This track-one option leads to a degree approved by American Chemical Society. Designed for students continuing their chemistry education in graduate school or seeking careers directly in the chemistry workforce, it provides a rigorous chemistry foundation with the most extensive laboratory experience. The mix of advanced courses in this option emphasizes biochemistry principles and laboratory techniques.
This page serves as a general suggestion for students looking to complete their advanced biochemistry option degree within four years. We always recommend working with your adviser to find the best academic plan for you.
Biology (12): BI 221, 222 & 223 (recommended)a, d
General Chemistry (15): CH 231 (or 231H) & 271, 232 (or 232H) & 272, 233 (or 233H) & 273
Elementary Functions (4): MTH 112c
Careers in Chemistry (1): CH 220b
Calculus (8): MTH 251, 252
Writing I (Bacc Core) (3): WR 121 (or 121H)
Speech (Bacc Core) (3): COMM 111 (or 111H) or 114 (or 114H) or 211 or 218
Fitness (Bacc Core) (3): HHS 231 and PAC
Perspective (Bacc Core) (3): Options
Cell and Molecular Biology (4): BI 314 (Highly Recommended)a, d
Organic Chemistry (9): CH 334, 335, 336
Experimental Chemistry I (6): CH 361, 362
Advanced Mathematics (4): MTH 253 or 264 & 265
Vector Calculus I (4): MTH 254
General Physics (15): PH 211 & 221, 212 & 222, 213 & 223
Writing II (Bacc Core) (3): Options
Biochemistry (9): BB 490, 491, 492
Analytical Chemistry (6): CH 421, 422
Physical Chemistry (9): CH 440, 441, 442
Experimental Chemistry II (6): CH 461 or CH 462 (WIC) or 463 (WIC) or 464 (WIC)
Perspectives (Bacc Core) (3): Options
Perspective or DPD (Bacc Core) (6): Options
Synthesis (Bacc Core) (3): Options
Fitness Lab (1): PAC Lab
General Electives (4)
a As of fall 2020, BI 22X replaces BI 21X. A minimum of C- in BI 22X is an enforced prerequisite for BB 314. BI 22X must be taken in order. If you completed the previous BI 21X series before fall 2020, this series still meets the requirements here.
b First Year Orientation for chemistry majors strongly recommended (1 credit P/N).
c MTH 112 is not a required course for the chemistry degree.
d While BI 22X Principles of Biology are not requirements for the advanced biochemistry option, they are enforced prerequisites for BI 314 and BB 49X (starting fall 2020). A minimum C- is required.
a MTH 112 is a prerequisite for MTH 251, a required course for all chemistry majors. MTH 112 is not a required course for the chemistry degree.
b While BI 22X Principles of Biology are not requirements for the advanced biochemistry option, they are enforced prerequisites for BI 314 and BB 49X (starting Fall 2020). A minimum C- is required.
c Chemistry Majors are strongly encouraged to take the chemistry major's orientation course, "Careers in Chemistry", fall term. This is a 1-credit course and graded P/N.
d BI 314 is recommended as an elective to be taken before the BB lecture series and it applies as a Career Support Elective (CSE).
e CH 462 (winter) or CH 464 (fall) my be substituted as long as one additional WIC course is taken (CH 462 or CH 463 or CH 464).
f BB 493 is only offered fall term and BB 494 is only offered winter term. As of fall 2019, BB 496 and BB 497 are now combined into one course offered fall term, BB 345 (2 credits).
Career Supportive Elective courses (CSE) are decided in your junior year. You will consult with your chemistry adviser for the courses that best meet your track choice. You are required to take at least 6 CSE credits for graduation. They can be taken any term as scheduled.
While the order of the courses above is suggested, many of the prerequisite chemistry and biochemistry courses are only taught one term per year. I is critical that you consider this when planning out your academic schedule.
Baccalaureate Core courses are not shown on the chart above.
The 6 credits of CSE courses are to be approved by the student's academic adviser by the end of the winter quarter of the junior year. The student should submit a formal list to the adviser by email).
Generally, CSE courses are upper-division (UD) courses in chemistry, science or related areas including engineering, oceanography and agricultural science that are not specified for the chemistry core or the advanced chemistry option.
Chemistry Internship (CH 410) may be used for three credits of CSE as described on the internship page under the topic of Grading and Credits.
Also see policies for other information including external research.
MTH 253 or MTH 264 & 265 is a required course for the advanced biochemistry option. You will usually find that MTH 264 & 265 is offered more terms and at better times.
If BB 490 & BB 491 Biochemistry (6 credits) are used to fulfill the biochemistry requirement instead of BB 450, two of the credits count toward credits for CSE credits.
BI 314 is not required but is recommended as an elective before taking BB 490 and counts as a career supportive elective.
