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.