2025-2026 Undergraduate Academic Catalog
Chemistry and Biochemistry
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The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Department seeks to offer versatile academic programs that will prepare students for a variety of options upon graduation: employment in the chemical, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or similar industries; graduate work in chemistry, biochemistry or related fields; entry into professional schools such as medicine, dentistry or pharmacy; or teaching at the K-12 level. Using a balance of theoretical and experimental work, the curriculum provides students with a solid understanding of fundamental concepts, the ability to reason through unfamiliar problems, the tools to investigate a topic in depth, and the communication skills that are needed to share information with others.
Faculty
Steven J. Bachofer, PhD, Professor
Valerie A. Burke, PhD, Associate Professor
Joel D. Burley, PhD, Professor
Amy Chu, PhD, Assistant Professor
Zuleikha Kurji, PhD, Associate Professor
Mark D. Lingwood, PhD, Professor, Chair
Karen M. Ruff, PhD, Associate Professor
Freeborn Rwere, PhD, Assistant Professor
Jeffrey A. Sigman, PhD, Professor
Elizabeth Valentin, PhD, Assistant Professor
Kenneth J. Brown, PhD, Professor Emeritus
Biochemistry Steering Committee
Vidya Chandrasekaran, PhD, Professor
Jim Pesavento, PhD, Associate Professor
Karen Ruff, PhD, Associate Professor
Freeborn Rwere, PhD, Assistant Professor
Jeffrey A. Sigman, PhD, Professor
Learning Outcomes
Students graduating in the biochemistry major will:
- DEMONSTRATE knowledge in core concepts of biochemistry; including energy and matter transformation, macromolecular structure and function, information storage and flow, and homeostasis.
- APPLY qualitative and quantitative biochemical knowledge to different contexts.
- DEMONSTRATE methodological competency in experimental biochemistry, including developing a hypothesis, designing and conducting appropriate experiments, and interpreting data using appropriate equations, quantitative modeling, and simulation tools.
- UTILIZE and critically ASSESS the scientific literature in biochemistry and related fields.
- Effectively COMMUNICATE concepts and/or research in biochemistry and related fields, in both written and oral formats.
Students graduating in the chemistry majors will:
- USE molecular theory and physical principles to explain and predict chemical and physical phenomena in all areas of the discipline (analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry).
- APPLY principles of chemical reasoning to solve qualitative and quantitative problems or questions.
- DESIGN, PERFORM, and INTERPRET laboratory experiments with both modern instrumentation and classical techniques, using safe and responsible lab practices.
- DOCUMENT and COMMUNICATE scientific information and experimental work.
- IDENTIFY and UTILIZE credible scientific literature.
Major Requirements
The Chemistry Department offers several options for the student interested in chemistry and biochemistry:
- The bachelor of science (B.S.) chemistry major provides a solid foundation for students pursuing careers in technically intensive fields or graduate study. It is particularly appropriate for students with strong mathematical skills.
- The chemistry major, environmental track, (B.S.) is designed for students with an interest in applying chemistry to the study of environmental systems and issues.
- The bachelor of arts (B.A.) chemistry major provides students the flexibility to undertake a minor, prepare for a single-subject teaching credential, or complete courses for medical or professional school. It can also prepare students for employment with a number of firms in the scientific and medical arenas.
- The biochemistry major (B.S., administered jointly with the Biology Department ) is designed for students whose scientific interests lie at the intersection between biology and chemistry.
A suggested four-year program of study for any major in chemistry or biochemistry is available from any Chemistry Department faculty member.
Prerequisite Grade
Any course listed in this department with a prerequisite assumes a grade of C- or better in the prerequisite course, unless noted otherwise in the course description.
Chemistry and Biochemistry BA/SSTE Credential Pathway
This major has an integrated Single Subject Teacher Education (SSTE) pathway to prepare future middle and high school classroom teachers. The integrated program of study enables students to graduate with their BAs and a CA teaching credential in 4 years. See Teacher Education: Single Subject Teacher Education Pathways for detailed information on credential courses.
ProgramsBachelor of ScienceBachelor of ArtsMinorCoursesBiochemistry - Lower DivisionBiochemistry - Upper DivisionChemistry - Lower DivisionChemistry - Upper Division
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