Biochemistry B.S.
Coordinator, Department of Chemistry: Professor Matera
Professors: Karty, Sienerth
Associate Professors: Evans, Izzo, Miyamoto, Moore, L. Niedziela, Train, Uno, Wright
Assistant Professors: Clar, Dabrowski, McManamy, Rizzuto, Simkin
Biochemistry focuses on those processes that occur at the molecular level in living organisms. The goal of the biochemistry major is to provide an in-depth, interdisciplinary foundation in chemistry and biology needed to understand these processes. Students completing this major will be prepared for careers in the biotechnology industry or graduate studies in biochemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, molecular biology or medically-related fields.
Administered by the Department of Chemistry, a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry (61-65 semester hours) is offered in a three-tiered structure. Foundational courses are taken from biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics. Intermediate courses in biochemistry, genetics and organic chemistry provide in-depth knowledge. Advanced electives in biochemistry, biology and chemistry allow students flexibility in tailoring a curriculum to fit their post baccalaureate goals. The major concludes with a capstone experience focusing on an advanced topic in biochemistry coupled with the creation of a scientific research proposal.
Students who major in biochemistry will gain access to state-of-the-art technology and be able to put their knowledge into practice through internships and/or undergraduate research. Biochemical research may be offered by appropriate faculty in the Department of Biology, the Department of Chemistry or the Department of Physics. Undergraduate researchers are encouraged to present their results at local, regional and national scientific meetings.
A Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biochemistry requires the completion of the Elon Core Curriculum as well as the Major Requirements listed below.
Major Requirements:
Required courses: 47 sh
| BIO 111 | INTRODUCTORY CELL BIOLOGY | 3 sh |
| BIO 113 | CELL BIOLOGY LABORATORY | 1 sh |
| BIO 212 | INTRODUCTORY POPULATION BIOLOGY | 3 sh |
| BIO 214 | POPULATION BIOLOGY LABORATORY | 1 sh |
| CHM 111 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY I with LAB | 4 sh |
| CHM 112 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY II with LAB | 4 sh |
| MTH 151 | CALCULUS I | 4 sh |
| BIO 245 | PRINCIPLES OF GENETICS | 3 sh |
| BIO 246 | GENETICS LABORATORY | 1 sh |
| CHM 211 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I with LAB | 4 sh |
| CHM 212 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II with LAB | 4 sh |
| CHM 311 | QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS | 4 sh |
| CHM 351 | BIOCHEMISTRY I | 4 sh |
| CHM 353 | BIOCHEMISTRY II | 4 sh |
| CHM 352 | Biochemistry Laboratory | 0 sh |
| CHM 401 | Advanced Chemistry Lab | 0 sh |
| CHM 495 | SENIOR SEMINAR IN BIOCHEMISTRY | 3 sh |
* BIO 212 and BIO 214 carry a pre-requisite of BIO 131 (Biodiversity); Biochemistry majors must request approval for a waiver of the pre-requisite from the Biology department chair.
Select one of the following Physics sequences: 8 sh
Select a minimum of 10 hours from the following courses: 10 sh
At least 4 hours from CHM and 4 hours from BIO
(Other electives can be substituted with approval of the department);
At least 2 hours must include laboratory-based content. Alternatively, this lab requirement can be satisfied with CHM 333 or with an additional semester of CHM 401 beyond the one that is required.
- Students cannot use both BIO 328 and CHM 355 as elective courses
- BIO 499/PHY 499 must be approved by the coordinator
- BIO 499/CHM 499/PHY 499 cannot count for more than 2 sh toward the major
- MTH 251 is a prerequisite for CHM 334
Students majoring in Biochemistry cannot also declare a minor in either Biology or Chemistry.
Total Credit Hours: 65
Total Credit Hours: 65