Biochemistry, major

Contacts: 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 this list:

• 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 151 College Physics I OR PHYS 252 University Physics I) and PHYS 253 University Physics I laboratory  (4) 

• (PHYS 162 College Physics II OR PHYS 262 University Physics II) and PHYS 263 University Physics II 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.