Biochemistry, BS
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Biochemistry explores 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
- Students will be able to correctly use the fundamental concepts of biochemistry.
- Students will be able to solve problems by understanding and implementing the stages of the research process.
- Students will effectively communicate and disseminate the results of the scientific process to a diverse audience.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to identify, locate, and evaluate primary literature.
- Students will work both individually and collaboratively with other students and faculty.
- Students will 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)
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 103 with a grade of C or a 4 or 5 on the AP chemistry exam.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of CHEM 106 with grades of C- or better.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of CHEM 311 with a grade of C- or better is required for CHEM 312.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 312 with a grade of C- or better.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 420 with a grade of C- or better.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 106, PHYS 141 or PHYS 151, and MATH 152, or consent of the instructor. CHEM 451 is a prerequisite for CHEM 452.
Biology Courses (14 credit hours)
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 105, BIOL 105L.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 105, BIOL 105L.
Cognate Courses (16 credit hours)
Prerequisite(s): Familiarity with high school trigonometry is expected.
Prerequisite(s): Familiarity with high school trigonometry is expected. MATH 151 is a prerequisite for MATH 152.
OR
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 141 or PHYS 151.
OR
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 141 or PHYS 151.
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.
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:
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 103 with a grade of C or a 4 or 5 on the AP chemistry exam.
Second Year:
Prerequisite(s): Completion of CHEM 106 with grades of C- or better.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of CHEM 311 with a grade of C- or better is required for CHEM 312.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 105, BIOL 105L.
Prerequisite(s): Familiarity with high school trigonometry is expected.
Prerequisite(s): Familiarity with high school trigonometry is expected. MATH 151 is a prerequisite for MATH 152.
Third Year:
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 312 with a grade of C- or better.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 420 with a grade of C- or better.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 141 or PHYS 151.
Fourth Year:
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 106, PHYS 141 or PHYS 151, and MATH 152, or consent of the instructor. CHEM 451 is a prerequisite for CHEM 452.