Biochemistry, B.S.

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Program Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate a broad-based knowledge and comprehension of the salient properties and functions of the main classes of biomolecules required to sustain life, as well as the central metabolic, regulatory and bioenergetic pathways required for the viability of biological cells.
Demonstrate a basic understanding of the laboratory techniques used in biochemistry and related areas.
Display an ability to effectively communicate (both written and orally) important biochemical concepts and methods.
Be able to understand and interpret key biochemical research data from the primary literature.

General Education Requirements (30-40 Credits)

Prerequisite coursework may be required to satisfy certain General Education courses and will count as elective credit.

Total Credits Required to Complete Major: 72

Basic Requirements: (53 Credits)

BIOL 117 - General Biology - Cells, Genetics, Evolution Credit(s): 3
BIOL 119 - General Biology - Diversity, Physiology, Ecology Credit(s): 3
BIOL 222 - Genetics Credit(s): 3
BIOL 300 - Cell Biology Credit(s): 3
BIOL 322 - Molecular Biology Credit(s): 3
BIOL 390 - Molecular Techniques Credit(s): 2
BIOL 385 - Senior Seminar in Biochemistry Credit(s): 1 or CHEM 385 - Biochemistry Seminar Credit(s): 1
CHEM 116 - Chemistry I Credit(s): 3 and CHEM 118 - Chemistry II Credit(s): 3
or
CHEM 203 - Principles of Chemistry I Credit(s): 3 and CHEM 204 - Principles of Chemistry II Credit(s): 3
CHEM 119 - Introductory Chemistry Lab Credit(s): 1
CHEM 211 - Organic Chemistry I Credit(s): 3 and CHEM 213 - Organic Chemistry II Credit(s): 3
or
CHEM 223 - Principles of Organic Chemistry I Credit(s): 3 and CHEM 224 - Principles of Organic Chemistry II Credit(s): 3
CHEM 216 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory Credit(s): 2
CHEM 302 - Biochemistry I Credit(s): 3 and CHEM 304 - Biochemistry II Credit(s): 3
CHEM 324 - Principles of Physical Chemistry Credit(s): 3
or
CHEM 320 - Physical Chemistry I Credit(s): 3 and CHEM 322 - Physical Chemistry II Credit(s): 3
BIOL 301 - Laboratory in Cell Biology Credit(s): 1 or CHEM 301 - Biochemistry Laboratory Credit(s): 2

Seven credits from among:

BIOL 203 - Principles of Ecology Credit(s): 3
BIOL 216 - Biology Second Year Laboratory Credit(s): 1
BIOL 223 - Genetics Laboratory Credit(s): 1
BIOL 301 - Laboratory in Cell Biology Credit(s): 1 (if not used to fill the lab requirement)
BIOL 304 - Biotechnology Credit(s): 3
BIOL 306 - Evolutionary Biology Credit(s): 3
BIOL 327 - Molecular Ecology Credit(s): 3
BIOL 330 - Immunology Credit(s): 4
BIOL 334 - Biology of Cancer Credit(s): 3
BIOL 342 - Parasitology Credit(s): 4
BIOL 346 - Biology of Invertebrates Credit(s): 4
BIOL 347 - Biology of Vertebrates Credit(s): 4
BIOL 348 - Plant Diversity Credit(s): 4
BIOL 349 - Principles of Microbiology Credit(s): 4
BIOL 350 - Foundations of Biostatistics Credit(s): 3 (cannot be used as an elective if it is selected as a Related Requirement option)
BIOL 354 - Developmental Biology Credit(s): 4
BIOL 361 - Plant Physiology Credit(s): 4
BIOL 364 - Animal Physiology Credit(s): 4
BIOL 391 - Electron Microscopy Credit(s): 2
BIOL 392 - Genome Analysis Credit(s): 2
BIOL 393 - Honors Thesis Credit(s): 3
BIOL 394 - Neurobiology Techniques Credit(s): 2
BIOL 399 - Directed Study Credit(s): As arranged
CHEM 301 - Biochemistry Laboratory Credit(s): 2 (if not used to fill the lab requirement)
CHEM 305 - Topics in Anticancer Therapeutic Biochemistry Credit(s): 3
CHEM 313 - Laboratory Techniques in Organic Chemistry Credit(s): 2
CHEM 315 - Bioorganic Chemistry Credit(s): 3
CHEM 318 - Advanced Organic Chemistry Credit(s): 3
CHEM 322 - Physical Chemistry II Credit(s): 3 (cannot be used as an elective if it is selected as a Basic Requirement option)
CHEM 329 - Topics in Physical Chemistry Credit(s): 3
CHEM 330 - Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Credit(s): 3
CHEM 331 - Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory Credit(s): 2
CHEM 334 - Bioinorganic Chemistry Credit(s): 3
CHEM 340 - Principles of Analytical Chemistry Credit(s): 3
CHEM 341 - Modern Analytical Methods Credit(s): 3
CHEM 342 - Analytical Chemistry Laboratory Credit(s): 2
CHEM 361 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory Credit(s): 2
CHEM 393 - Honors Research Credit(s): 4
CHEM 399 - Directed Study Credit(s): As arranged
Other courses from BCHM 393 , Physics, Math, or new or experimental courses may be used to meet this requirement, with prior approval from the Biochemistry Coordinator. No more than three elective credits shall be from 200-level electives without approval from the Biochemistry Coordinator. No more than three elective credits shall be from research or directed study without approval from the Biochemistry Coordinator.

