Professors Nelson, Coenen, Deckert, Garcia, Humphreys, Kleinschmidt, Murphree, Persichini, Petasis, Serra, Wurst
Biochemistry is the science at the interface of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics that deals with the chemical composition of living matter and the molecular nature and physical processes of living systems. The Biochemistry major is part of an interdisciplinary program primarily supported by faculty from the Biology, Chemistry, and Physics departments.The major is considered a natural sciences major. There is no Biochemistry minor.
The Biochemistry major requires a group of introductory and upper level courses from the Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics Departments. In addition, majors must take the Junior Seminar offered by one of the participating departments (Bio 580, Chem 581 or Phys 580). Students may choose an area of specialty within the major via additional electives and the selection of an appropriate Senior Project (Biochemistry 600-610). No courses required for the major may be taken on a Credit/No Credit basis.
Required Courses:
Mathematics 160-170 - Calculus I & II
Physics 110-120 (or 101-102) - Introductory Physics I & II
Biology 220 - Organismal Physiology and Ecology
Biology 221 - Genetics, Development, and Evolution
Biology 305 - Molecular Biology
Chemistry 110-112 - Fundamentals of Chemistry I & II
Chemistry 231 - Organic Chemistry I
Chemistry 242 - Energy in Chemical Systems (Physical Chemistry)
Chemistry 353 - Introductory Biochemistry
Junior Seminar (Bio 580, Chem 581 or Phys 580)
Biochemistry 600-610 - Senior Project I & II
A student's Senior Project Committee must be made up of at least three faculty members, representing at least two of the affiliated departments (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics).
Placement into Mathematics 170 satisfies the Mathematics 160 requirement for the major. Similarly, placement into Chemistry 112 satisfies the Chemistry 110 requirement for the major.
Physics 110-120: When scheduling permits, students are strongly encouraged to enroll in the Physics 110-120 sequence rather than the Physics 101-102 sequence.
FS201: It is recommended that students anticipating a major in Biochemistry fulfill their FS201 graduation requirement via FSBio201.
Complementary Laboratory Work: Students who intend to pursue graduate work or enter the Health Professions should consult the guidelines for their discipline with respect to the laboratory requirement.
Additional Upper-Level Electives:
Students are encouraged to consider additional upper-level electives. Biochemistry majors should consult with one of the affiliated faculty members to discuss which additional course(s) would best complement the required courses in preparing the student for his or her anticipated career path.
600 Senior Project I
Development of individual senior research projectsin group and individual meetings with the project advisor and other appropriate faculty members. Pertinent literature is examined in order to identify proper experimental approaches, designs, techniques, and methods of data analysis. Oral andwritten research proposals and progress reports will be presented and discussed. Credit: Two semester hours. Prerequistes: Intended for Biochemistry majors, seniors only.
610 Senior Project II
A continuation of BioChem 600. Group and individual meetings are held to evaluate the progress of individual student research projects. Emphasis is placed on data analysis and interpretation, and on modes of presentation of research findings. Students complete a written thesis and oral defense before a board of biochemistry faculty. Credit: Four semester hours. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biochemistry 600. Intended for Biochemistry majors, seniors only.
