Biochemistry, major

Owned by Jenni Piper
Last updated: Feb 26, 2024 by Jim Yoder
2 min read

Contacts: Stephen Cessna and Laurie Miller Yoder
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Semester Hours: 59-62
Core Intensives: Fulfills 2 WI and TI. Does not fulfill CE.

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

Chemistry Courses (28 SH)

  • 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 405 Thermodynamics OR *CHEM 406 Quantum Mechanics (3)  

Choose two of the following courses (5-6 SH)

  • *CHEM 320 Analytical Chemistry I  (3)

  • *CHEM 340 Analytical Chemistry II (3)

  • *BIOCH 318 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Lab (2)

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 experience

Biology, Mathematics and Physics Courses (24-26 SH)

  • BIOL 173 Concepts in Biology-Unity and Diversity of Life (4)

  • BIOL 240 Molecular and Cellular Biology (4) 

  • BIOL 485 Science and Ethics (2) 

  • 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.