Biochemistry Major

Advisors: Stephen Cessna and Laurie Miller Yoder
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Semester Hours: 55-58

The major in biochemistry prepares students for graduate work in biochemistry or positions in the biotechnology industry.

Chemistry Courses (36 SH)

• BIOCH 318 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Lab - 2 
• BIOCH 376 Foundational Biochemistry - 3 
• *BIOCH 398 Advanced Cell Biology - 3 
• *BIOCH 438 Molecular Genetics - 3 
• CHEM 223 General Chemistry I - 4 
• CHEM 224 General Chemistry II - 4 
• CHEM 315 Organic Chemistry I - 4 
• CHEM 316 Organic Chemistry II - 4 
• *CHEM 325 Analytical Chemistry I  OR *CHEM 345 Analytical Chemistry II - 2 
• *CHEM 405 Thermodynamics  OR *CHEM 406 Quantum Mechanics - 3 

Research Course (2 SH)
Choose from the following:

• BIOCH/CHEM 479 Biochemistry/Chemistry Research - 1-2 
• BIOL 255 Biology Research Seminar - 1 
• BIOL 479 Independent Biology Research - 1-2 
• completing an NSF REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) program (no credit hours received)
• internship or practicum style experiences

Biology, Mathematics and Physics Courses (23-26 SH)

• BIOL 173 Concepts in Biology-Unity and Diversity of Life - 4 
• BIOL 174 Concepts in Biology Seminar - 1 
• BIOL 240 Molecular and Cellular Biology - 4 
• BIOL 485 Faith Science and Ethics - 2 
• *MATH 150 Elements of Calculus - 3  OR MATH 185 Calculus I - 4 
• MATH 195 Calculus II - 4 OR STAT 220 Inferential Statistics - 2 
• PHYS 252 and PHYS 253 University Physics I, lecture  and laboratory  - 4 
• PHYS 262 and PHYS 263 University Physics II, lecture  and laboratory  - 4

* indicates the course is offered in alternate years

Enrollment in upper-level biology, biochemistry, chemistry and environmental science courses (BIOL, BIOCH, CHEM, ENVS 300s and 400s) requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all science and math courses (BIOL, BIOCH, CHEM, ENVS, MATH, PHYS). Students who fail to earn a C- in any coursework required for their major should promptly schedule a meeting with their advisor.