Biochemistry, B.S.

Major

The Biochemistry major conforms to the recommendations of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and the American Chemical Society. Through a rigorous course of study with a strong emphasis on the learn-by-doing approach, the Biochemistry Program is committed to providing the practical knowledge and skills necessary for graduate study in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, genetics and biotechnology, or admission to professional school. It will also enable students to obtain skilled technical positions after graduation in research laboratories in universities, biotechnology or pharmaceutical development industries, hospitals and government agencies. Juniors and seniors are encouraged to apply for off-campus internships in biochemistry. In addition, each junior and senior Biochemistry major presents two program seminars covering information from the current biochemical literature as well as writing and defending a senior thesis, usually relating to research they have completed.

The course of study normally pursued by Biochemistry majors is:

Note

¹ Fulfills the Natural Scientific Inquiry requirement of the Cornerstone Program.

² Fulfills the Writing-in-the-Disciplines requirement of the Cornerstone Program.

³ Fulfills the Moral Inquiry requirement of the Cornerstone Program.

⁴ Fulfills the Statistical Reasoning requirement of the Cornerstone Program.

⁵ Courses are offered in the Spring Semester. Must take one during the senior year.

⁶ Seminar and Thesis is required in each semester of the junior and senior years and satisfies the Capstone Experience requirement of the Cornerstone Program. Four credits are obtained in the second semester of the senior year.

⁷ Independent Research can be taken more than once but will only count once toward the major.

American Chemical Society Certification

Biochemistry majors desiring an American Chemical Society certified degree must have at least 76 hours of additional, for credit, chemistry or biochemistry laboratory experience over the laboratory experience associated with the courses specifically required for the biochemistry major.