Biochemistry (BS)
The Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry
Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary science focused on chemical processes that occur in living systems. The mission of the Biochemistry undergraduate program is to prepare and inspire students for the discovery and dissemination of knowledge to the greater life sciences community through research and instruction. The faculty believe in a balance of interdependent formal classroom instruction with innovative laboratory training and experience in inquiry-based research methods. Classroom and lab training emphasize chemistry, physics, and biology of metabolism, molecular biology, macromolecular structure, function and synthesis. The ultimate goal is to infuse each student with sufficient breadth and depth of understanding that they are conversant in the rigors of life at the molecular level, and capable of contributing to a wide variety of future career paths that require detailed understanding of physical and chemical principles in living systems. Our program is accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Accelerated Bachelors/Masters programs in Biochemistry and Biochemistry/Biomanufacturing
Advanced, academically qualified undergraduate students have the opportunity to participate in the Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's (ABM) programs in Biochemistry or in Biochemistry & Biomanufacturing. These programs allow students to earn both the BS and the MS degrees in Biochemistry or the combined disciplines within five years.
For more information about Biochemistry, visit our program website
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours | Counts towards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orientation | |||
| BCH 103 | Introduction to Biochemistry 1 | 1 | |
| or ALS 103 | Freshman Transitions and Diversity in Agriculture & Life Sciences | ||
| or ALS 303 | Transfer Transitions and Diversity in Agriculture & Life Sciences | ||
| or LSC 103 | Exploring Opportunities in the Life Sciences | ||
| English & Advanced Writing | |||
| ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Research (C- or better) 1 | 4 | |
| ENG 331 | Communication for Engineering and Technology 1 | 3 | |
| or ENG 333 | Communication for Science and Research | ||
| Mathematical Science & Physics | |||
| Choose one of the following Math sequences: | 12 | ||
| Calculus I 1,2 | |||
| Calculus II 1,2 | |||
| Calculus III 1,2 | |||
OR | |||
| Calculus for Life and Management Sciences A 1,2 | |||
| Calculus for Life and Management Sciences B 1,2 | |||
| Introduction to Statistics 1,2 | |||
or ST 380 | |||
Advised Elective MA, ST or CSC 1,2,5 | |||
| PY 205 & PY 206 | Physics for Engineers and Scientists I and Physics for Engineers and Scientists I Laboratory 1,3 | 4 | |
| or PY 211 | College Physics I | ||
| PY 208 & PY 209 | Physics for Engineers and Scientists II and Physics for Engineers and Scientists II Laboratory 1,3 | 4 | |
| or PY 212 | College Physics II | ||
| Chemistry/Lab Analysis | |||
| CH 101 & CH 102 | Chemistry - A Molecular Science and General Chemistry Laboratory 1,8 | 4 | |
| CH 201 & CH 202 | Chemistry - A Quantitative Science and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory 1,8 | 4 | |
| CH 221 & CH 222 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Lab 1,8 | 4 | |
| CH 223 & CH 224 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Lab 1,8 | 4 | |
| Select one of the following Physical Chemistry sequences: | 6 | ||
| Introductory Physical Chemistry 1,7 | |||
or BCH 330 | Physical Biochemistry | ||
Sciences Advised Elective 1,7 | |||
OR | |||
| Physical Chemistry I and Physical Chemistry II 1,7 | |||
| Laboratory Analysis Elective 1,6 | 3 | ||
| Life Sciences | |||
| LSC 101 | Critical and Creative Thinking in the Life Sciences | 2 | |
| BIO 181 | Introductory Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity 1 | 4 | |
| BIO 183 | Introductory Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology 1 | 4 | |
