218 - Organic Chemistry II
• CHE 2018 - Organic Chemistry II Lab
• CHE 3205 - The Chemical Literature #
• CHE 3307 - Physical Chemistry for Bio
• CHE 3007 - Physical Chemistry I Lab
• CHE 3321 - Biochemistry I
• CHE 3021 - Biochemistry I Lab
• CHE 3322 - Biochemistry II
• CHE 3022 - Biochemistry II Lab
• CHE 4493 - Chemistry Seminar #
• CHE 4498 - Independent Studies in Chemistry

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• MAT 1117 - Calculus I

Biology/Chemistry Elective (4 credits):

Take one (1) BIO or CHE course at the 2000 or 3000 level.

Departmental Writing Requirement:

The Department of Chemistry extends writing throughout the major. Students majoring in Biochemistry are required to take two required writing intensive courses as noted with the # symbol.

Total Credit Hours: 66

Strongly Recommended Courses:

• PHY 1104 - Introductory Physics I OR
• PHY 1114 - General Physics I

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• PHY 1105 - Introductory Physics II OR
• PHY 1115 - General Physics II

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• PSY 1106 - Introduction to Psychology
• SOC 1104 - Introduction to Sociology: A Global Perspective
• STA 2215 - Introduction to Statistics

Requirements for Departmental Honors

Honors in Biochemistry will be awarded to graduating seniors who have earned at least a 3.50 grade point average in all courses required for the particular major, who have performed an independent laboratory research project, including a written paper and an oral presentation, and who are recommended by the Chemistry Department.