Related Requirements: (19 Credits)

MATH 221 - Calculus I Credit(s): 4
MATH 222 - Calculus II Credit(s): 4 or MATH 228 - Calculus II for Biologists Credit(s): 4
PHYS 123 - Analytical Physics I Credit(s): 3
PHYS 114 - Physics I Lab Credit(s): 1
PHYS 125 - Analytical Physics II Credit(s): 3
PHYS 116 - Physics II Lab Credit(s): 1

One of the following: Tool Skill Courses

BIOL 350 - Foundations of Biostatistics Credit(s): 3
MATH 262 - Applied Statistics Credit(s): 3
PSYC 250 - Introduction to Behavioral Statistics Credit(s): 3

Minimum Competence Requirement

Students must attain a grade of C- or better in all required Chemistry and Biology courses before those courses can be used as prerequisites for another course.

Department Writing Requirement

The biochemistry writing requirement will be met by successful completion (grade of C- or better) in the Senior Biochemistry Seminar of which an integral part is the successful writing of a formal biochemistry review paper of 8-12 pages. The paper is retained by the department in which the student is advised.

Sample Course Map

For students who matriculated prior to Fall 2022: please select the bulletin year in which you entered the college (matriculated) at the top right of this page.

Curriculum Map

First Year
- Fall - 15 Credit Hours
  - BIOL 117 - General Biology - Cells, Genetics, Evolution Credit(s): 3
  - BIOL 118 - General Biology Laboratory I Credit(s): 1
  - CHEM 116 - Chemistry I Credit(s): 3
  - CHEM 119 - Introductory Chemistry Lab Credit(s): 1
  - WRTG 105 - Writing Seminar: (subtitle) Credit(s): 4
  - Global Society (DPP) Credit(s): 3
- Spring -15 Credit Hours
  - BIOL 119 - General Biology - Diversity, Physiology, Ecology Credit(s): 3
  - BIOL 120 - General Biology Laboratory II Credit(s): 1
  - CHEM 118 - Chemistry II Credit(s): 3 OR CHEM 204 - Principles of Chemistry II Credit(s): 3
  - CHEM 129 - Introduction to Laboratory Research in Chemistry Credit(s): 1
  - MATH 222 - Calculus II Credit(s): 4
  - Global Society (CAI) Credit(s): 3
Second Year
- Fall - 16 Credit Hours
  - BIOL 222 - Genetics Credit(s): 3
  - CHEM 211 - Organic Chemistry I Credit(s): 3
  - CHEM 216 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory Credit(s): 2
  - PHYS 123 - Analytical Physics I Credit(s): 3 and PHYS 114 - Physics I Lab Credit(s): 1
  - World Language (101) Credit(s): 4
- Spring - 17 Credit Hours
  - BIOL 300 - Cell Biology Credit(s): 3
  - CHEM 213 - Organic Chemistry II Credit(s): 3
  - PHYS 125 - Analytical Physics II Credit(s): 3 and PHYS 116 - Physics II Lab Credit(s): 1
  - Global Society (CGC) Credit(s): 3
  - World Language (102) Credit(s): 4
Third Year
- Fall - 14 Credit Hours
  - BIOL 301 - Laboratory in Cell Biology Credit(s): 1
  - CHEM 302 - Biochemistry I Credit(s): 3
  - Global Society (SST) Credit(s): 3
  - Global Society (WCV) Credit(s): 4
  - Global Society (DPP) Credit(s): 3
- Spring - 14 Credit Hours
  - CHEM 304 - Biochemistry II Credit(s): 3
  - CHEM 301 - Biochemistry Laboratory Credit(s): 2
  - BIOL 390 - Molecular Techniques Credit(s): 2
  - Electives Credit(s): 7
Fourth Year
- Fall - 14 Credit Hours
  - Biochemistry Elective Credit(s): 3
  - BIOL 385 - Senior Seminar in Biochemistry Credit(s): 1 OR CHEM 385 - Biochemistry Seminar Credit(s): 1
  - BIOL 322 - Molecular Biology Credit(s): 3
  - Integrative & Applied Learning Credit(s): 3
  - Electives Credit(s): 4
- Spring - 15 Credit Hours
  - CHEM 324 - Principles of Physical Chemistry Credit(s): 3
  - Electives Credit(s): 12

Total Credit Hours: 120

The biochemistry major can lead to a variety of professional and vocational pursuits, and career goals should be considered when selecting electives. Students should discuss choices with their advisors, who can suggest electives for a variety of options. A few examples follow.

Note: Variation in the order of courses is possible, depending upon prerequisites. Consult course information in the bulletin or your academic advisor to customize your eight semester plan.

KEY - Participation in a Global Society (PGS)

Attributes:

Sub Areas

Abbreviation	Definition
DPP	Diversity, Pluralism, Power
WCV	World Cultures & Values
CGC	Contemporary Global Challenges
CAI	Creativity & Innovation
SST	Sustainability

Learning Areas

Abbreviation	Definition
ARTS	Arts
HUMA	Humanities
SOSC	Social Science

Biochemistry, B.S.

Program Learning Outcomes

General Education Requirements (30-40 Credits)

Total Credits Required to Complete Major: 72

Basic Requirements: (53 Credits)

Seven credits from among:

Related Requirements: (19 Credits)

One of the following: Tool Skill Courses

Minimum Competence Requirement

Department Writing Requirement

Sample Course Map

Total Credit Hours: 120

Bioorganic Chemistry

Bioinorganic Chemistry

Cell and Molecular Biology

Environmental Biochemistry

Neurobiology

Pharmaceutical Chemistry

KEY - Participation in a Global Society (PGS)

Attributes: Sub Areas

Learning Areas

Attributes:

Sub Areas