Biochemistry/Molecular Biology

The biochemistry/molecular biology major is an interdepartmental major that provides students with a strong background in chemistry and biology with an emphasis on molecular aspects. Through selected electives, students may concentrate on specific areas of interest. Students have excellent opportunities within the departments of biology and chemistry to engage in independent research projects. Graduates are prepared to pursue employment in biochemical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnological laboratories, and further study in the health professions or graduate research institutions. Note that biochemistry/molecular biology majors may not double major in biology or chemistry.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
Thirteen (13) courses are required: nine (9) core courses and four (4) electives. At least seven (7) courses must be at the 300-400 level. 

CORE COURSES 

BIOLOGY

• BIO 120 General Biology I
• BIO 121 General Biology II
• BIO 341 Molecular Biology

CHEMISTRY

• CHM 120 Chemistry I
• CHM 121 General Chemistry II
• CHM 220 Organic Chemistry I

BIOCHEMISTRY

• BCH 335 Biochemistry
• BCH 435 Advanced Biochemistry
• BCH 440 Senior Seminar in Biochemistry

ELECTIVES
Choose four (4) of the following elective courses.

• BIO 229 Microbiology
• BIO 308 Genetics
• BIO 311 Plant Physiology
• BIO 312 Animal Physiology
• BIO 320 Medicinal Botany
• BIO 329 Microbial Physiology
• BIO 342 Biostatistics
• BIO 360 Cellular Biology
• BIO 370 Developmental Biology
• BIO 429 Immunology
• BCH 397/497 Biochemical Internship
• BCH 498 Independent Study Library Research
• BCH 499 Independent Study Laboratory Research
• CHM 301 Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry
• CHM 305 Physical Chemistry I
• CHM 306 Physical Chemistry II
• CHM 320 Analytical Chemistry
• CHM 380 Instrumental Analysis
• PSY 324 Neuropsychology
• PSY 326 Physiological Psychology

RECOMMENDATIONS
Students preparing for graduate programs in biology or professional schools, in health-related areas such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or pharmacy, need a thorough introduction to physics and possibly calculus. Therefore, they should take PHY 120 and PHY 121 or 131 and (a) calculus course(s). Students contemplating careers and graduate study in biochemistry or pharmaceutical chemistry should include PHY 120 and PHY 121 or 131, MAT 111 and MAT 112, and a full year of physical chemistry -- CHM 305 and CHM 306. 

Course of Study

BCH 335 Biochemistry: Introduces an integrated perspective of the chemical structure and cellular functions of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. Topics include structural enzymology, molecular biology, and metabolism. Laboratory required. Prerequisites: BIO 121 and CHM 221.

BCH 435 Advanced Biochemistry: Explores advanced experimental techniques to investigate complex biochemical problems. Topics include structural enzymology, nucleic acid biochemistry, mechanisms of transcription and translation, medicinal biochemistry, and integrated metabolism. Laboratory required. Prerequisite: BCH 335.

BCH 440 Senior Seminar in Biochemistry: Students direct analysis and discussion of integrative biochemistry and molecular biology topics. Emphasizes readings of classical and contemporary primary scientific literature. Prerequisite: senior standing. 

BCH 498/499 Independent Study: Research I and II: Requires proposal of collaborative faculty/student project and weekly seminars and progress reports. Culminates in written report and seminar on work conducted. Prerequisites: instructor's consent for I and II; senior standing and BCH 498 for II.