Biochemistry Major
The biochemistry program leverages the expertise of faculty from the Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biological Sciences departments. It encompasses a diverse range of disciplines, including organic, physical, analytical, biochemistry, enzymology, cell biology, microbiology, immunology, and genetics.
During the first two years, students receive a comprehensive foundation in basic biology and chemistry, complemented by coursework in physics and mathematics. In the subsequent years, they delve into advanced topics such as biochemistry, molecular biology, while continuing foundational courses in cell biology, genetics, as well as physical and analytical chemistry. Additionally, students have the flexibility to select elective courses from a curated list of biology and chemistry offerings, allowing them to tailor their studies to their specific interests. Hands-on research opportunities are abundant, enabling students to engage in undergraduate research projects within the field of biochemistry. This experiential learning fosters critical thinking and hones practical skills essential for future endeavors.
Our program equips students with a robust educational background, positioning them for further studies in genetics, molecular biology, physiology, cell biology, immunology, or graduate studies in biochemistry. Moreover, it serves as excellent preparation for medical school or other health professions. Furthermore, students gain proficiency in experimental techniques vital for roles in biomedical research across various industries, including biotechnology. From pioneering cancer research to innovative gene splicing techniques and harnessing solar energy through photosynthesis, biochemistry continues to drive groundbreaking discoveries and shape the future of science.
Goal 1: Students will know how to apply scientific reasoning and inquiry to investigate and analyze ideas, phenomena, or experimental data within the field of biochemistry.
Outcome 1.1: Students will be able to generate a testable hypothesis about an observed phenomenon or idea presented within the field of biochemistry.
Outcome 1.2: Students will be able to test hypothesis through reason, models, and experimentation by the manipulatioin of variables and making measurements to support or refute the hypothesis.
Goal 2: Students will demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and proficiency in communication skills encompassing reading, writing, and oral presentation within the field of biochemistry.
Outcome 2.1: Students will be able to define, describe, and explain the key concepts of biochemistry.
Outcome 2.2 Students will be able to present results from chemical investigations and the biochemical literature in writing and/or orally.
Cornerstone Core Curriculum Requirements
Consist of 14 core and 2 overlay requirements. See below for additional detailed information on each of these requirements.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| First Year Course Requirements | ||
| ENG 101 | Craft of Language | 3 |
| World History Course Area | 3 | |
| Philosophy Requirements | ||
Either Level One or Level Two (but not both) -- must be Ethics designated. If approved, philosophy courses may count for a student's Writing Intensive overlay. Students may not double-count the same course as Philosophy Level Two and as a Mission Overlay course. | ||
| Philosophy Level One | 3 | |
| Philosophy Level Two | 3 | |
| Theology & Religious Studies Requirements | ||
If approved, Theology & Religious Studies courses may count for a student's Writing Intensive overlay. Students may not double-count the same course as CCC Theology and as a Mission Overlay course. | ||
| Theology | 3 | |
| Religious Studies | 3 | |
| Diversity & INT 151 Requirements | ||
A student's Diversity course may not count for any other CCC course area requirement or as their Mission Overlay course. If approved, Diversity courses may count for a student's Writing Intensive Overlay requirement. INT 151 may not count for any other CCC requirements. This course must be taken in the first two years | ||
| Diversity | 3 | |
| INT 151 | Inequality in American Society | 1 |
| Math & Natural Science Requirements | ||
If approved, Math & Natural Science Requirements may count toward overlay requirements. | ||
| Mathematics | 3-4 | |
| Natural Science | 4 | |
| Social Science Requirement | 3 | |
If approved, such Social Science Requirement may count toward a student's overlay requirements. | ||
| Non-Native Language Requirement | 3-4 | |
A single Non-Native Language course may not count as an overlay course but a second language course fulfills a student's Mission Overlay requirement. | ||
| Literature Requirement | 3 | |
If approved, Literature courses may count toward a student's overlay requirements. | ||
| Fine and Performing Arts, Creativity, and Design Requirement | 3 | |
If approved, Fine and Performing Arts, Creativity, and Design courses may count toward a student's overlay requirements. | ||
| Overlay Requirements | ||
| Writing-Intensive | 3 | |
If approved, Writing-Intensive courses may double count as major courses, minor courses, electives, or as any CCC course area requirement except for the first-year courses (World History and Rhetoric and Composition). | ||
