Biochemistry Major |
 |
- Biochemistry Course Listing
- Biochemistry Yearly Planner
THE BIOCHEMISTRY MAJOR—The biochemistry major is offered by the Chemistry Department and consists of the following one-semester courses: CHEM 211L, 212L, 309L, 311L, 313, 316L; PHYS 231L; MATH 132; BIOL 228L or 227L or 224L; BIOL 317L; and one elective course. The elective may be selected from any course in chemistry at the 210 level or above, or in biology at the 200 level or above. Students must take any laboratories associated with courses used to satisfy the elective requirement. Independent study and research may not be used to meet this requirement. Choice of electives should be made on the basis of the individual students’ educational objectives and after consultation with the student’s major adviser. The Writing Intensive Part II requirement is fulfilled by one of the following courses: CHEM 309L or CHEM 311L. The senior exercise for the biochemistry major is CHEM 316L. A grade of at least C- must be obtained in all required courses.
For further information concerning progress towards the major, please consult the description of the chemistry major. Biochemistry majors may choose a curriculum that meets the requirements for certification by the American Chemical Society for undergraduate training in chemistry. Students wishing to be so certified must take CHEM 312L or 314L and CHEM 404.
Students who are considering a major in biochemistry should consult a member of the chemistry department faculty as soon as possible after arriving on campus. Those who intend to enter a health-related profession should consult with a member of the Health Professions Advisory Committee.
STUDY AWAY—Chemistry or biochemistry majors wishing to study away should plan well in advance of the semester or year they intend to go abroad. There are a variety of programs available and students should review the information provided by the Office of International Programs and schedule a meeting with Professor Parr, the study abroad adviser in the Chemistry Department. In recent years, majors have studied in Australia and the British Isles.
In addition, students planning to study abroad who wish to have a course or courses counted towards partial fulfillment of the requirements for the chemistry or biochemistry major must present in writing a complete description of such courses for prior approval by the chair of the department. If approved, credit will be granted only after a satisfactory demonstration of completed work has been presented to the chair of the department. This must include a certified transcript from the institution.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT—Students with an AP Chemistry test score of 4 or better will receive one course credit. This credit can be used to fulfill graduation requirements, but it cannot be used to fulfill any Chemistry Department prerequisite.
HONORS—Honors will be awarded to students with a B+ average (3.33 or better) in all courses required for the major. A student must also complete at least one course credit of laboratory research (CHEM 425) approved by the Chemistry Department and earn a grade of at least B+.
SENIOR THESIS—A senior thesis requires a substantial amount of laboratory work. Students contemplating writing a thesis should therefore consult with their research advisers in their junior year. A Chemistry Department thesis application form (available from the chemistry secretary) must be submitted to the chair of the department by the end of the first week of classes of the fall semester of their senior year. Chemistry faculty members will evaluate applications. Students whose thesis applications are approved will enroll in CHEM 499. Senior Thesis for 1.0 credit in the spring semester of their senior year and participate in the departmental seminar series.
