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The B.S. program in biochemistry is a comprehensive undergraduate program of intensive course work in chemistry and biochemistry with a laboratory emphasis. It provides for flexibility in the selection of in-depth biology course electives to complement the rigorous chemistry foundation of the program.

Learning Outcomes

General Chemistry — foundational courses that are also identified as service courses required by other degree programs. Foundational courses cover topics including but not limited to states of matter, atomic structure, electron configurations, formulas, nomenclature, periodic properties of the elements, mole concepts, molecular/formula mass, empirical and molecular formulas, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, intermolecular and intramolecular forces, balancing equations, stoichiometry, solution chemistry and reactions, gas laws, chemical equilibrium, acid – base chemistry, oxidation-reduction reactions, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, and electrochemistry. These topics make up the essential framework of all college level general chemistry courses for science and engineering majors.

Organic Chemistry — foundational and in-depth courses that are also identified as service courses required by other degree programs. Separate laboratory courses for chemistry majors provide the hands-on in-depth experiences with synthesis, chemical separations, measurement of chemical properties, and use of modern instrumentation. Topics include but are not limited to, atomic and electronic structure of carbon as it applies to the chemistry of various types of organic compounds such as aliphatic and aromatic compounds, alcohols, aldehydes, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, amines, and carbohydrates among others.

Biochemistry — foundational and in-depth courses that are also identified as service courses required by other degree programs. These courses include such topics as the structure and function of amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, enzymes, cellular and specialized membranes, metabolism and metabolic (catabolic and anabolic) mechanisms, metabolic regulatory mechanisms, genetic mechanisms, transport mechanisms, intra-cellular communication mechanisms, inter-cellular and hormone communication mechanisms among others.

Analytical Chemistry — a lecture and laboratory experience providing foundational and in-depth course topics such as gravimetric, titrimetric, complexometric, potentiometric, colorimetric, chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. These and other topics are presented with emphasis upon chemical calculations including computational data analysis and modeling, and equilibrium considerations to prepare graduates to perform in a modern chemical laboratory.

Physical and Inorganic Chemistry - a lecture and laboratory experience providing foundational and in-depth course topics such as thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, chemical kinetics, quantization, atomic and molecular spectroscopy, electronic structure, bond formation, molecular orbitals, crystal structures, symmetry, and computational methods in quantum chemistry.

Career Possibilities

A B.S. degree in biochemistry provides a wide variety of career opportunities in areas as diverse as the pharmaceutical industry, the chemical industry, the medical industry, environmental analysis, and cosmetics, as well as many others. It is also an excellent stepping stone for admission to graduate schools in biochemistry and related sciences, as well as professional schools.