Biochemistry
BS Degree Program
The biochemistry program is the result of a joint effort of the departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry to provide students interested in this area with a curriculum in the interdisciplinary science of biochemistry. The program, strengthened by mathematics and physics, attempts to unite those aspects of biology and chemistry relevant to the sub-cellular study of the life process. Administration of the program is by the biochemistry committee, composed of members of the departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry. Flexibility in course requirements allows students to shape individual curricula within the framework of the overall program. Toward this goal, each student receives individual guidance by members of the committee.
Requirements for Biochemistry Major
• BCHM (or BIOL) 301, 302, 425, 426, BCHM 480
• BIOL 117, 118
• CHEM 107 and 108 (or 111), 231, 332, 335, 361
• PHYS 131, 132 (or 121, 122)
• MATH 221, 222
plus 16 additional credits: four in biology, eight in chemistry and four in any department of the Division of Science and Mathematics. The four credits in biology must be at the 300-400 level. The eight credits in chemistry must be selected from the following courses: CHEM 221, 341, 421, 432, 434, 462, 482, 483 and 486. Four credits of BCHM 497 may be used as science and mathematics divisional credits. BIOL 490, 491, 494, 495, 496 and 497, BCHM 492 and CHEM 391, 397 and 497 may not be used to fulfill the electives. Eight of these credis must be upper-level.
Electives should be approved by the adviser. Biochemistry majors may not take BCHM 301, 302, 425, 426 and 480 (or BIOL 301, 302, 425, 426) or CHEM 461 and 465 on a Pass/Fail basis. They may, however, elect to take a total of not more than eight credits of their other courses and electives required for the major with the Pass/Fail grading options.
It is important to declare a major in biochemistry as soon as possible and to plan carefully the sequence in which the courses should be taken. A brochure that describes a suggested sequence is available from the director of the biochemistry program or from any of the members of the biochemistry committee. Consent of the biochemistry committee and/or the student’s adviser is required for any substitutions or waivers of the requirements.
Honors Program in Biochemistry
An honors program in biochemistry is available to declared biochemistry majors who have demonstrated excellence in laboratory research. To qualify for honors, students must:
• have a successful ongoing research project, and
• with approval of their adviser, apply to the Biochemistry Committee to be admitted into the Honors Research in Biochemistry Program.
Before graduation, the student must complete a thesis, the form of which is decided by the adviser with approval of the biochemistry committee. This thesis must be defended before a thesis committee composed of the student’s adviser, a faculty member selected by the student and his or her adviser and a faculty member selected by the biochemistry committee. At graduation, recipients of honors receive recognition of their accomplishments for Distinguished Independent Research in Biochemistry. Each year, one or two outstanding senior biochemistry majors are honored as recipients of the Award for Excellence in Biochemistry. They are selected on the basis of their academic excellence and research capabilities.