Biochemistry (BA/BS)

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers majors in chemistry and biochemistry. Biochemistry majors complete an integrated, rigorous program that includes foundational course work in chemistry and biochemistry and additional course work in related fields. Undergraduate majors benefit from taking graduate courses in synthetic modeling, physical chemistry, materials, computational chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and modern instrumental techniques.

The American Chemistry Society-certified degree emphasizes laboratory experience and the development of professional skills. A unique strength of the department is the opportunity for undergraduates to participate in the activities of a dynamic research group that considers problems extending well beyond textbook instruction.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Coursework: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts in the basic areas of the discipline (organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, and biochemical). Students will demonstrate a firm foundation in the conceptual, quantitative, and computational thinking that underlies the theories and models that form the basis for reasoning about molecular systems. Students will be able to connect this theoretical understanding to the experimental methods used to test those theories and models. Students will also have opportunities to obtain in-depth knowledge in multiple areas of the discipline. The foundational and in-depth coursework will be aligned with the most recent American Chemical Society Guidelines for Chemistry Programs (https://www.acs.org/education/policies/acs-approval-program.html).
• Instructional Laboratory: Students will demonstrate proficiency in laboratory techniques and the use of modern instrumentation. Students will be able to carry out experiments in the laboratory, accurately record data and observations, and be able to analyze the results of experiments. Students will be able to handle, synthesize, purify, and characterize new and existing substances. This includes knowing the proper procedures and regulations for the safe handling, use and disposal of chemicals.
• Research: Students will employ critical thinking and the scientific method to design, carry out, record, analyze and communicate the results of chemical/biochemical experiments. This includes the ability to identify, or create an appropriate model, formulate a hypothesis, choose an appropriate set of tools and techniques, and design an experiment that tests the hypothesis and analyze the results from that experiment drawing sound scientific conclusions from the results obtained. Students must be able to locate, identify and critically evaluate the chemical/biochemical literature.
• Communication: Students will demonstrate effective scientific communication skills, both orally and in writing, to a range of audience levels and for a variety of purposes. Students will understand how scientific information is shared between peers in modern science, including responsible conduct for acknowledging prior and current contributions.
• Professional Skills: Students will develop the interpersonal skills to function cooperatively in a team setting. Students will successfully pursue their career objectives in advanced education in professional and/or graduate schools, in a scientific career in government or industry, in a teaching career in the school systems, or in a related career following graduation
• Ethics: Students will be able to understand and apply ethics and values to all professional activities. Students will demonstrate an awareness of the benefits and impacts of chemistry related to the environment, society, and other disciplines outside the scientific community. Students will be prepared to contribute solutions to society's challenges at the intersection of science and society.

Courses taken to satisfy major requirements must be passed with grades of C– or better. Variations in courses and order may be worked out in consultation with an advisor.

Students who plan to attend graduate school should include research in their advanced work. If chemical research is included as part of the advanced work, at least 6 credits of CH 401 Research: [Topic] must be completed. Students who plan to apply to medical schools should investigate the need for a physics laboratory course that is not included in this curriculum.

Biochemistry Major Requirements

Other Advanced Electives

Honors Program

The criteria used for the selection of students who graduate with departmental honors in chemistry or biochemistry are as follows:

1. Grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.50 in all graded courses
2. Suitable accomplishment in undergraduate chemical or related research. Specifically, the student must pursue a research problem for one academic year or longer and be recommended as worthy of honors by the faculty supervisor. Positive accomplishment and publishable results are expected but not required
3. Endorsement for a major with honors by a member of the university faculty
4. Completion of all course requirements for the BS degree in chemistry (waivers or substitutions allowed with approval)

Four-Year Degree Plan

The degree plan shown is only a sample of how students may complete their degrees in four years. There are alternative ways. Students should consult their advisor to determine the best path for them.

Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry