Biochemistry Major

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

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 experience in evaluation of chemical literature.
Understand the theoretical basis of fundamental laboratory analyses.
Perform quantitative and qualitative scientific analyses.
Use computers for chemical applications including technical writing, collecting and processing experiments, and database searching.
Prepare effective written scientific reports and/or oral presentations for professional audiences.
Learn to anticipate, recognize, and respond properly to hazards of chemical use, transport, storage, and disposal.
Work cooperatively in problem solving situations.
Be aware of multiple career pathways available.
Prepare an effective resume and cover letter.
Understand the benefits and problems of modern chemistry for 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 (34 credits)

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 150 - Chemistry Seminar I 1 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 250 - Chemistry Seminar II 1 Hour(s)
CHE 308 - Biochemistry 4 Hour(s)
CHE 308L - Biochemistry Laboratory 0 Hour(s)
CHE 401 - Advanced Chemical Analysis and Instrumentation 4 Hour(s)
CHE 401L - Advanced Chemical Analysis and Instrumentation Laboratory 0 Hour(s)
Choose two of the following physical chemistry courses for a total of four credits.
CHE 320 - Quantum Chemistry 2 Hour(s)
CHE 321 - Spectroscopic Analysis 2 Hour(s)
CHE 321L - Spectroscopic Analysis Laboratory 0 Hour(s)
CHE 322 - Chemical Kinetics 2 Hour(s)
CHE 322L - Chemical Kinetics Laboratory 0 Hour(s)
CHE 323 - Chemical Thermodynamics 2 Hour(s)
CHE 323L - Chemical Thermodynamics Laboratory 0 Hour(s)

Required Support Courses (12 credits)

MAT 160 - Calculus I 4 Hour(s)
MAT 160L - Calculus I - Laboratory 0 Hour(s)
AND one of the physics groupings
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 three 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