Biochemistry B.S.
Coordinator, Department of Chemistry: Professor Sienerth
Professors: Karty, Matera
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 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.
- 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
Elon Core Curriculum:
First Year Foundations
| COR 110 | THE GLOBAL EXPERIENCE | 4 sh |
| ENG 110 | WRITING: ARGUMENT AND INQUIRY | 4 sh |
Select one of the following:
| STS 110 | INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICAL REASONING | 4 sh |
| MTH 151 | CALCULUS I | 4 sh |
| STS 212 | STATISTICS IN APPLICATION | 4 sh |
Experiential Learning Requirement (2 Units required)
Included in experiential learning are study abroad, research, service-learning, leadership, internships, (including co-ops, teaching, and practicum), or other courses or experiences with ELR designation.
World Language Requirement
Students must meet one of the following: (a)complete a language course numbered 122 or higher at Elon, or receive transfer or study abroad credit for the same; (b) place into a language course numbered 200 or above upon arriving at Elon, using a department of world languages approved placement instrument; (c) score a 4 or 5 on an AP language exam or similar exam. Each student must take the language placement test by October 1 of his or her first full year at Elon. Students are allowed two tries; the higher score is counted. That score stands and may not be repeated by later testing. Consideration for Phi Beta Kappa membership requires the completion of a 222-level world language course or placement beyond that level.
Studies in the Arts and Sciences
Students must fulfill the requirements in each of the following categories.
Transfer students with at least 18 s.h. of transfer credit must complete 32 hours total in Studies in the Arts & Sciences, but may have as few as 7 hours in one or more of the four Studies in the Arts & Sciences areas.
Expression (8 s.h.) __________________ __________________
Eight hours chosen from at least two of the following: literature (in English or world languages), philosophy, and fine arts (art, dance, music, music theatre, and theatre). At least one course must be literature.
Civilization (8 s.h.)_______________ __________________
Eight hours chosen from at least two of the following: history, world languages, art history and religious studies.
Society (8 s.h.) __________________ __________________
Eight hours chosen from at least two of the following: economics, geography, human service studies, political science, psychology, sociology/anthropology, and PHS 201 and PHS 202.
Science/Analysis (Lab:___) (8 s.h.) _____CHM 111______ _____CHM 112______
Eight hours chosen from one or more of the following: mathematics/statistics, science, and computer science. At least one course must be a physical or biological laboratory science.
Advanced Studies (8 s.h.) __________________ __________________
Eight hours of 300-400 level coursework outside the major field and chosen from areas under Studies in the Arts and Sciences.
COR Interdisciplinary Capstone Seminar (4 s.h.) __________________
300-400 level COR course; requires junior/senior status.
Society (8 s.h.) __ECO 111__ __________
Eight hours chosen from at least two of the following: economics, geography, human service studies, political science, psychology, & sociology/anthropology, and public health studies 201 or 202.