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May 06, 2024
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2023-2024 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Biochemistry, BS
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 Return to: Majors and Minors
Biochemistry is the study of biological phenomena using chemical principles. The Biology and Chemistry departments jointly offer a major in biochemistry to serve students whose scientific interests lie at the intersection between biology and chemistry. Majoring in this important interdisciplinary field will prepare students for a variety of options upon graduation: employment in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or similar industries; graduate work in biochemistry or many related fields; entry into professional schools such as medicine or dentistry; 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.
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Lower Division Chemistry
The following lower-division chemistry courses are required for the major. Because biochemistry bridges the fields of biology and chemistry, the lower-division requirements are nearly the same as those for the two respective major programs.
Mathematics
The following mathematics courses are required for the major. The skills and content in these courses are required for chemistry and biochemistry upper division courses, particularly physical chemistry.
Physics
Two semesters of physics are required for the major. The concepts in these courses are foundational for many concepts in chemistry and biochemistry upper division courses. These courses are essential for physical chemistry. Take ONE of the following groups:
Biology
Introduction to Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry is required for the major.
Upper Division Courses
The following upper-division courses are required.
Chemistry or Biology Elective
Select at least 4 units of 300- and/or 400-level electives from chemistry and/or biology in consultation with your advisor. Multiple independent study courses at the 300 and/or 400 level can be combined to satisfy this requirement. Classes selected as electives cannot be the same as the ones outlined above.
Notes
- Students are strongly encouraged to participate in research, either during a summer or during the academic year.
- Students interested in more chemistry-related graduate programs should take two semesters of Physical Chemistry.
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Return to: Majors and Minors
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