Nov 14, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Biochemistry Major, B.S.


Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry  

College of Letters, Arts and Sciences  

  Available Program Format(s): In-Person  

About the Program


The Biochemistry B.S. degree program offers students a focused, intensive education in the natural sciences and in the field of biochemistry. This degree prepares students for graduate work in biochemistry, for biochemical and biomedical careers in industry/government, and for post-graduate studies in the health sciences.

Student Outcomes


  • Apply the fundamental principles of chemistry and/or biochemistry, showing core competency in chemistry areas (general, analytical, organic, biochemistry, and physical chemistry)   
  • Design and conduct experiments using appropriate techniques and equipment  
  • Conduct scientific inquiry in an ethical manner  
  • Handle chemicals and chemical waste safely  
  • Search, critically evaluate, and properly cite scientific literature  
  • Use effective oral and written communication skills  

General Degree Requirements


To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements. 

Program Requirements


  • A total of 120 semester hours are required for graduation. 
  • A grade of “C-” or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required. 

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits


Students should consult the General Studies Requirements  for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.  

  • Written Communication (6 credits) 
  • Oral Communication (3 credits) 
  • Quantitative Literacy (3 credits) 
  • Arts and Humanities (6 credits) 
  • Historical (3 credits) 
  • Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits) 
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits) 
  • Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits**) 

 

* The listed courses are required courses for the major and can also fulfill general studies requirements 

** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences. 

Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Requirement: 0 or 3 credits


Students should consult the Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Graduation Requirement  for a list of courses that fulfill the ESSJ requirement for degree completion. 

Required Biology, Physics, and Math Courses: 25 credits


Biochemistry is, by nature, an interdisciplinary area of study, and the required coursework reflects that reality, offering a complete education in the biochemical, biomedical, and technical fields. The student must satisfy the non-chemistry course requirements below.

Note: MTH 1410 counts as a Quantitative Literacy General Studies course; the Biology and Physics courses count as Natural and Physical Science General Studies courses.

Additional Required STEM Elective Courses: 10 credits


Reflecting the broad, interdisciplinary nature of biochemistry, students must complete 10 credits of additional STEM electives from the following list.

*Some of these courses may count to fulfill the Natural and Physical Sciences General Studies requirement. Students should work with their academic advisor.

Senior Experience: 3 credits


Students must complete a Senior Experience course offered by the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry.

Summary of Requirements


General Studies Requirements33 credits
ESSJ Requirement0-3 credits
Required Major Courses40 credits
Required Biology, Math, and Physics Courses25 credits
Additional Required Science Elective Courses10 credits
Senior Experience3 credits
Unrestricted Electives6-18 credits
Total for the Biochemistry Major, B.S.120 credits

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and Multicultural requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.