Courses of Study 2017-2018 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
Courses of Study 2017-2018 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biochemistry


In Biological Sciences .

Course Offerings 

The diversity of biochemistry is illustrated by the breadth of the research interests of the faculty associated with the Biochemistry concentration. These interests range from biophysics and biophysical chemistry through molecular and cellular biology. A well trained biochemist must have an excellent grounding in the physical sciences as well as in biology. Students in this concentration are encouraged to enroll in the more rigorous course sequences in chemistry and physics and to take at least three semesters of mathematics. Courses at the advanced level are open to upper-class students as well as graduate students, and a one-credit seminar course in an area of biochemistry is offered each semester.

Biochemistry is an experimental science and students are encouraged to carry out independent research projects under faculty supervision. By performing research, a student gains a deeper understanding of an area as well as an appreciation of the experimental scientific process. Faculty members pursue a large variety of projects in their laboratories, using many different techniques. Faculty research interests include regulation of gene expression, genetic engineering, properties of transformed cells, membrane structure and transport, structure and function of proteins and the cytoskeleton, photosynthesis and oxidative phosphorylation, and chromosome structure. Viruses, microbes, yeast, animal cells in culture, and higher plants are used in the research programs of faculty members in biochemistry.

A number of the graduates from the Biochemistry concentration will continue their training in graduate school or in medical or veterinary colleges. Holders of a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry are needed in academic, industrial, and government laboratories. Biochemistry is a rapidly moving discipline that is attracting increasing interest from many industries, including pharmaceutical houses, chemical concerns, and food processors.

Biochemistry Requirements


Students electing this concentration should be sure to complete CHEM 2070 -CHEM 2080  or CHEM 2150  during their freshman year. Students concentrating in Biochemistry should not take CHEM 1570 , Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry. Also note that our concentrators are required to complete an organic chemistry laboratory course (either CHEM 2510  or CHEM 3010 ).

Laboratory course in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology:


Physical chemistry:


And at least one other course with a biochemical or biophysical orientation selected from the following list:


Note: