Biochemistry is the study of how molecules in organisms work and interact at a chemical and physical level. Biochemistry can be used to study the underpinnings of processes in a wide range of disciplines, including cell biology, developmental biology, and molecular biology. Biochemical and molecular developments have revolutionized biological research, fueling the explosive growth in the biotechnology industry and rapid increase of molecular medicine.
The Biochemistry Major provides a strong background for many science careers, incorporating the requirements for admission to medical, dental, and other health professional schools and to graduate schools in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, and related disciplines. Positions for biochemists at the BS, MS, and PhD levels are available in the biotechnology industries as well as in universities, medical schools, hospitals, government laboratories, research institutes, and public health institutions.
The Biochemistry, BS is accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, which recognizes excellent degree programs. Students may elect to take a degree certification exam.
This major is designed to be completed in 4 academic years. Specific course sequencing cannot be changed. If you are looking for a major that can be completed in fewer than 4 academic years, we offer a BS in Biological Sciences which is much more flexible in course sequencing. Occasionally a student bringing in transfer credit may have a different timeline; please see a Bio Advisor to discuss.
- Biochemistry BS Requirements
- All students within the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences must complete General Education Requirements. These courses provide breadth to your education beyond training in the Biological Sciences.
- All majors within the Department of Biological Sciences must also complete Co-requisite courses in Chemistry, Math, and Physics; these courses give you the scientific background to maximize your education within the Biological Sciences major.
- The major progress tracker below is a comprehensive list of the courses Biological Sciences majors must complete to obtain the B.S. degree. Review the BIOSC Courses webpage for available BIOSC electives. It is the student's responsibility to track their progress through the major and general education requirements.
- Sample Schedule
This is a sample schedule of how one could arrange a well-balanced curriculum for a major in Biochemistry. We recommend students enroll in no more than 6 - 8 credits of science/math each term. Also, make sure to balance all labs across several terms.
Please note: You should work with one of our Biological Sciences Advisors to create a plan suitable for you and your specific educational plans.
First Year Fall Semester First Year Spring Semester BIOSC 0150 Foundations of Biology 1 – 3 credits
CHEM 0110 General Chemistry 1 with lab – 4 credits
Gen ed – 3 credits
Gen ed – 3 credits
Gen ed – 3 credits
STEM credits = 7
Total credits = 16
BIOSC 0157 Foundations of Biology Research labs 1 & 2 – 2 credits
BIOSC 0160 Foundations of Biology 2 – 3 credits
CHEM 0120 General Chemistry 2 with lab – 4 credits
Gen ed – 3 credits
Gen ed – 3 credits
STEM credits = 9
Total credits = 15
Second Year Fall Semester Second Year Spring Semester BIOSC 0267 Intermediate Biology Research Laboratory – 2 credits
CHEM 0310 Organic Chemistry 1 – 3 credits
MATH 0220 Calculus 1 – 4 credits
Gen ed – 3 credits
Gen ed – 3 credits
STEM credits = 9
Total credits = 15
CHEM 0320 Organic Chemistry 2 – 3 credits
CHEM 0345 Organic Chemistry lab – 2 credits
MATH 0230 Calculus 2 – 4 credits
Gen ed – 3 credits
Gen ed – 3 credits
STEM credits = 9
Total credits = 15
Third Year Fall Semester Third Year Spring Semester BIOSC 1810 Macromolecular Structures – 3 credits (*Fall only*)
BIOSC 0350 Genetics – 3 credits
PHYS 0110/0174 Physics 1 – 3 credits
Gen ed – 3 credits
Gen ed – 3 credits
STEM credits = 9
Total credits = 15
BIOSC 1820 Metabolic Pathways – 3 credits (*Spring only*)
BIOSC 1830 Biochemistry Lab – 2 credits
PHYS 0111/0175 Physics 2 – 3 credits
Gen ed – 3 credits
Gen ed – 3 credits
Gen ed – 3 credits
STEM credits = 8, Total credits = 17
Fourth Year Fall Semester Fourth Year Fall Spring Semester BIOSC 1940 Molecular Biology – 3 credits
BIOSC elective 1 – 3 credits
BIOSC elective lab – 1 credit
Gen ed – 3 credits
Wildcard – 3 credits
Wildcard – 3 credits
STEM credits = 7
Total credits = 16
BIOSC 1470 Biophysical Chemistry – 3 credits (*Spring only*)
BIOSC elective 2 – 3 credits
BIOSC 1580 Biochemistry Seminar – 1 credit (*Spring only*)
BIOSC 1581 Biochemistry Writing Practicum – 1 credit (*Spring only*)
Wildcard – 3 credits
Wildcard – 3 credits
STEM credits = 8
Total credits = 14
- Careers
What Can I Do With a Biochemistry Major? Learn more from Career Center Website!
More information coming soon!