Biochemistry B.S. (ACS Certified)
Objectives
The B.S. in Biochemistry is a 120-hour degree accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS). The graduate will not only receive the B.S. in Biochemistry, but will also be an ACS Certified Professional Chemist. A major frontier in chemistry is the study of the chemical basis of life, disease, and its treatment. Biochemistry is the area of chemistry that studies the structure, composition, and chemical reactions of substances in living systems. In short, it is the chemistry of life. Biochemistry is an especially versatile chemistry major giving undergraduates many options. A biochemistry major provides a strong background for entering into careers or graduate/professional programs in biochemical research, medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, biotechnology, and many other science- and health-related fields. Biochemists are employed as research scientists, forensic scientists and technicians in clinical, governmental and university laboratories and by diverse companies in the chemical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, food and scientific equipment industries. Because of the growing importance of biochemistry in modern medicine and the allied health sciences, the B.S. in biochemistry is an important advantage for careers in medicine, dentistry, drug design and development, and the study of disease and its treatment. This degree is an ideal choice for students who plan careers in medicine, pharmaceutical research, or other health-related fields.
Chemistry High School Preparation
Students desiring to major in chemistry are expected to have a strong high school background in science and mathematics as well as good writing skills. Calculus, biology, chemistry, and physics are disciplines that the student should have studied in high school. Students who have not had these studies in high school may have additional prerequisite courses as part of their curriculum. Contact the chair of the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry for information and advisement.
Degree Requirements
Total Semester Hours=120
- University Core Curriculum — 42 hrs.
- A minimum grade of "C" in all chemistry courses.
- Completion of BIOL 1306/BIOL 1106, BIOL 1307/BIOL 1107 and 12 hours of advanced biology electives chosen from BIOL 4300/BIOL 4301, BIOL 3343/BIOL 3144, BIOL 3332/BIOL 3133, BIOL 4350, and BIOL 3334/BIOL 3134.
- Completion of MATH 2413, MATH 2414, and MATH 1342.
- Completion of PHYS 1301/PHYS 1101 and PHYS 1302/PHYS 1102 or PHYS 2325/PHYS 2125 and PHYS 2326/PHYS 2126.
- Completion of 49 semester hours of chemistry. Twelve semester hours of upper-division chemistry must be completed at this university. Chemistry courses required or prescribed as electives are listed below.
- Approved lower and upper-division electives selected with the student’s career goals in mind. Suggested electives include courses in chemistry, biology, mathematics, computer science, statistics, education, speech, technical writing, technology, economics, psychology, sociology, and business administration.
Preparation for careers in specialized areas of biochemistry are possible by careful selection of supporting areas of concentration. A partial list of specialized chemistry and biochemistry careers includes chemical marketing, chemical business, environmental chemistry, forensic science, pre-law (chemical patents), health professions (pre-medical and pre-dental), technical writing, biotechnology, and chemical technology. Students should confer with the academic advisor of the department in regard to such options and their career goals.
Required Chemistry Courses
Choose 3 SCH from the following Advanced Chemistry Electives