| Advised Elective 1,4 | 3 | ||
| BCH 451 | Principles of Biochemistry 1 | 4 | |
| BCH 453 | Biochemistry of Gene Expression 1 | 3 | |
| or BCH 553 | Biochemistry of Gene Expression | ||
| BCH 455 | Proteins and Molecular Mechanisms 1 | 3 | |
| or BCH 555 | Proteins and Molecular Mechanisms | ||
| Biochemistry Laboratory Elective | 5-6 | ||
| Introductory Biochemistry Laboratory 1 | |||
| and one of the following: | |||
| Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory 1,6 | |||
| Honors Research or Teaching II 1 | |||
| External Learning Experience 1 | |||
| Special Problems in Biochemistry 1 | |||
| MB 351 | General Microbiology 1 | 3 | |
| MB 352 | General Microbiology Laboratory 1 | 1 | |
| or MB 354 | Inquiry-Guided Microbiology Lab | ||
| GN 311 | Principles of Genetics 1 | 4 | |
| Cell Biology/Physiology: Select one of the following: | 3 | ||
| Principles of Human Anatomy & Physiology (A): Nervous, Skeletal, Muscular, & Digestive Systems 1 | |||
| Principles of Human Anatomy & Physiology (B): Endocrine, Cardiovascular, Respiratory & Renal Systems 1 | |||
| Cell Biology 1 | |||
| Plant Physiology 1 | |||
| GEP Courses | |||
| GEP Humanities | 6 | ||
| GEP Social Sciences | 6 | ||
| GEP Health and Exercise Studies | 2 | ||
| GEP US Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | 3 | ||
| GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives | 3 | ||
| GEP Global Knowledge (verify requirement) | |||
| Foreign Language Proficiency (verify requirement) | |||
| Free Electives | |||
| Free Electives (12 Hr S/U Lmt) 2 | 8 | ||
| Total Hours | 120-121 | ||
- 1
A grade of C- or higher is required.
- 2
There are two sequences for mathematics: MA 131, MA 231, ST 311 [ST 380], and a math/ST/CSC elective OR MA 141, MA 241, and MA 242. The three semester sequence (MA 141,241 and 242) is a prerequisite for PY 205 and 208 and for CH 431 and 433 (CH 431/433 also requires MA 341). This sequence is recommended for those students who plan on graduate studies in Biophysics or a related specialty in Biochemistry, and is required for Biochemistry Honors Option 1. If a student elects to start with MA 141, the sequence of 241 and 242 should be taken. If a student elects to start with MA 131 and MA 231, the sequence of ST 311 [ST 380] and a math/ST/CSC elective should be taken. ST 311 or ST 380 is not a substitute for MA 242.
- 3
The calculus based physics sequence (PY 205 and 208) is recommended for those students who plan on graduate studies in Biophysics or a related specialty in Biochemistry; and is required for Biochemistry Honors Option 1. If a student chooses PY 205, PY 208 should be taken.
- 4
This course is an advised elective in the life sciences. BIO 240 or BIO 245 is recommended for those students who are interested in applying to the health related professions. This requirement can also be satisfied by an advised elective from upper level life science courses (life science course, 200 level or above; verify with advisor).
- 5
If a student has chosen the Math sequence of MA 131, MA 231, and ST 311, another course (200 level or above; verify with advisor) in computer science, mathematics or statistics must be chosen.
- 6
If BCH 454 is not selected as an option for the Biochemistry Laboratory elective it may be used as an option for the Laboratory Analysis elective.
- 7
The two semester Physical Chemistry course sequence (CH 431 and 433) is recommended for those students who plan on graduate studies in Biophysics or a related specialty in Biochemistry, and is required for Biochemistry Honors Option 1. If CH 431 is chosen, CH 433 must be taken. If CH 331 or BCH 330 is chosen, a student must choose an advised elective from upper level courses offered in the sciences, math or computer science (200 level or above; verify with advisor).
- 8
The corresponding courses for chemistry majors may be substituted (CH 103,104 for CH 101,102; CH 203,204 for CH 201,202; CH 225,226 for CH 221,222; CH 227,228 for CH 223,224).
Laboratory Analysis Elective
| Code | Title | Hours | Counts towards |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCH 454 | Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory | 4 | |
| BEC 463/563 | Fermentation of Recombinant Microorganisms | 2 | |
| BIT 463 | Fermentation of Recombinant Microorganisms | 2 | |
| BIT 464 | Protein Purification | 2 | |
| BIT 465 | Real-time PCR Techniques | 2 | |
| BIT 466 | Animal Cell Culture Techniques | 2 | |
| BIT 467 | PCR and DNA Fingerprinting | 2 | |
| BIT 471 | RNA Interference and Model Organisms | 2 | |
| BIT 473 | Protein Interactions | 2 | |
| BIT 474 | Plant Genetic Engineering | 2 | |
| BIT 476 | Applied Bioinformatics | 2 | |
| BIT 477 | Metagenomics | 2 | |
| BIT 479 | High-Throughput Discovery | 2 | |
| BIT 480 | Yeast Metabolic Engineering | 2 | |
| BIT 481 | Plant Tissue Culture and Transformation | 2 | |
| BIT 502 | Biotechnology Networking and Professional Development | 1 | |
| BIT 563 | Fermentation of Recombinant Microorganisms | 2 | |
| BIT 564 | Protein Purification | 2 | |
| BIT 565 | Real-time PCR Techniques | 2 | |
| BIT 566 | Animal Cell Culture Techniques | 2 | |
| BIT 567 | PCR and DNA Fingerprinting | 2 | |
| BIT 571 | RNA Interference and Model Organisms | 2 | |
| BIT 573 | Protein Interactions | 2 | |
| BIT 574 | Plant Genetic Engineering | 2 | |
| BIT 577 | Metagenomics | 2 | |
| BIT 579 | High-Throughput Discovery | 2 | |
| BIT 580 | Yeast Metabolic Engineering | 2 | |
| CH 315 | Quantitative Analysis | 3 | |
| CH 316 | Quantitative Analysis Laboratory | 1 | |
| CHE 463 | Fermentation of Recombinant Microorganisms | 2 | |
| CHE 563 | Fermentation of Recombinant Microorganisms | 2 | |
| PB 481 | Plant Tissue Culture and Transformation | 2 | |
| PO 466 | Animal Cell Culture Techniques | 2 | |
| PO 566 | Animal Cell Culture Techniques | 2 |
Semester Sequence
This is a sample.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| BCH 103 | Introduction to Biochemistry | 1 |
| BIO 181 | Introductory Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity 1 | 4 |
| CH 101 | Chemistry - A Molecular Science 1,8 | 3 |
| CH 102 | General Chemistry Laboratory 1,8 | 1 |
| GEP Health and Exercise Studies | 1 | |
| LSC 101 | Critical and Creative Thinking in the Life Sciences | 2 |
| MA 141 or MA 131 | Calculus I 1,2 or Calculus for Life and Management Sciences A | 3-4 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| BIO 183 | Introductory Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology 1 | 4 |
| CH 201 | Chemistry - A Quantitative Science 1,8 | 3 |
| CH 202 | Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory 1,8 | 1 |
| ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Research | 4 |
| MA 241 or MA 231 | Calculus II 1,2 or Calculus for Life and Management Sciences B | 3-4 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| CH 221 | Organic Chemistry I 1,8 | 3 |
| CH 222 | Organic Chemistry I Lab 1,8 | 1 |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| MA 242 or ST 311 or ST 380 | Calculus III 1,2 or Introduction to Statistics or | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| College Physics I 1,3 | ||
| Physics for Engineers and Scientists I and Physics for Engineers and Scientists I Laboratory 1,3 | ||
| Life Science Elective 1,4 | 3-4 | |
| GEP Health and Exercise Studies | 1 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| CH 223 | Organic Chemistry II 1,8 | 3 |
| CH 224 | Organic Chemistry II Lab 1,8 | 1 |
| MB 351 | General Microbiology 1 | 3 |
| MB 352 or MB 354 | General Microbiology Laboratory 1 or Inquiry-Guided Microbiology Lab | 1 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| College Physics II 1,3 | ||
| Physics for Engineers and Scientists II and Physics for Engineers and Scientists II Laboratory 1,3 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Computer Elective 1,5 | ||
Math Elective 1,5 | ||
Statistics Elective 1,5 | ||
Free Elective | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| BCH 451 | Principles of Biochemistry 1 | 4 |
| BCH 452 | Introductory Biochemistry Laboratory 1 | 2 |
| GN 311 | Principles of Genetics 1 | 4 |
| GEP Humanities | 3 | |
| GEP Social Sciences | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| BCH 453 | Biochemistry of Gene Expression 1 | 3 |
| Select one of the following: 1 | 3-4 | |
| Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory 1,6 | ||
| Research Elective (BCH 492, BCH 493, ALS 499) 1 | ||
| ENG 331 or ENG 333 | Communication for Engineering and Technology or Communication for Science and Research | 3 |
| GEP Social Sciences | 3 | |
| GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Cell Biology or Physiology Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Physical Chemistry I 1,7 or Introductory Physical Chemistry or Physical Biochemistry | ||
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| GEP Humanities | 6 | |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Physical Chemistry II 1,7 | ||
Advised Elective 1,7 | ||
| BCH 455 | Proteins and Molecular Mechanisms 1 | 3 |
| GEP US Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | 3 | |
| Lab Analysis 1,6 | 3-4 | |
| Free Elective | 2 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Total Hours | 121-122 | |
- 1
A grade of C- or higher is required.
