NEW! Biochemistry B.S. degree concentrations! Concentrations may be declared on a Change of Major form obtained from the Biochemistry Department, MRB 316.

Biochemistry is fundamental and essential to the life sciences, especially the health professions, and is one of the frontier areas for the physical sciences and engineering.

As a discipline, biochemistry and molecular biology evolved from the application of the principles of organic and physical chemistry to the characterization of the metabolites and macromolecules that are found throughout the biological world. This approach has led to an understanding of the structural components of cells, of metabolic and regulatory processes, of the mechanism of enzymatic catalysis, and energy transduction and of the molecular events associated with gene expression and cellular replication.

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has developed faculty expertise and the supporting resource facilities to instruct students in three major areas of biochemistry and molecular biology: the structure and function of macromolecules, cellular biochemistry, and molecular gene expression. Such training develops the skills necessary to pursue careers in biological and biomedical research or in biotechnology.

The undergraduate major provides students with a strong background in the biological, physical and mathematical sciences. Depending on the particular career and other academic objectives for each student, the department offers three different concentrations in Biochemistry:

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with the General Degree concentration
(click here for degree requirements).

The general degree is identical to the previous BS in Biochemistry and is composed of the “Biochemistry core”, which is 24 credits of primarily upper division (22/24 credits are 400 level) coursework, along with a total of 10 “bioscience elective” credits selected from a list provided by the department. This option allows the student to choose the bioscience electives that best fit with their interests. It also provides the student 13“free elective” credits, which they can use to pursue a minor, a double major, and/or other academic interests. Thus, this concentration is designed to provide a broad education in biochemistry and can be tailored to meet the individual needs of specific students. The general degree is recommended for students considering teaching and/or research as a career.

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a Health and Medical Sciences concentration
(click here for degree requirements).

This concentration augments the extensive Biochemistry core with additional coursework in anatomy and physiology, the biochemistry of disease, and medical internship by requiring an additional 14-15 credits of concentration-specific coursework. This option leaves a total of 8-9 free electives. The Medical and Health Sciences concentration is geared toward students interested in medical, veterinary or dentistry careers.

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a Pre-Pharmacy concentration
(click here for degree requirements).

This concentration augments the extensive Biochemistry core with additional coursework in physiology, microbiology, immunology, and public speaking, by requiring an additional 21 credits of concentration-specific coursework leaving a total of 5 free electives. This concentration fulfils the prerequisite courses for admission to most pharmacy schools. It is also an appropriate concentration for a career as a medical technician.

Detailed descriptions of Biochemistry degree requirements:

Biochemistry majors are now required to take either BC499A or BC499B:

BC499A Research-based Thesis Guidelines and forms (pdf)
BC499B Literature-based Thesis Guidelines and forms (pdf) Revised Fall 2011

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Undergraduate Resource Room (computers) MRB 103

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Reading Room MRB 312

Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Summer Program