Biochemistry Major

Biochemistry

This is a combined major at the interface of biology and chemistry which partially overlaps the requirements for those two individual majors. It is particularly appropriate for those going on to graduate work and also provides a strong background for those entering medical, dental and veterinary school.

Learning Outcomes

Students completing a major in Biochemistry should demonstrate the ability to:

1. Be able to apply knowledge of chemistry and biology to solve biochemical problems.
2. Possess a breadth of knowledge in organic, physical, and biochemistry, as well as genetics, molecular biology and cellular biology.
3. Be able to identify, formulate and solve complex biochemical problems.
4. Read and understand original research.
5. Be able to design and conduct experiments.
6. Have a mastery of techniques and skills.
7. Be able to communicate results and findings.

Advisor: A. Leconte

Major Requirements

The major in Biochemistry requires the completion of coursework listed below and a senior thesis. 

Required Courses

• BIOL 043L KS -Introductory Biology  , or BIOL 042L KS -Integrated Biology & Chemistry  and either BIOL 044L KS -Introductory Biology  or BIOL 143 KS -Genetics ; BIOL 157L KS -Cell Biology  , BIOL 170L KS -Molecular Biology  , BIOL 177 KS -Biochemistry .
• CHEM 014L KS -Basic Principles of Chemistry  and CHEM 015L KS -Basic Principles of Chemistry  , or CHEM 042L KS -Integrated Biology & Chemistry  ( or CHEM 029L KS -Accelerated General Chemistry  ),  CHEM 116L KS -Organic Chemistry  , CHEM 117L KS -Organic Chemistry  , CHEM 121 KS -Ppls Phys Chem: Thermochemistry  , CHEM 122 KS -Ppls Phys Chem: Quantum Chem  , and any two of the following three Advanced Laboratory courses:CHEM 125L KS -Advanced Lab in Biochemistry   , CHEM 126L KS -Advanced Laboratory in Chemistry  , CHEM 127L KS -Advanced Laboratory in Chemistry  .
• PHYS 030L KS -General Physics Life Sciences I  , PHYS 031L KS -General Physics Life Sciences II  (or PHYS 033L KS -Principles of Physics I  , PHYS 034L KS -Principles of Physics II  ).
• MATH 030 PZ -Calculus I  , MATH 031 PZ -Calculus II  .
• Senior Thesis BIOL 191 KS -One-Semester Thesis in Biology  or BIOL 188L KS -Sr Thesis Rsrch Project in Biol  and BIOL 190L KS -Sr Thes Rsrch Proj Biol-2nd Sem  or BIOL 189L KS -Sr Thes Summer Rsrch Proj in Bio  and BIOL 190L KS -Sr Thes Rsrch Proj Biol-2nd Sem  .