Student ID:__________________________ Student Name:_______________________ Adviser Name:_______________________ Catalog: 2023 - 2024 College Catalog Degree Requirement: Biochemistry, BS Minimum Credits Required:__________________

Biochemistry, BS

View Chemistry & Biochemistry Department website

Biochemistry is involved with the exploration of the molecular processes of life and reflects the intersection of chemistry and biology needed to understand these processes. The biochemistry major is designed to meet the needs of students interested in this interdisciplinary subject. Students completing a biochemistry major will be prepared for careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, for pursuit of graduate degrees in biochemistry or chemistry and for entry into medical, veterinary, dental or pharmacy schools. This degree program follows guidelines suggested by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for an undergraduate degree in biochemistry.

Learning Outcomes

  • Correctly use the fundamental concepts of biochemistry.
  • Solve problems by understanding and implementing the stages of the research process.
  • Effectively communicate and disseminate the results of the scientific process to a diverse audience.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify, locate, and evaluate primary literature.
  • Work both individually and collaboratively with other students and faculty.
  • Exhibit the skills of a successful professional.

Degree Requirements

General College Requirements

General College Requirements (see “Curriculum” section), including the following requirements to satisfy the major:

Required Courses

Chemistry Courses (24 credit hours)

Course NameCredit Hours:Term TakenGradeGen Ed
CHEM 106 - General Chemistry II Credit Hours: 4
CHEM 311 - Organic Chemistry I Credit Hours: 4
CHEM 312 - Organic Chemistry II Credit Hours: 4
CHEM 420 - Biochemistry I Credit Hours: 4
CHEM 425 - Biochemistry II Credit Hours: 4
CHEM 451 - Physical Chemistry I Credit Hours: 4

Biology Courses (14 credit hours)

Course NameCredit Hours:Term TakenGradeGen Ed
BIOL 105 - Principles of Biology I Credit Hours: 4
BIOL 105L - Principles of Biology Lab I Credit Hours: 1
BIOL 270 - Genetics Credit Hours: 4
BIOL 270L - Genetics Lab Credit Hours: 1
BIOL 471 - Molecular Biology Credit Hours: 4

Cognate Courses (16 credit hours)

Course NameCredit Hours:Term TakenGradeGen Ed
MATH 151 - Calculus I Credit Hours: 4
MATH 152 - Calculus II Credit Hours: 4

 

PHYS 141 - General Physics I (Recommended) Credit Hours: 4

OR

PHYS 151 - Fundamentals of Physics I Credit Hours: 4

 

PHYS 142 - General Physics II (Recommended) Credit Hours: 4

OR

PHYS 152 - Fundamentals of Physics II Credit Hours: 4

St. Mary’s Project

Every biochemistry major must complete a St. Mary’s Project. This project may be in biochemistry or in another major discipline or study area. The guidelines in the selected area apply. The project must be proposed to a mentor and to the chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at least three weeks before the last day of classes of the second semester of the student’s junior year, and must be approved by the mentor and the department chair.

Minimum Grade and GPA Requirements

Students must earn a grade of C- or better in all courses listed above, and maintain an overall GPA of 2.00 or better in these required courses.

Note: Students earning a degree in biochemistry may not pursue a second major in chemistry.

Sequence of Study

The following model is suggested as a sequence of study that satisfies the above requirements:

First Year:

Course NameCredit Hours:Term TakenGradeGen Ed
  • Core Curriculum requirements
  • CHEM 103 - General Chemistry I (or earned a 4 or 5 on Chemistry AP exam) Credit Hours: 4
    CHEM 106 - General Chemistry II Credit Hours: 4
    BIOL 105 - Principles of Biology I Credit Hours: 4
    BIOL 105L - Principles of Biology Lab I Credit Hours: 1

    Second Year:

    Course NameCredit Hours:Term TakenGradeGen Ed
  • Core Curriculum requirements
  • CHEM 311 - Organic Chemistry I Credit Hours: 4
    CHEM 312 - Organic Chemistry II Credit Hours: 4
    BIOL 270 - Genetics Credit Hours: 4
    MATH 151 - Calculus I Credit Hours: 4
    MATH 152 - Calculus II Credit Hours: 4

    Third Year:

    Course NameCredit Hours:Term TakenGradeGen Ed
  • Core Curriculum requirements
  • CHEM 420 - Biochemistry I Credit Hours: 4
    CHEM 425 - Biochemistry II Credit Hours: 4
    PHYS 141 - General Physics I Credit Hours: 4
    PHYS 142 - General Physics II Credit Hours: 4
    BIOL 471 - Molecular Biology Credit Hours: 4

    Fourth Year:

    Course NameCredit Hours:Term TakenGradeGen Ed
  • St. Mary’s Project
  • CHEM 451 - Physical Chemistry I Credit Hours: 4
  • electives
  • Notes: