Biochemistry course catalog

2024-25 catalog

Advisors:

PATRICK CRAWFORD, Professor (Chemistry)
B.A., Hanover; Ph.D., Miami (Ohio)

PAMELA TROTTER, Professor, Robert W. Beart Chair in Chemistry
B.S., Pacific Lutheran; Ph.D., Harvard 

Biochemistry is ideal for the student interested in the chemistry of living things and the close examination of the molecules that carry out such functions as metabolism, movement, and gene expression. A degree in biochemistry prepares a student for many fields beyond biochemistry or biomedical sciences, as it is the core basis for many more applied fields such as biotechnology, molecular genetics, immunology, pharmacology, toxicology and forensic science. A biochemistry major is ideal preparation for graduate study in such applied fields.

The degree is also appropriate for students interested in health professions (i.e. medicine, dentistry), as well as students interested in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. A biochemistry background could also be useful for students interested in business, law, regulation, journalism or technical writing related to the molecular life sciences. The biochemistry major includes courses in chemistry, biology, mathematics and physics.

MAJOR IN BIOCHEMISTRY. 28 credits in CHEM beyond CHEM-132/235, including CHEM-255, CHEM-321, CHEM-322, CHEM-361, CHEM-441, CHEM-442, CHEM-471 and one Senior Inquiry chosen from CHEM-474, CHEM-475 or CHEM-476. 12 credits in BIOL, including BIOL-130, BIOL-250, and one biology elective. Required supporting courses: PHYS-151/152 or 211/212 and MATH-160, 220, and 230. Recommended supporting courses: CHEM-181, CHEM-365, CHEM-455, CHEM 435, COMP 211 and COMP-212.

Biology Electives for BCHM Major on Semesters

343 Microbiology

360 Comparative Physiology

362 Human Physiology

373 Developmental Biology

375 Molecular Biology

392 Cancer Biology

348 Cell signaling and Regulation

371 Introduction to Biomolecular Research

Grade Point Average Notation: All courses listed in the catalog as required courses for any major and/or minor, including those courses outside of the department or with a different subject coding, are considered part of the major and will count in the grade point average. Recommended supporting courses that are optional and not required may also count in the major depending on the program. For more information see your department chair or the degree requirements for Bachelor of Arts and information on Majors/Minors.