2022-2023 Catalog

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Advising Information

Students interested in majoring in Biochemistry are strongly advised to initially take an introductory chemistry course based on their placement (see below): CHEM 100, CHEM 120, or CHEM 130. BIO 130 is usually taken the semester after CHEM 120 or CHEM 130, but it can also be taken at the same time. Typically, students working toward the Biochemistry degree take two math/science classes each semester and are advised to actively participate in the AMP and SSAP programs associated with their math/science classes. 


Students wishing to declare the Biochemistry major should have completed two Biology and two Chemistry classes with at least a 2.7 GPA in these classes and arrange for the discussion of their schedule with one of the Program's advisors. 

Placement Information

Students who are interested in majoring in Biochemistry should take the Chemistry Placement Exam during the summer prior to their first year. Students scoring a 4 or 5 on the Chemistry AP exam have the option of enrolling in CHEM 130 without taking the placement test, but are encouraged to contact a department chair if they have questions about this placement.

Students who are interested in majoring in Biochemistry should take the Calculus Placement Assessment (ALEKS) during the summer prior to their first year. You do not need to take the Calculus Placement Assessment if any of the following are true:

  • You received a score of 4 or 5 on either the AP Calculus AB or BC exam; 

  • You received an IB Calculus HL score of 5 or above;

  • You have already taken a Calculus 1 course at another accredited college or university.  

An AP Calculus AB score of 4 or 5, or an IB Calculus HL score of 5 or above, fulfills the major’s Calculus 1 requirement. An AP Calculus BC score of 4 or 5 fulfills the Calculus 2 requirement. Students should make sure that their official score reports are sent to the Registrar’s Office for processing.

Sample 4-Year Plan


Fall

Spring

Year 1
  • Fall FYS course
  • Spring FYS course
  • BIO 130
  • Calculus 1 (CPMS)
  • Foreign Language

Year 2
  • Calculus 2 (CPMS)
  • CHEM 220
  • Core Requirement (4 units)
  • Core Requirement (4 units)
  • CHEM 221
  • 200-level Cell & Molecular
  • Core Requirement (4 units)
  • Core Requirement (4 units)

Year 3
  • PHYS 120 or PHYS 125
  • CHEM 240
  • General Elective (4 units)
  • General Elective (4 units)

Year 4
  • BICH 490 (Senior Seminar, 2 units)
  • CHEM 300 or CHEM 301
  • General Elective (2 units)
  • General Elective (4 units)
  • General Elective (4 units)
  • BICH 490 (Senior Seminar, 2 units)
  • CHEM 350
  • General Elective (4 units)
  • General Elective (4 units)

Curricular Notes

  • For their Introductory Organismal biology course, students can choose from BIO 105, BIO 110, and BIO 115.

  • CHEM 120 or CHEM 130 are prerequisites for BIO 130, though it is also possible to take the CHEM and BIO courses concurrently.

  • To complete your core requirements by the end of the sophomore year at least one course may need to satisfy two core requirements.