Biology: Biochemistry

View the 2024-2025 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

B.S. Biology with Concentration in Biochemistry

Requirements for Concentration (In addition to concentration electives, students must complete the additional elective requirements to satisfy the major)

• BIOL3125 Molecular Biology
• CHEM2102 Organic Chemistry II
• CHEM3115 Introduction to Toxicology OR CHEM3123 Advanced Chemical Synthesis 
• BIOL4194/95 Research Internship in the Natural Sciences I & II OR INT3211 Experiential Internships in the Natural Sciences (with permission of instructor; a one-semester experience with approved research component)
• Two biology electives from category 2 

Category 2: Organismic/Systems Electives

• BIOL2113 Human Nutrition
• BIOL2121 Human Health and the Environment with lab (SJ)
• BIOL2135 Anatomy and Physiology I with lab
• BIOL2137 Anatomy and Physiology II with lab 
• BIOL3101 Developmental Biology with lab
• BIOL3105 Endocrinology
• BIOL3151 Exercise Physiology with lab
• BIOL4194/BIOL4195 Research Internships in the Natural Sciences I and II*
• NEURO2201 Neurobiology
• NEURO3200 Computational Neuroscience
• NEURO3205 Neuroendocrinology
• NEURO3216 Neurobiology of Addiction
• NEURO3137 Medical Neuroscience

* BIOL4149 counts as a 3000-level biology laboratory elective for a B.S. in biology if the entire two-semester internship sequence (BIOL4194 and BIOL4195) is completed. The student's advisor determines the appropriate category for the internship. Students receive academic credit for the second internship course (BIOL4195), but it would not be counted as one of the 11 required biology courses.

At the completion of a degree from the Biology Department, the student will have:

• Master and apply fundamental concepts in biology.
• Source, critically evaluate and communicate scientific knowledge.
• Collaborate effectively with others to find insightful solutions to scientific questions.
• Apply ethical and moral reasoning to important biological issues that impact society.
• Acquire expertise in laboratory techniques, laboratory safety, experimental design, and data analyses.
• Explore career goals and experiential opportunities to excel in future professions.

A degree in biochemistry can lead to a variety of career options in fields such as healthcare, research, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. Some possible job titles include:

• Biochemist: Conducting research on the chemical processes of living organisms, studying DNA, enzymes, and other biological molecules.
• Medical Scientist: Conducting clinical trials and research to develop new drugs, treatments, and medical technologies.
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative: Marketing and selling pharmaceutical products to doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies.
• Science Writer: Communicating scientific findings to the public through writing and other media.
• Biotechnology Researcher: Developing new products and technologies in areas such as agriculture, food science, and environmental science.
• Patent Lawyer: Specializing in intellectual property law, with a focus on biotechnology patents.
• Quality Control Specialist: Ensuring that products and processes meet quality standards in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and other industries.
• Clinical Research Coordinator: Coordinating clinical research studies and ensuring compliance with regulations and ethical guidelines.
• Science Educator: Teaching biochemistry and related subjects at the high school or college level.
• Medical Laboratory Technician: Performing tests and analyzing biological samples in a laboratory setting.