Biochemistry

Bachelor of Arts -- Joint major, biology and chemistry departments

The biochemistry major provides a strong foundation for work at the graduate level -- either directly in biochemistry or in related areas, or for immediate entrance into a career in business or industry. Biochemistry is a fundamental part of the emerging agri-tech industry, as well as many more traditional fields such as food sciences, pharmaceuticals, biological analysis, and specialty chemicals. Many medical problems are of a biochemical nature. This curriculum combines, in an integrated whole, those areas of biology, chemistry, and related sciences that are important in this emerging field. Specific biochemistry coursework completes the program, preparing students for their chosen careers.

Requirements for the Major in Biochemistry -- B.A.

Credits in the major

	Biology 303-12100, 303-12200, 303-32700; 303-34500 or 303-45200 or 303-45400 or 303-47300	16
	Chemistry 304-12100 or 304-12300, 304-12200 or 304-12600, 304-12400, 304-22100, 304-22200, 304-22500, 304-32400, 304-33100	23
	Biochemistry 302-35300, 302-35400, 302-42500, 302-48100	12
	Physics 315-11700, 315-11800, 315-12000 or 315-10100, 315-10200	8-9
	Mathematics 313-10800 or 313-11100, 313-11200 or 313-24400	8
	Electives	52-53
	Total, B.A. in biochemistry	120

313-24300 Statistics, 304-34200 Inorganic Chemistry, 304-35200 Computer Techniques for Scientists, and biochemistry, biology, or chemistry research are recommended but not required.

Requirements for Honors in Biochemistry

Students may apply for honors to the chairs of biology and chemistry no later than the second week of the senior year. They must have completed at least 3 credits of research at level 3 or above to qualify and must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.00 with a 3.30 average in all chemistry and biology courses.

If the application is approved, students design an honors project in consultation with an adviser from either the biology or chemistry faculty. An honors committee of no fewer than three faculty members, including the adviser, is selected from both biology and chemistry faculties, with at least one member from each. This honors committee reviews the project periodically to monitor the student's progress.

An honors thesis is to be submitted by the student no later than three weeks before the date of graduation. The honors thesis is evaluated by the honors committee. An oral defense of the thesis, open to faculty and students of both departments, is made before the honors committee. Final approval comes from consultation of the honors committee and the chairs of biology and chemistry.