| Mission-Overlay | 3 | |
Mission Overlay courses may double count as major courses, minor courses, elective courses, or any of the following CCC course areas: Fine and Performing Arts, Creativity, and Design, Literature, Mathematics, Natural Science, or Social Science. | ||
| Total Hours | 47-49 | |
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 101 | Bio I: Cells | 4 |
| BIO 101L | Bio I: Cells Lab | 0 |
| BIO 102 | Bio II: Genetics | 4 |
| BIO 102L | Bio II: Genetics Lab | 0 |
| CHM 118 | Chemical Sciences Orientation | 1 |
| CHM 120 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHM 120L | General Chemistry Lab I | 1 |
| CHM 125 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHM 125L | General Chemistry Lab II | 1 |
| CHM 204 | Literature of Chemistry | 1 |
| CHM 210 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHM 210L | Organic Chemistry Lab I | 1 |
| CHM 215 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHM 215L | Organic Chemistry Lab II | 1 |
| CHM 230 | Basic Inorganic Chemsitry | 3 |
| CHM 300 | Discussions in Chemistry | 1 |
| CHM 310 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHM 310L | Physical Chemistry Lab I | 2 |
| CHM 340 | Biochemistry | 3 |
| CHM 340L | Biochemistry Lab | 2 |
| CHM 342 | Nucleic Acid Biochemistry | 3 |
| CHM 343 | Metabolic Biochemistry | 3 |
| CHM 350 | Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHM 361 | Analytical Chemistry | 3 |
| CHM 361L | Analytical Chemistry Laborator | 1 |
| CHM 401 | Seminar in Chemistry I | 1 |
| CHM 402 | Seminar in Chemistry II | 1 |
| CHM 445L | Biochemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| CHM 480 | Inorganic Biochemistry | 3 |
| PHY 105 | University Physics I | 3 |
| PHY 105L | University Physics Lab I | 1 |
| PHY 106 | University Physics II | 3 |
| PHY 106L | University Physics Lab II | 1 |
| MAT 161 | Calculus I (will count for CCC: Mathematics) | 4 |
| MAT 162 | Calculus II | 4 |
| Choose two of the following | 6 | |
| Physical Chemistry II | ||
| Instrumental Analysis | ||
| Instrumental Analysis Lab | ||
| Nanochemistry | ||
| Biophysical Chemistry | ||
| Medicinal Chemistry | ||
| Structure-Activity Relatnshps | ||
| Atmospheric Environmental Chem | ||
| Mechanisms in Organic Chem | ||
| Organometallic Chemistry | ||
| Computer Aided Drug Design | ||
| Polymer Chemistry | ||
| Water Chemistry | ||
| Total Hours | 81 | |
In order to fulfill the requirements for an American Chemical Society certified degree, students must take at least 2 credits of research (CHM 495) and one of the following In-Depth courses: CHM 315 - Physical Chemistry II, CHM 330 & CHM 330L - Instrumental Analysis & Instrumental Analysis Lab, or CHM 410 - Biophysical Chemistry.
Free Electives
Graduation requires 120 credits. Any credits necessary to reach that number outside of the CCC and major requirements are considered free electives.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| CHM 118 | Chemical Sciences Orientation | 1 |
| CHM 120 & 120L |
General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Lab I |
4 |
| BIO 101 & 101L |
Bio I: Cells and Bio I: Cells Lab |
4 |
| ENG 101 | Craft of Language | 3 |
| Philosophy Level One | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CHM 125 & 125L |
General Chemistry II and General Chemistry Lab II |
4 |
| BIO 102 & 102L |
Bio II: Genetics and Bio II: Genetics Lab |
4 |
| MAT 161 | Calculus I | 4 |
| World History | 3 | |
| INT 151 | Inequality in American Society | 1 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | ||
| CHM 204 | Literature of Chemistry | 1 |
| CHM 210 & 210L |
Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Lab I |
4 |
| PHY 105 & 105L |
University Physics I and University Physics Lab I |
4 |
| MAT 162 | Calculus II | 4 |
| Non-Native Language | 3-4 | |
| Hours | 16-17 | |
| Spring | ||
| CHM 215 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHM 215L | Organic Chemistry Lab II | 1 |
| PHY 106 & 106L |
University Physics II and University Physics Lab II |
4 |
| CHM 230 | Basic Inorganic Chemsitry | 3 |
| Diversity | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| CHM 300 | Discussions in Chemistry | 1 |
| CHM 310 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHM 340 | Biochemistry | 3 |
| CHM 340L | Biochemistry Lab | 2 |
| Social Science | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CHM 343 | Metabolic Biochemistry | 3 |
| CHM 445L | Biochemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| CHM 361 | Analytical Chemistry | 3 |
| CHM 361L | Analytical Chemistry Laborator | 1 |
| Religious Studies | 3 | |
| Philosophy Level Two | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | ||
| CHM 401 | Seminar in Chemistry I | 1 |
| CHM 310L | Physical Chemistry Lab I | 2 |
| CHM 480 | Inorganic Biochemistry | 3 |
| CHM 4xx Chem/Biochem In-Depth | 3 | |
| CHM 495 | Undergraduate Research (or Free Elective) | 3 |
| Theology | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CHM 402 | Seminar in Chemistry II | 1 |
| CHM 342 | Nucleic Acid Biochemistry | 3 |
| CHM 4xx Chem/Biochem In-Depth | 3 | |
| Fine & Performing Arts, Design, & Creativity | 3 | |
| CHM 495 | Undergraduate Research (or Free elective) | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Total Hours | 121-122 | |