Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

• General Information The Joint Major in Biochemistry, administered by the Chemistry and Biology Departments, follows the recommendations of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) with a few minor exceptions. This is a rigorous and well-rounded program designed to accomodate the needs of a broad spectrum of students seeking a terminal or non-terminal Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. For more information, see the Program web page or contact Program Director Prof. Steven Ackerman.

  Please Note:  Students majoring in Biochemistry may not receive a second major or minor in either Chemistry or Biology.

  Degree Requirements

  • First Year:
    • Chemical Principles I/II and Labs (CH 115 & 117, 116 & 118)
    • General Biology I/II (BIO 111/112)
    • Calculus I/II (MA 140/141)
  • Second Year:
    • Organic Chemistry I/II (CH 253/254)
    • Cell Biology Lecture (BIO 212)
    • Physics I/II (PHY 113/114)
    • Physics Lab I/II (PHY 181/182)
  • Third Year:
    • Biochemistry I/II (BIOCHEM 383/384)
    • Biochemistry Lab I/II (BIOCHEM 384/386)
    • Analytical Chemistry with Lab (CH 311/313)
    • Physical Chemistry (CH 312)
  • Fourth Year:
    • Molecular Biology (BIO 372)
    • Genetics (BIO 254)
    • Recommended Electives

   

  Note:  The order of the required courses has some flexibility in it. This is a suggested curriculum in terms of what course to take which year. However, all listed courses must be taken for the degree.

  Recommended Electives

  • For Research Experience:
    • BIO 478,479 (Independent Study I/II) or
    • CH 481,482 (Advanced Lab I/II) or
    • CH 491, 492 (Senior Thesis I/II)
  • For Computer Literacy:
    • CS 100p (Introduction to Computing) is particularly recommended.
    • CH 408 (Chemical Computation)
    • BIO 608 (Biophysical Instrumentation)
  • Other Useful Courses:
    • CH 314 (Physical Chemistry Laboratory)
    • CH 361 (Analytical Instrumentation)