Major in Biochemistry, BS

The BS program in biochemistry provides a strong foundation in both molecular biology and chemistry and is based on faculty, facilities, and research resources in both the Department of Biomolecular Sciences and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. In addition to in-class laboratory instruction, this interdepartmental program emphasizes independent student research carried out under the guidance of a faculty member from either department. This program is designed to prepare students for careers or advanced study in molecular biology, biochemistry, or health-related fields.

Major in Biochemistry, BS (Non-teaching, 55-57 credits)

Biochemistry Core Requirements (36 credits)
 

Directed Electives (10-12 credits)

One course chosen from:

and 6-8 additional credits chosen from the 300-level BMS courses listed above or from the following:

Research Requirements (2 credits)
 

Two credits of research chosen from any of BMS 390, 491, CHEM 238, or 438 (although a two-semester sequence of BMS 390 and 491, or CHEM 238 and 438 is strongly encouraged). BMS 391 (Internship in biomolecular sciences, 1-3 credits) may be used as a substitution for part or all of the independent research requirement.

Capstone Courses (7 credits)
 

and one of the following courses:

Related Requirements (12 credits)
 

Students must also maintain a student portfolio (see below). These related requirement courses may also be counted to fulfill appropriate portions of the student's general education program. No minor is required for this major.

Portfolio Requirement

The portfolio requirement will be formally introduced to students during the BMS 190 and 290 introductory courses. Minimally, the student portfolio must include a current resume, a current Student Graduation Evaluation or transcript, a planned program of academic study, a narrative describing the student's goals for undergraduate education and graduate education or career plans, abstracts of all completed independent study projects, and writing samples from CHEM 432. To fulfill the portfolio requirement, the student portfolio must be reviewed with one or more faculty members:

As a course requirement in BMS 190 and 290;

As a required component of independent student research projects; and

Prior to graduation, as evidenced by submission of a Portfolio Requirement Completed form to the chair of the Department of Biomolecular Sciences or Chemistry.
 

500-Level Course Options
 

Undergraduate students who use the form, Enrollment in 500 Level Courses by Undergraduates, and who have at least 90 credits and a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher may (with the approval of the advisor, instructor, appropriate department chair and dean, Graduate Studies office, and with appropriate prerequisites) substitute either of the following 500-level BMS courses for BMS courses listed in the directed elective portion of the major program, and the following CHEM course in place of one of the 400-level CHEM courses listed in the directed elective portion of the major program:

BS in Biochemistry (American Chemical Society Certified) (57 credits)
 

Biochemistry Core Requirements (36 credits)
 

Biochemistry Core plus an additional 8 credits in Chemistry
 

Directed Electives (4 credits)

One course chosen from:

Research Requirements (2 credits)
 

* BMS 390 may be substituted
**BMS 491 may be substituted
 

Capstone Courses (7 credits)
 

Related Requirements (16 credits)
 

Students must also maintain a student portfolio (see below). These related requirement courses may also be counted to fulfill appropriate portions of the student's general education program.

No minor is required for this major.

Portfolio Requirement

The portfolio requirement will be formally introduced to students during the BMS 190 and 290 introductory courses. Minimally, the student portfolio must include a current resume, a current Student Graduation Evaluation or transcript, a planned program of academic study, a narrative describing the student's goals for undergraduate education and graduate education or career plans, abstracts of all completed independent study projects, and writing samples from CHEM 432. To fulfill the portfolio requirement, the student portfolio must be reviewed with one or more faculty members:

As a course requirement in BMS 190 and 290;

As a required component of independent student research projects; and

Prior to graduation, as evidenced by submission of a Portfolio Requirement Completed form to the chair of the Department of Chemistry.
 

500-Level Course Options

Undergraduate students who use the form, Enrollment in 500 Level Courses by Undergraduates, and who have at least 90 credits and a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher may (with the approval of the advisor, instructor, appropriate department chair and dean, Graduate Studies office, and with appropriate prerequisites) substitute either of the following 500-level BMS courses for BMS courses listed in the directed elective portion of the major program, and the following CHEM course in place of one of the 400-level CHEM courses listed in the directed elective portion of the major program: