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Biochemistry Major (BCHE)

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Required: 122 semester hours, to include at least 36 hours at or above the 300 course level

AOS Code: U860

The Biochemistry Major (B.S.) is designed to prepare students for graduate training in the biochemical sciences, medicine, and other health professions, or for employment in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. Students who complete the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry will meet all or most of the academic requirements for admission to medical, dental, veterinary, or pharmacy schools.

The curriculum involves a solid foundation of Chemistry and Biology courses, along with core and advanced elective courses in Biochemistry. Undergraduate research is encouraged, and students may collaborate with participating faculty from a variety of departments (Chemistry, Biology, Nutrition, Physics, and Exercise and Sport Science).

This program follows the biochemistry curriculum recommendations of the American Society of Biochemists and Molecular Biologists.

Requirements

I General Education Core Requirements (GEC)

See complete GEC requirements and approved course listings for all categories.

Core Category

S.H.

Students may select courses for:

 

Literature (GLT)

3

Fine Arts (GFA)

3

Philosophical, Religious, Ethical Principles (GPR)

3

Historical Perspectives on Western Culture (GHP)

3

Reasoning and Discourse (GRD)
ENG 101 or FMS 115 or RCO 101, and one additional GRD course

6

Social and Behavioral Sciences (GSB)

6
 

 

Department specifies courses for:

 

Mathematics (GMT)
required: MAT 191

3

Natural Sciences (GNS)
required: CHE 111 and 112, and PHY 211 or 291

7

 

II General Education Marker Requirements

See details and courses. It is possible to meet all GE Marker Requirements while completing the GE Core requirements or courses required by the major/ concentration.

Students may select courses for:

Global/Global Non-Western Perspectives (GL/GN)
four (4) courses carrying GL/GN markers, at least one of which must carry the GN marker

One Speaking Intensive (SI) Course
In addition to this SI Marker requirement, students must also complete a second SI course within the major. All programs have identified at least one course among their major requirements that is taught as Speaking Intensive.

One Writing Intensive (WI) Course
In addition to this WI Marker requirement, students must also complete a second WI course within the major. All programs have identified at least one course among their major requirements that is taught as Writing Intensive.

 

III College of Arts and Sciences Additional Requirements (CAR)

See requirements and approved courses.

Category

S.H.

Historical Perspectives on Western Culture
either a GHP/GPM or GMO course

3

Humanities and Fine Arts
one additional Literature (GLT) course

3

Natural Sciences
required: BIO 111

3–4

Social and Behavioral Sciences (GSB)
one additional GSB course

3

Foreign Language (GFL)
intermediate-level proficiency in one language, demonstrated by placement test, or completion of course work through course number 204

0–12

Writing Intensive Courses (WI)
a total of four WI courses

 

 

IV Major Requirements

CHE 111*, 112*, 114, 115, 242, 331, 333, 351, 352, 354, 372, 401 (audit), 402, 406, 463, 556, 557, 558

Only major requirement and related area requirement courses in which grades of C- or better are earned will be counted toward the major. Students must earn a C- or better in prerequisite major requirement and related area requirement courses before advancing to subsequent courses.

V Related Area Requirements

  1. MAT 191*, 292
  2. BIO 111 and 112, and either BIO 392, 393 (lab), or BIO 355, 356 (lab)
  3. PHY 211*, 212 or 291*, 292
  4. Advanced Biochemistry Elective or Independent Study (3–4 s.h.)
    CHE 570B or BIO 494, or one of the following independent study courses: CHE 491, 492; BIO 499; ESS 475; NTR 427; PHY 495
  5. Advanced Biological Science Elective (3–4 s.h.)
    one or more of the following: BIO 277, 424, 464, 477, 479, 481, 494 strongly recommended (if not used as Advanced Biochemistry elective), 578, 583, 584, 595, 596; PHY 543

Only major requirement and related area requirement courses in which grades of C- or better are earned will be counted toward the major. Students must earn a C- or better in prerequisite major requirement and related area requirement courses before advancing to subsequent courses.

*MAT 191 satisfies GMT; CHE 111, 112 and PHY 211 or 291 satisfy GNS.

VI Electives

Electives should be sufficient to complete the 122 semester hours required for the degree. Additional advanced courses in Chemistry and Biology are recommended. CST 105, which fulfills the GRD requirement, is recommended.