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Bachelor's in Biochemistry

Chemistry Students

The interdisciplinary major specializes in biochemistry/molecular biology. An example of a typical program of courses is as follows:

First Year

Fall Term

  • BL150 Foundations of Biology I*
  • BL151 Foundations of Biology Lab* (1 credit)
  • CH101 General Chemistry I*
  • CH105 General Chemistry Lab I* (1 credit)
  • WR100 Effective Writing**
  • Language Core
  • Social Science Core

Spring Term

  • BL152 Foundations of Biology II*
  • BL153 Foundations of Biology Lab* (1 credit)
  • CH102 General Chemistry II*
  • CH106 General Chemistry Lab II* (1 credit)
  • HS100-Level Core Course**
  • Visual & Performing Arts Core
  • Language Core or
  • Elective
Sophomore Year

Fall Term

  • BL154 Foundations of Biology III *
  • BL155 Foundations of Biology III Lab
  • CH301 Organic Chemistry I*
  • CH307 Organic Chemistry Lab I* (1 credit)
  • EN101 The Art of Reading
  • MA251 Calculus I*
  • PL201 Foundations of Philosophy or
  • TH201 Theology Matters

Spring Term

  • CH302 Organic Chemistry II*
  • CH308 Organic Chemistry Lab II* (1 credit)
  • MA252 Calculus II*
  • PL201 Foundations of Philosophy or
  • TH201 Theology Matters
  • EN200-Level or HS300-Level Course
Junior Year

Fall Term

  • CH431 Biochemistry I* (or BL431)
  • CH433 Biochemistry Lab I* (or BL433) (1 credit)
  • PH201 General Physics I*
  • PH291 General Physics Lab I* (1 credit)
  • Biology/Chemistry Elective*†
  • PL200-Level or TH200-Level Course
  • Elective

Spring Term

  • CH432 Biochemistry II* (or BL432)
  • CH434 Biochemistry Lab II* (or BL434) (1 credit)
  • PH202 General Physics II*
  • PH292 General Physics Lab II* (1 credit)
  • Biology Elective*/**
  • Elective
  • Elective
Senior Year

Fall Term

  • CH311 Physical Chemistry I*
  • CH315 Physical Chemistry Lab I* (1 credit)
  • BL341 Molecular Genetics with Lab*/**
  • Ethics Core
  • Biology/Chemistry Elective*†
  • Elective

Spring Term

  • Social Science Core
  • Elective†
  • Elective†
  • Elective†
  • * Required for major.
  • ** Terms may be interchanged.
  • † Students are strongly encouraged to gain laboratory research experience and should consider enrolling in research courses (BL481/BL482 or BL491/BL492 or CH420). CH420 may be used to fulfill one course for the Biochemistry major if it is completed as a 3-credit course. Further research credits will count as free electives. Students should consult with their advisor when selecting these electives.

Notes

  1. Biology Electives: For the two biology-only electives, choose from BL 322, BL 332/BL 334, BL 361, BL 410 or BL 411, BL 424, BL 426/BL 427, BL 436, and BL 444..
  2. Biology/Chemistry Electives: For the two biology/chemistry electives, choose from CH200-level or higher for chemistry electives, including CH 420 and BL200-level or higher for biology electives (see restrictions on research courses).
  3. Students must complete the diversity core requirement through a designated diversity core, major, or elective course. (see Diversity Core Requirement under Curriculum and Policies).