Biochemistry

Mission

Chemistry and physics are fundamental sciences that touch every aspect of our lives and the world around us. Chemistry is the study of matter: its chemical and physical properties, the chemical and physical changes it undergoes, and the energy changes that accompany those processes. Chemistry often is referred to as the central science; it rests upon the foundation of mathematics and physics and in turn is the essential basis for the life sciences such as biology and medicine. Chemistry is largely an experimental science, and has applications in such diverse areas of research as the development of new drugs, the search for solutions to problems of environmental pollution, and the derivation of alternative energy sources. Much cutting-edge research in biology and medicine is being carried out at the level of atoms and molecules, the particles of matter upon which the study of chemistry is based.

Physics, too, is the study of matter and energy, viewed from a different perspective. To understand living systems and the universe in which we live requires an understanding of the chemical and physical principles that operate within them.

In addition to offering majors in chemistry, chemistry/secondary education, biochemistry and laboratory science, and minors in chemistry and biophysics, the department fills a significant role for students in other programs through its introductory courses in chemistry and physics. Because of the fundamental roles of chemistry and physics in the biological, environmental, and health sciences, students in these programs benefit from the conceptual, quantitative, problem-solving, and communication skills stressed in the introductory courses, which form the foundation for later courses in the students' majors.

Major Description

The bachelor of science degree in biochemistry, with its balanced curriculum, assures that each student will achieve a substantial foundation in the other major chemical subdisciplines, including analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and physical chemistry. This major is a good choice for students who are especially interested in studying the applications of chemistry in biological systems. With appropriate choice of courses, graduates will be prepared for entry into graduate programs in chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and many other fields that rely on chemistry as a fundamental science. Students wishing to enter the job market immediately after completion of their degree program have available to them a wide range of career opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Graduates will be especially well-prepared for entry-level positions in the rapidly growing biotechnology industry.

Curricular Requirements

	credits
CAS Core Requirements	42-43
	Credits
Program Required Courses
BIO 105 - Biology I (included in core requirements)	4
BIO 106 - Biology II	4
BIO 200 - Genetics or BIO 207 Organismal Genetics	5-4
BIO 370 - Cell and Molecular Biology	3
CHE 110 - General Chemistry I	4
CHE 111 - General Chemistry II	4
CHE 210 - Organic Chemistry I	5
CHE 211 - Organic Chemistry II	5
CHE 307 - Quantitative Analysis	5
CHE 327 - Applied Physical Chemistry*	3
CHE 350 - Biochemistry I: Proteins	5
CHE 351 - Biochemistry II: Metabolism and Bioenergetics	3
CHE 401 - Chemistry Seminar	1
MAT 190 - Calculus I (included in core requirements)	4
MAT 195 - Calculus II	4
PHY 210 - University Physics I**	4
PHY 211 - University Physics II**	4
* May substitute CHE 371 for CHE 327
** PHY 110 may be substituted for PHY 210 at advisor discretion
** PHY 111 may be substituted for PHY 211 at advisor discretion
Minimum Program Required Credits	58-59

	Credits
Flexible Program Required Courses Select a minimum of three courses below for a total of 9 credits, no more than 3 credits of which may be CHE 410 and CHE 411. At least one course from CHE 309, CHE 375. Consult with your academic advisor for approval of advanced CHE courses not listed below.
CHE 280 - Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry	3
CHE 309 - Introduction to Instrumental Analysis	4
CHE 320 - Mechanistic Organic Chemistry	3
CHE 380 - Inorganic Chemistry	3
CHE 375 - Advanced Laboratory	2
CHE 401 - Chemistry Seminar	1
CHE 405 - Medicinal Chemistry	3
CHE 410 - Research I	1-4
CHE 411 - Research II	1-4
CHE 420- Spectro Method Struct Analysis	3
Minimum Flexible Required Credits	9
Minimum Program Credits	67-68

Open elective credits (as needed to reach 120 credits)	variable
Minimum Required Total Credits	120

Academic and Technical Standards

A minimum grade of C- must be achieved in all required science and mathematics courses used toward graduation in biochemistry, and a 2.00 cumulative grade-point average in the sciences is a requirement for graduation.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to describe and apply advanced biochemical information and concepts.
Students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in safe and ethical laboratory practices and use of instrumentation standard to the discipline.
Students will be able to clearly communicate biochemical information in both oral and written forms.
Students will be able to work collaboratively in various team settings.
Students will be able to compete successfully for placement in graduate programs or employment relevant to the field of study.

Honors Program

We offer qualified students the option of participating in our Honors Program and graduating with Honors. This includes significant research, scholarship or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member.

Admissions

Preferred conditions for entry into the biochemistry major are completion of at least three years of high school mathematics and three years of high school science, including biology, chemistry and physics. See Undergraduate Admissions also.

Financial Information

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.