This is an unofficial description for this program. For official information check the Academic Catalog.
A minor is not required with this major.
The BS program in biochemistry provides a strong foundation in both molecular biology and chemistry and is based on faculty, facilities, and research resources in both the Department of Biomolecular Sciences and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. In addition to in-class laboratory instruction, this interdepartmental program emphasizes independent student research carried out under the guidance of a faculty member from either department. This program is designed to prepare students for careers or advanced study in molecular biology, biochemistry, or health-related fields.
BS in Biochemistry (American Chemical Society Certified)
Biochemistry Core Requirements
BMS 102 Introduction to Biomolecular Science 3 Credits
BMS 103 Introduction to Biomolecular Science Laboratory 1 Credit
BMS 190 Friday Seminar in Biomolecular Sciences I 0.5 Credits
BMS 201 Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology 4 Credits
BMS 290 Friday Seminar in Biomolecular Sciences II 0.5 Credits
CHEM 161 General Chemistry 3 Credits
CHEM 162 General Chemistry Laboratory 1 Credit
CHEM 200 Foundations of Analytical Chemistry 3 Credits
CHEM 201 Foundations of Analytical Chemistry Laboratory 1 Credit
CHEM 210 Organic Chemistry I - Foundations 3 Credits
CHEM 211 Organic Chemistry I Laboratory - Foundations 1 Credit
CHEM 212 Organic Synthesis 3 Credits
CHEM 213 Organic Chemistry II Laboratory - Synthesis 1 Credit
CHEM 260 Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry 3 Credits
CHEM 316 Spectrometric Identification of Organic Compounds 3 Credits
CHEM 320 Biophysical Chemistry 3 Credits
Total Credit Hours: 36 Credits
Biochemistry Core plus an additional 8 credits in Chemistry
Directed Electives
One course chosen from:
Total Credit Hours: 4 Credits
Research Requirements
CHEM 238: BMS 390 may be substituted
CHEM 438: BMS 491 may be substituted
Total Credit Hours: 2 Credits
Capstone Courses
Total Credit Hours: 7 Credits
Related Requirements
Students must also maintain a student portfolio (see below). These related requirement courses may also be counted to fulfill appropriate portions of the student's general education program.
No minor is required for this major.
Total Credit Hours: 16 Credits
Portfolio Requirement
The portfolio requirement will be formally introduced to students during the BMS 190 and BMS 290 introductory courses. Minimally, the student portfolio must include a current resume, a current Student Graduation Evaluation or transcript, a planned program of academic study, a narrative describing the student's goals for undergraduate education and graduate educational or career plans, abstracts of all completed independent study projects, and writing samples from CHEM 432. To fulfill the portfolio requirement, the student portfolio must be reviewed with one or more faculty members:
As a course requirement in BMS 190 and BMS 290;
As a required component of independent student research projects; and
Prior to graduation, as evidenced by submission of a Portfolio Requirement Completed form to the chair of the Department of Chemistry.
500-Level Course Options
Undergraduate students who use the form, Enrollment in 500 Level Courses by Undergraduates, and who have at least 90 credits and a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher may (with the approval of the advisor, instructor, appropriate department chair and dean, School of Graduate Studies, and with appropriate prerequisites) substitute either of the following 500-level BMS courses for BMS courses listed in the directed elective portion of the major program, and the following CHEM course in place of one of the 400-level CHEM courses listed in the directed elective portion of the major program:
Total Credit Hours: 57
Major in Biochemistry, BS (Non-teaching)
Biochemistry Core Requirements
BMS 102 Introduction to Biomolecular Science 3 Credits
BMS 103 Introduction to Biomolecular Science Laboratory 1 Credit
BMS 190 Friday Seminar in Biomolecular Sciences I 0.5 Credits
BMS 201 Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology 4 Credits
BMS 290 Friday Seminar in Biomolecular Sciences II 0.5 Credits
CHEM 161 General Chemistry 3 Credits
CHEM 162 General Chemistry Laboratory 1 Credit
CHEM 200 Foundations of Analytical Chemistry 3 Credits
CHEM 201 Foundations of Analytical Chemistry Laboratory 1 Credit
CHEM 210 Organic Chemistry I - Foundations 3 Credits
CHEM 211 Organic Chemistry I Laboratory - Foundations 1 Credit
CHEM 212 Organic Synthesis 3 Credits
CHEM 213 Organic Chemistry II Laboratory - Synthesis 1 Credit
CHEM 260 Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry 3 Credits
CHEM 316 Spectrometric Identification of Organic Compounds 3 Credits
CHEM 320 Biophysical Chemistry 3 Credits
Total Credit Hours: 36 Credits
Directed Electives
One course chosen from:
Total Credit Hours: 10-12 Credits
and 6-8 additional credits chosen from the 300-level BMS courses listed above or from the following:
Research Requirements
Two credits of research chosen from any of BMS 390, BMS 491, CHEM 238, or CHEM 438 (although a two-semester sequence of BMS 390 and BMS 491, or CHEM 238 and CHEM 438 is strongly encouraged). BMS 391 (Internship in biomolecular sciences, 1-3 credits) may be used as a substitution for part or all of the independent research requirement.
Capstone Courses
Total Credit Hours: 7 Credits
and one of the following courses:
Related Requirements
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PHYS 121 General Physics I 4 Credits
or
PHYS 125 University Physics I 4 Credits
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PHYS 122 General Physics II 4 Credits
or
Students must also maintain a student portfolio (see below). These related requirement courses may also be counted to fulfill appropriate portions of the student's general education program. No minor is required for this major.
Total Credit Hours: 12 Credits
Portfolio Requirement
The portfolio requirement will be formally introduced to students during the BMS 190 and 290 introductory courses. Minimally, the student portfolio must include a current resume, a current Student Graduation Evaluation or trancript, a planned program of academic study, a narrative describing the student's goals for undergraduate education and graduate educational or career plans, abstracts of all completed independent study projects, and writing samples from CHEM 432. To fulfill the portfolio requirement, the student portfolio must be reviewed with one or more faculty members:
As a course requirement in BMS 190 and BMS 290;
As a required component of independent student research projects; and
Prior to graduation, as evidenced by submission of a Portfolio Requirement Completed form to the chair of the Department of Biomolecular Sciences or Chemistry.
500-Level Course Options
Undergraduate students who use the form, Enrollment in 500 Level Courses by Undergraduates, and who have at least 90 credits and a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher may (with the approval of the advisor, instructor, appropriate department chair and dean, School of Graduate Studies, and with appropriate prerequisites) substitute either of the following 500-level BMS courses for BMS courses listed in the directed elective portion of the major program, and the following CHEM course in place of one of the 400-level CHEM courses listed in the directed elective portion of the major program:
Total Credit Hours: 55-57