Biochemistry
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Biochemistry is a subject involved with the exploration of the molecular processes of life and reflects the intersection of chemistry and biology needed to understand these processes. The major in biochemistry is designed to meet the needs of students interested in this interdisciplinary subject. Students completing a major in biochemistry will be prepared for careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, for pursuit of graduate degrees in biochemistry or chemistry and for entry into medical, veterinary, dental or pharmacy schools. This degree program follows guidelines suggested by the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for an undergraduate degree in biochemistry.
Learning Outcomes
- Knowledge in general biology and chemistry, organic, biochemistry, molecular biology and chemical thermodynamics and kinetics
- Understanding of the physical concepts underlying the above
- Application of their chemical knowledge to problem solving
- The maintenance of an acceptable laboratory notebook
- Proficiency in the use of modern instrumentation
- Effective and safe work in a laboratory
- Effective searching of chemical literature
- Effective communication of chemical concepts both orally and in writing
Degree Requirements for the Biochemistry Major
General College Requirements
General College Requirements (see “Curriculum” section), including the following requirements to satisfy the major:
Required Courses
Chemistry Courses (24 credit hours)
- CHEM 103: General Chemistry I
- CHEM 106: General Chemistry II
- CHEM 311: Organic Chemistry I
- CHEM 312: Organic Chemistry II
- CHEM 420: Biochemistry I
- CHEM 425: Biochemistry II
- CHEM 451: Physical Chemistry I
Biology Courses (14 credit hours)
- BIOL 105: Principles of Biology I
- BIOL 105L: Principles of Biology I Lab
- BIOL 471: Molecular Biology
Cognate Courses (16 credit hours)
- MATH 151: Calculus I
- MATH 152: Calculus II
- PHYS 141: General Physics I
- PHYS 142: General Physics II
St. Mary's Project
Every biochemistry major must complete a St. Mary’s Project. This project may be in biochemistry or in another major discipline or study area. The guidelines in the selected area apply. The project must be proposed to a mentor and to the chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at least three weeks before the last day of classes of the second semester of the student’s junior year, and must be approved by the mentor and the department chair.
Minimum Grade and GPA Requirements
Students must earn a grade of C- or better in all courses listed above, and maintain an overall GPA of 2.00 or better in these required courses.
Note: Students earning a degree in biochemistry may not pursue a second major in chemistry.
Sequence of Study
The following model is suggested as a sequence of study that satisfies the above requirements:
- First Year:
Core Curriculum requirements, CHEM 103 (or satisfactory completion of the Chemistry Placement Exam), CHEM 106, BIOL 105, BIOL 105L. - Second Year:
Core Curriculum requirements, CHEM 311, CHEM 312, MATH 151, MATH 152. - Third Year:
Core Curriculum requirements, CHEM 420, CHEM 425, PHYS 141, PHYS 142, BIOL 471. - Fourth Year:
St. Mary’s Project, CHEM 451, electives.
Degree Requirements for the Biochemistry Minor
Faculty
Geoffrey M. Bowers, Daniel T. Chase, Allan K. Hovland, Andrew S. Koch, Randolph K. Larsen, Pamela S. Mertz (Department Chair), Kelly Neilles, Amanda Schech, Troy Townsend