The Major

The program for majors provides the foundation for applications in an ever-increasing array of emerging and established areas such as medical genetic diagnostics, pharmaceutical design, neurobiology, bioinformatics, genomics, nano-technology, and paleontology. Career opportunities for students trained in this discipline are vast. The highly integrated curriculum prepares students either for employment at the B.S. level or for further training in professional or graduate schools. Majors receive fundamental instruction in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, and begin their introduction to biochemistry in the sophomore year. The program also encourages students to engage in independent research work in faculty laboratories. A strong high school background in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics is recommended.

Course Requirements
This is one of many potential course sequences. Students are required to meet with their academic adviser to discuss course selections.

First Year:

  • Bio 151, Bio 152, Bio 153
  • Chem 111 and 112 (Chem 121H and 122H for Honors)
  • Math 127/131, Math 128/132

Second Year:

  • Biochem 275, Prerequisites: Bio 151 AND Chem 112/122H
  • Biochem 276, Prerequisite: Biochem 275
  • Chem 261, Chem 262, Chem 269 (Lab)
  • Stats 240 or equivalent, Math 233 can be substituted
  • Physics 131/151 and Physics 132/152

Third and Fourth Years

  • Biochem 394RI (Real World Biochem & MoleclBio) - Fall only
  • Biochem 390G (Molecular Genetics & Genomics) - Spring only OR Biol 283 (Genetics)
  • Biochem 423 (General Biochemistry I). Prerequisites: Chem 261 and 262 OR equivalent
  • Biochem 424 (General Biochemistry II). Prerequisites: Biochem 423
  • Biochem 426 (Advanced lab). Prerequisites: Biochem 276
  • Biochem 471 (Physical Chemistry) - Spring only. Prerequisites: Chem 112/122H AND Physics 132/152/182 AND Math 128/132
  • Biochem 430H (Science Writing). Prerequisites: Biochem 423
  • Advanced Elective Requirements: Minimum total of 8 CREDITS not including courses required for the BMB major or Practica courses. Independent Study/Research credits may be counted as advanced elective credits.

Grade Requirements

BMB majors must have a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher in MATH 127, MATH 128, CHEM 111, and CHEM 112 (or their equivalents) to continue in the major. BMB majors must also achieve a grade of B- or better in Biochem 275 (Molecular Biology) to enroll in upper-level major requirements. BMB majors are required to achieve a grade of C- or above for upper-level BIOCHEM courses to satisfy requirements for the BMB major.