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Undergraduate Concentrations

Biochemistry B.S. degree concentrations: Concentrations may be declared on a Change of Major form obtained from the Biochemistry Main Office, MRB 111. Please email CNS_BMB@colostate.edu for more information.

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 ASBMB concentration
(click here for degree requirements).

The ASBMB concentration 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.

What is ASBMB?

ASBMB stands for “American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” which is an organization consisting of 11,000+ biochemist and molecular biologists at every level of education and levels within the workforce. This would include undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty members, staff members, bench scientists, research associates, and so much more. Go to this site for more information: ASBMB homepage

What does ASBMB have to do with Biochemistry at CSU?

The department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) is currently an ASBMB accredited program. We are one of two accredited programs in the state of Colorado and one of 101 programs nation-wide.

Why should I care about ASBMB accreditation?

As an undergraduate student in an ASBMB accredited program you have several opportunities that are afforded to you. First, as a member of an ASBMB accredited department you can compete for traveling funds to the “Discover BMB” conference that is held annually in the spring. Each fall look for an email announcement, as well as announcements on our TV screens for how to apply for these funds.

Second, as a member of an ASBMB accredited department you can participate in the certification exam. This exam will be offered each spring to seniors that are graduating either that spring or the following fall. Students passing the exam will be recognized by ASBMB and be able to put this certification on their CV. For more information about the exam see the following website: ASBMB certification exam

Finally, as a member of an ASBMB accredited department you can participate in the student chapter of ASBMB. This student chapter allows you to receive additional travel funds, compete for exclusive awards and scholarships, among other things. For more information see this website: ASBMB student chapter.

**New Concentration**
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a Data Science Concentration
(click here for degree requirements).

The Data Science concentration in Biochemistry builds on the general biochemistry core set of courses (24 credits of primarily upper division courses) and includes 21 data science specific course credits. This option gives the student 3 “free elective” credits which they can use to complete data science elective, bioscience elective of second semester physics courses. Thus, this concentration is designed to provide a solid background in biochemistry, molecular genetics and cell biology and augmented with computer science, mathematics and statistics. The data science concentration is recommended for students interested in a career in life science data analysis. Students who graduate from this concentration obtain the skills necessary for organizing, analyzing and communicate the meaning of massive data sets.

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 fulfills 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:

Checksheet for All Biochemistry Concentrations

BMB Major Checksheet

Sample Curriculum for Concentration

ASBMB Concentration
Data Science Concentration
Health and Medical Science Concentration
Pre-Pharmacy Concentration

Minor Requirements
Biochemistry Minor Requirements
Molecular Biology Interdisciplinary Minor

BS/MS Information
Accelerated Master’s Degree Program (AMP)

Biochemistry majors are required to take either BC499A or BC499B-E:
BC499A Guidelines – Sample Spring 2022
BC499 Guidelines BCD

Mentored Research/Independent Study Information
BC475/BC495 Mentored Research/Independent Study Agreement Form (pdf)
Report Outline for Research/Independent Study Courses
BC 484 Supervised College Teaching Form

Internship form BC487
BC 487 Internship Form and directions

Resources for Current Students
Biochemistry Club Student Association
Online Coursework (Canvas)

Other Related Programs
Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Summer Program