BS-BCHM - Biochemistry Major (B.S.)

Biochemistry

Eleven courses are required for the biochemistry major. A grade of at least C- must be obtained in all required courses.

Core courses: The biochemistry track consists of the following one-semester courses: CHEM 211L, 212L, 309L, 311L, 313, 316L, 320L; PHYS 231L; MATH 132. BIOL 317L may be used in place of CHEM 320L.

Electives: Two elective courses are required. One elective course must be BIOL 308L, 227L, 224L, or 226L. The second elective may be selected from any course in chemistry at the 300 level or above, or in biology at the 200 level or above. Students must take any laboratories associated with courses used to satisfy the elective requirement. Research courses (Chem-425, Chem-498 and/or Chem-499) may be used to meet this requirement if they amount to 1 credit or more. Choice of electives should be made on the basis of the individual students' educational objectives and after consultation with the student's major adviser.

Neurobiochemistry

Twelve courses are required for the neurobiochemistry major. A grade of at least C- must be obtained in all required courses.

Core courses: The neurobiochemistry track consists of the following one-semester courses: CHEM 211 L, 212L, 311L, 313, 316L, 320L; PHYS 231L; MATH 132; NESC 201L, 401L. BIOL 317L may be used in place of CHEM 320L.

Electives: One elective course from ENGR 311 or 316; and one elective course from BIOL 224L, BIOL 226L, BIOL 227L, CHEM 309L, CHEM 312L, CHEM 404, CHEM 410, CHEM 425, NESC 362, NESC 402, or NESC/PSYC 364. Students must take any laboratories associated with courses used to satisfy the elective requirement. Research courses (Chem-425, Chem-498 and/or Chem-499) may be used to meet this requirement if they amount to 1 credit or more. Choice of electives should be made on the basis of the individual students' educational objectives and after consultation with the student's major adviser.

Capstone/senior project: The senior exercise for the biochemistry major (both tracks) is CHEM 316L. Students may also undertake a senior thesis. A senior thesis requires a substantial amount of laboratory work. Students contemplating writing a thesis should therefore consult with their research advisers in their junior year. A chemistry department thesis application form (available from the chemistry secretary) must be submitted to the chair of the department by the end of the first week of classes of the fall semester of their senior year. Chemistry faculty members will evaluate applications. Students whose thesis applications are approved will enroll in CHEM 498. Senior Thesis Part I and 499. Senior Thesis Part II for 1 credit each in the fall and spring semesters of their senior year and participate in the departmental seminar series.

Writing requirement: The Writing Intensive Part II requirement for the biochemistry major (both tracks) is fulfilled by CHEM 311L.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

AP credit: Students with an AP chemistry test score of 4 or better will receive one course credit. This credit can be used to fulfill graduation requirements, but it cannot be used to fulfill any chemistry department prerequisite.

Study away: Biochemistry majors wishing to study away should plan well in advance of the semester or year they intend to go away. There are a variety of programs available, and students should review the information provided by the Office of Study Away and schedule a meeting with Professor Parr, the study-away adviser in the chemistry department. In recent years, majors have studied in Australia and the British Isles.