Biochemistry Major

Gretchen M. Adams	Assistant Professor
Christopher Kadrich	Chemistry Lab Coordinator/Chemical Safety Officer
Tanya Katzman	Assistant Professor
Kevin McMahon	Chair of Department of Computational & Physical Sciences Associate Professor
Joseph J. Piatt	Chair of Department of Life Sciences Professor
Michael D. Schuder	Professor
Erin L. Taylor	Assistant Professor
Gail M. Vojta	Assistant Professor

The Biochemistry Program is approved by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society. This approval means that the program has the faculty, curriculum and instrumentation necessary to provide a quality education for undergraduate students.

Learning Outcomes for Biochemistry

Upon successful completion of the biochemistry major, students will:

Understand the basic definitions, concepts and relationships of chemistry.
Develop advanced skills in evaluating library searches for primary literature.
Understand fundamental laboratory analyses and safety protocols.
Perform quantitative and qualitative scientific analyses.
Understand the basic theory and use of modern instrumentation.
Use computers for chemical applications including technical writing, modeling, data collecting and processing, and database searching.
Prepare effective written scientific reports and oral presentations for professional audiences.
Work cooperatively in problem solving situations.
Understand the benefits and problems of modern chemistry for our society.

Recognizing the individuality of students and that chemistry can be a strong preparation for a variety of careers, the program offers two majors, chemistry and biochemistry, each with multiple emphases. Each of these majors offers courses in the basic areas of inorganic, organic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry, and can be supplemented by special opportunities such as industrial internships and independent research. Modern scientific instrumentation is available and incorporated into all courses of the curriculum. Students are encouraged to consult with chemistry and biochemistry faculty about the various emphases and opportunities associated with each. Students must complete core courses, required support courses and the requirements for the emphasis.

Core Courses

CHE 109 - Principles of Chemistry I 4 Hour(s)
CHE 109L - Principles of Chemistry I Laboratory 0 Hour(s)
CHE 110 - Principles of Chemistry II 4 Hour(s)
CHE 110L - Principles of Chemistry II - Laboratory 0 Hour(s)
CHE 201 - Analytical Chemistry 4 Hour(s)
CHE 201L - Analytical Chemistry Laboratory 0 Hour(s)
CHE 203 - Organic Chemistry I 4 Hour(s)
CHE 203L - Organic Chemistry I Laboratory 0 Hour(s)
CHE 204 - Organic Chemistry II 4 Hour(s)
CHE 204L - Organic Chemistry II Laboratory 0 Hour(s)
CHE 301 - Capstone - Modern Chemistry I 2 Hour(s)
CHE 308 - Biochemistry I 4 Hour(s)
CHE 308L - Biochemistry I Laboratory 0 Hour(s)
CHE 309 - Biochemistry II 4 Hour(s)
CHE 401 - Advanced Chemical Analysis and Instrumentation 4 Hour(s)
CHE 401L - Advanced Chemical Analysis and Instrumentation Laboratory 0 Hour(s)
CHE 402 - Capstone - Modern Chemistry 2 Hour(s)
CHE 402L - Capstone - Modern Chemistry Laboratory 0 Hour(s)

Required Support Courses

BIO 120 - General Biology I 4 Hour(s)
BIO 120L - General Biology I Laboratory 0 Hour(s)
BIO 125 - General Biology II 4 Hour(s)
BIO 125L - General Biology II Laboratory 0 Hour(s)
BIO 220 - Genetics 4 Hour(s)
BIO 220L - Genetics Laboratory 0 Hour(s)
MAT 160 - Calculus I 4 Hour(s)
MAT 160L - Calculus I - Laboratory 0 Hour(s)
PHY 101 - Introductory Physics I 4 Hour(s)
PHY 101L - Introductory Physics Laboratory 0 Hour(s)
PHY 102 - Introductory Physics II 4 Hour(s)
PHY 102L - Introductory Physics Laboratory 0 Hour(s) or
PHY 203 - General Physics I 4 Hour(s)
PHY 203L - General Physics I Laboratory 0 Hour(s)
PHY 204 - General Physics II 4 Hour(s)
PHY 204L - General Physics II Laboratory 0 Hour(s)

Choose one of the two emphases below:

Students must complete all core requirements and one of the emphases below.

Bachelor of Science Requirements

CMP 112 - Computational Thinking I 4 Hour(s)
CMP 114 - Computational Thinking II - Statistical Analysis Emphasis 4 Hour(s) or
MAT 140 - Calculus and Its Applications 4 Hour(s) or higher
CSC 110 - Problem Solving through Programming 4 Hour(s) or higher
ENG 170 - Writing Seminar 4 Hour(s)
Degree requirements cannot be waived.

Note:

Each major may have specific course sequencing requirements. For specific requirements, see “Required Support Courses” within each major