The biochemistry option is designed for those interested in working in biotechnology areas. Students can earn a chemistry degree in four years while targeting a career direction in biotechnology or preparing for graduate school in chemistry or related areas. This option includes nine courses in biology, biochemistry including lab, genetics and molecular biology.
This page serves as a general suggestion for students looking to complete their 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, 223c
General Chemistry (15): CH 231 (or 231H) and 271, CH 232 (or 232H) and 272, CH 233 (or 233H) and 273
Careers in Chemistry (1)b: CH 220
Elementary Functions (4)a: MTH 112a
Calculus (8): MTH 251, 252
Writing I (Bacc Core) (3): WR 121 (or 121H)
Speech (Bacc Core) (3): COMM 111/111H or 114/114H or 211 or 218
Fitness (Bacc Core) (3): HHS 231 and PAC or HHS Lab
Organic Chemistry (9): CH 334, 335, 336
Experimental Chemistry I (6): CH 361, 362
Vector Calculus I (4): MTH 254
General Physics (15): PH 201, 202, 203 or PH 211 & 221, PH 212 & 222, PH 213 & 223
Cell and Molecular Biology (4)c: BB 314
Writing II (Bacc Core) (3): Options
Perspectives (Bacc Core) (3): Options
General Electives (1): Electives
Qualitative Analysis (4) OR Analytical Chemistry (9)e: CH 324 OR CH 421, 422 and 461e
Physical Chemistry (9): CH 440, 441, 442
Biochemistry 1-3 (9): BB 490, 491 & 492d
Genetics (4): BI 311
Perspective or DPD (Bacc Core) (6-9): Options
Synthesis (Bacc Core) (3): Options
General Electives (11-13): Electives
aMTH 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.
bFirst Year Orientation for chemistry majors strongly recommended (1 cr. P/N)
cAs of fall 2020, BI 22X replaces BI 21X. A minimum of C- in BI 22X is an enforced prerequisite for BI 311, BB 314 and BB 49X. 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.
dIt is strongly recommended to take the BB lectures before taking the BB labs.
eProvides a stronger background in analytical chemistry and adds 2 credit hours.
a MTH 112 can be taken to prepare for MTH 251 if the score on ALEKS Math Placement test is 59% or less. MTH 112 is not a required course for the chemistry degree.
b As of fall 2020, BI 22X replaces BI 21X. A minimum of C- in BI 22X is an enforced prerequisite for BI 311, BB 314 and BB 49X. 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.
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 See additional information for alternative analytical chemistry courses.
e It is strongly encouraged that the BB lectures be taken before taking the BB labs.
The order of courses is suggested. For the track-two core courses (CH, MTH, PH), the order is critical because of prerequisites and the fact that most CH courses are taught only one term per year. The option courses (BI, BB) can be taken at different times than indicated, but one must be concerned with the prerequisites for BB courses and upper-division BI courses and the fact that some BB and upper-division BI courses are taught only one term per year.
Baccalaureate Core courses are not shown on the chart above.
Also see policies.
