Biochemistry B.S.
Coordinator, Department of Chemistry: Professor Matera
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: 48 sh
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 3330 or with an additional semester of CHM 4010 beyond the one that is required.
- Students cannot use both BIO 3200 and CHM 3550 as elective courses
- BIO 4999/PHY 4999 must be approved by the coordinator
- BIO 4999/CHM 4999/PHY 4999 cannot count for more than 2 sh toward the major
- MTH 2510 is a prerequisite for CHM 3340
Students majoring in Biochemistry cannot also declare a minor in either Biology or Chemistry.
Total Credit Hours: 66