- 2
There are two sequences for mathematics: MA 131, MA 231, ST 311 [ST 380], and a math/ST/CSC elective OR MA 141, MA 241, and MA 242. The three semester sequence (MA 141,241 and 242) is a prerequisite for PY 205 and 208 and for CH 431 and 433 (CH 431/433 also requires MA 341). This sequence is recommended for those students who plan on graduate studies in Biophysics or a related specialty in Biochemistry, and is required for Biochemistry Honors Option 1. If a student elects to start with MA 141, the sequence of 241 and 242 should be taken. If a student elects to start with MA 131 and MA 231, the sequence of ST 311 [ST 380] and a math/ST/CSC elective should be taken. ST 311 or ST 380 is not a substitute for MA 242.
- 3
The calculus based physics sequence (PY 205 and 208) is recommended for those students who plan on graduate studies in Biophysics or a related specialty in Biochemistry; and is required for Biochemistry Honors Option 1. If a student chooses PY 205, PY 208 should be taken.
- 4
This course is an advised elective in the life sciences. BIO 240 or BIO 245 is recommended for those students who are interested in applying to the health related professions. This requirement can also be satisfied by an advised elective from upper level life science courses (life science course, 200 level or above; verify with advisor).
- 5
If a student has chosen the Math sequence of MA 131, MA 231, and ST 311, another course (200 level or above; verify with advisor) in computer science, mathematics or statistics must be chosen.
- 6
If BCH 454 is not selected as an option for the Biochemistry Laboratory elective it may be used as an option for the Laboratory Analysis elective.
- 7
The two semester Physical Chemistry course sequence (CH 431 and 433) is recommended for those students who plan on graduate studies in Biophysics or a related specialty in Biochemistry, and is required for Biochemistry Honors Option 1. If CH 431 is chosen, CH 433 must be taken. If CH 331 or BCH 330 is chosen, a student must choose an advised elective from upper level courses offered in the sciences, math or computer science (200 level or above; verify with advisor).
- 8
The corresponding courses for chemistry majors may be substituted (CH 103,104 for CH 101,102; CH 203,204 for CH 201,202; CH 225,226 for CH 221,222; CH 227,228 for CH 223,224).
Career Opportunities
The Biochemistry program provides B.S. graduates with the scientific background and skills required for employment in biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, and genetics and for the health professions of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacology and related fields.
Career Titles
- Agricultural Engineer
- Agricultural Technician
- Agronomist
- Allergists and Immunologists
- Anesthesiologist (MD)
- Animal Scientist
- Biochemist
- Bioinformatics Scientists
- Biological Technician
- Biologist
- Biology Professor
- Biophysicist
- Chemical Engineer
- Chemical Technicians
- Chemist
- Chemistry Professor
- Conservation Scientist
- Criminalist
- Dairy Technologist
- Environmental Disease Analyst
- Environmental Research Analyst
- Environmental Science and Protection Technician
- Environmental Science Professor
- Environmental Technician
- Family Practitioner (MD)
- Food Science Technicians
- Food Technologist
- Forensic Science Technicians
- General Internists (MD)
- Geneticist
- Gynecologist (MD)
- Hazardous Waste Management Analyst
- High School Teacher
- Horticulturist
- Marine and Aquatic Biologist
- Microbiologist
- Middle School Teacher
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists
- Pathologist (MD)
- Perfumer
- Petroleum Laboratory Assistant
- Petroleum Technician
- Pharmacist
- Pharmacologist
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
- Plant Breeder
- Radiation Protection Engineer
- Sales Representative (Chemicals & Drugs)
- Sales Representative (Medical Equipment)
- Technical & Scientific Publications Editor
- Technical Publications Writer
- Toxicologist
- Wildlife Biologist
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