Are you curious about how life works at a molecular level? Biochemistry bridges biology and chemistry to explore the chemical processes that sustain life, from how we extract energy from food to how genetic information is stored and expressed. As a laboratory-based and interdisciplinary science, biochemistry prepares students for a wide range of careers—including medicine, biotechnology, pharmacology, and research—by providing a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind health, disease, and biological function. Whether you're interested in pre-health professions or the fast-growing biotech industry, biochemistry offers a strong foundation and diverse career pathways.
Major Requirements
The requirements for a major in biochemistry are 62 credits:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CHEM 127 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 128 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 330 | Analytical Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 341 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 342 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 373 | Biochemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 374 | Biochemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 403 | Senior Seminar I | 1 |
| CHEM 404 | Senior Seminar II | 1 |
| BIOL 121 | Cell Biology | 4 |
| BIOL 122 | Evolution and Diversity | 4 |
| BIOL 222 | Genetics and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| Electives | 8 | |
| BIOL/CHEM 3xx or 4xx 1 | ||
| Supporting Courses (required) | 12 | |
| Calculus I | ||
or MATH 205 | Introduction to Statistics | |
or DATA 200 | Introduction to Data Analytics | |
or CSC 125 | Introduction to Computer Science | |
| General College Physics I | ||
or PHYS 128 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers | |
| General College Physics II | ||
or PHYS 211 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers II | |
| Total Hours | 62 | |
- 1
No more than the equivalent of 4 credits of BIOL/CHEM 487 may be applied toward the major. The following cannot be counted toward a major: BIOL/CHEM 390 Academic Internship, BIOL/CHEM 480 Independent Study, BIOL 303 Biomedical Ethics, BIOL 395 Internship in Medicine. Students cannot major in both Chemistry and Biochemistry, nor can they major in Biochemistry and minor in Chemistry. However, majoring in Biochemistry and minoring or majoring in Biology is allowed.
Degree and Graduation Requirements
In addition to the program-specific requirements listed above, all students must complete the graduation requirements specified for their degree. See the Degree and Graduation Requirements section for more information.
Suggested Four Year-Plan
The four-year plan detailed below is a suggested coursework sequence. This plan may need to be adapted based on course offerings as well as individual student circumstances, such as transfer credit and study away experiences.
Biochemistry Major
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| CHEM 127 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| BIOL 121 | Cell Biology | 4 |
| FYS 110 | Engaged Citizenship Seminar | 4 |
| ENG 110 or COM 110 |
Writing to Engage or Communicating to Engage |
4 |
| WELL 110 | Engaging in Lifelong Wellness | 1 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| CHEM 128 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| BIOL 122 | Evolution and Diversity | 4 |
| Core Exploration Course | 4 | |
| COM 110 or ENG 110 |
Communicating to Engage or Writing to Engage |
4 |
| WELL 111 | Engaging in a Balanced Life | 1 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CHEM 341 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| REL 200 | Christianity and Religious Diversity | 4 |
| World Language I | 4 | |
| MATH 121 |
Calculus I or Introduction to Data Analytics or Introduction to Computer Science |
4 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| CHEM 342 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| BIOL 222 | Genetics and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| World Language II | 4 | |
| Core Exploration Course | 4 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CHEM 373 | Biochemistry I | 4 |
| PHYS 111 | General College Physics I | 4 |
| Core Exploration Course | 4 | |
| Chemistry/Biology Elective 1 | 4 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| CHEM 374 | Biochemistry II | 4 |
| PHYS 112 | General College Physics II | 4 |
| Core Exploration Course | 4 | |
| Chemistry/Biology Elective 1 | 4 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CHEM 403 | Senior Seminar I | 1 |
| Religion 300 J Core Course | 4 | |
| Critical Issues Course or Elective | 4 | |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| CHEM 330 | Analytical Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 404 | Senior Seminar II | 1 |
| Critical Issues Course or Elective | 4 | |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Total Hours | 132 | |
- 1
The following upper-level Biology courses are strong recommended:
- BIOL 416 Advanced Genetics
- BIOL 407 Microbiology
- BIOL 380 Plant Physiology and Development
- BIOL 352 Immunology and Parasitology
- BIOL 406 Advanced Cell Biology
- BIOL 409 Limnology
Electives should not be two courses in sequence (eg Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Physical Chemistry I and II, etc.)
- 2
All students must complete two PEAK experiences.
Biochemistry Major (needing CHEM 117)
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| CHEM 117 | Principles of Chemistry | 4 |
| BIOL 121 | Cell Biology | 4 |
| FYS 110 | Engaged Citizenship Seminar | 4 |
| ENG 110 or COM 110 |
Writing to Engage or Communicating to Engage |
4 |
| WELL 110 | Engaging in Lifelong Wellness | 1 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| CHEM 127 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| BIOL 122 | Evolution and Diversity | 4 |
| COM 110 or ENG 110 |
Communicating to Engage or Writing to Engage |
4 |
| Core Exploration Course | 4 | |
| WELL 111 | Engaging in a Balanced Life | 1 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CHEM 128 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| REL 200 | Christianity and Religious Diversity | 4 |
| PHYS 111 | General College Physics I | 4 |
| World Language I | 4 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| CHEM 330 | Analytical Chemistry I | 4 |
| BIOL 222 | Genetics and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| PHYS 112 | General College Physics II | 4 |
| World Language II | 4 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CHEM 341 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| MATH 121 |
Calculus I or Introduction to Data Analytics or Introduction to Computer Science |
4 |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| CHEM 342 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| Core Exploration Course | 4 | |
| Core Perspectives Course | 4 | |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CHEM 373 | Biochemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 403 | Senior Seminar I | 1 |
| Religion 300 J Core Course | 4 | |
| Core Exploration Course | 4 | |
| Chemistry/Biology Elective 1 | 4 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| CHEM 374 | Biochemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 404 | Senior Seminar II | 1 |
| Core Perspectives Course | 4 | |
| Core Exploration Course | 4 | |
| Chemistry/Biology Elective 1 | 4 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Total Hours | 132 | |
- 1
The following upper-level Biology courses are strong recommended:
- BIOL 416 Advanced Genetics
- BIOL 407 Microbiology
- BIOL 380 Plant Physiology and Development
- BIOL 352 Immunology and Parasitology
- BIOL 406 Advanced Cell Biology
- BIOL 409 Limnology
Electives should not be two courses in sequence (eg Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Physical Chemistry I and II, etc.)
- 2
All students must complete two PEAK experiences.