Biochemistry
Overview
Biochemistry explores the cell's molecular components and the chemical changes characteristic of living organisms. A thorough foundation in both biology and chemistry forms the core of biochemistry. Occidental's biochemists seek to use their scientific knowledge and broad education in the liberal arts to advance the public good and improve health care, economic opportunities, environmental stewardship, national security, as well as expanding human understanding through their teaching and research.
The core portion of the Biochemistry major includes BIO 130, the two biochemistry classes BIO 349 and CHEM 350, and the Biochemistry Senior Seminar, BICH 490. Classroom activities are supplemented by extensive laboratory experience involving the design, execution, and interpretation of experimental results. Biochemistry graduates generally elect to pursue graduate training toward a Ph.D. in Biochemistry or areas in Cell and Molecular Biology, a doctorate in the health professions, employment in the biotechnology field, or a career in education. Students planning on pursuing a Ph.D. are advised to take several more courses including the advanced Cell and Molecular offerings in Biology, and advanced Chemistry courses in Chemistry, to broaden their education. Biochemistry students are strongly encouraged to pursue their particular interests through an independent study-research project (BIO 395 or CHEM 395). The Biochemistry program is eager to accommodate the foreign study aspirations of its majors; however, due to the curriculum's sequential nature, careful advance planning is required.
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.
Major Requirements
BIOLOGY COMPONENT
Students must complete five courses as detailed below:
CHEMISTRY COMPONENT
(6 courses)
Students must select one course from the list below:
| CHEM 120 | Foundations of General Chemistry | 4 units |
| CHEM 130 | Advanced Placement General Chemistry | 4 units |
Students must select one course from the list below:
MATHEMATICS COMPONENT
Students are required to take both courses listed below:
PHYSICS COMPONENT
Students are required to select one option (2 required courses) from the list below:
Option 1 -
| PHYS 110 | Introductory Mechanics | 4 units |
| PHYS 230 | Introductory Electricity and Magnetism | 4 units |
Option 2 -
SENIOR SEMINAR
Students are to enroll in BICH 490 (2 units) each semester of their senior year.
Second-Stage Writing Requirement
Students should familiarize themselves with the second-stage writing requirement at the time of declaring the major. Students majoring in Biochemistry will satisfy this requirement by completing an in-depth research paper during the fall semester of BICH 490 (Senior Seminar). This paper is evaluated by the instructors for BICH 490 and by members of the Biochemistry Advisory Committee. Students who do not fulfill this requirement during BICH 490 must consult with the Biochemistry program Chair about available alternatives. This may mean enrolling in WRD 201 (passing with a C or better). Students can meet with the Biochemistry program Chair for more detailed information about the process of fulfilling the second-stage writing requirement.
Comprehensive Requirement
The student must pass the Graduate Record Examination in Biochemistry at the 50th percentile rank or the American Chemical Society undergraduate examination in Biochemistry at the 50th percentile rank. The student will also satisfactorily write a research paper and present a seminar during the senior year on an area of current research in the field of Biochemistry to an audience of Occidental students and faculty. A student can earn a Pass with Distinction in Biochemistry with a 75th percentile rank and a distinguished paper and seminar presentation.
College Honors
In addition to the requirements for College honors, the student will successfully defend a written thesis based upon the outcome of his or her laboratory research effort as an undergraduate. See the
Honors Program for more information.
Transfer Credit Policies
The Biochemistry Program policy on transfer credit conforms to College policy. Students should reference the Transfer Credit section for details.
Information that can be included in this section include:
- specific policies for majors/minors
- AP/IB Exam credit - course equivalencies?
- Online courses
- Policies specifically for matriculating frosh, transfer students, returning students after a leave of absence
Information that can be included in this section include:
- specific policies for majors/minors
- AP/IB Exam credit - course equivalencies?
- Online courses
- Policies specifically for matriculating frosh, transfer students, returning students after a leave of absence
Courses
Biochemistry Courses
Faculty
Advisory Committee
Gary Schindelman, co-chair
Full-Time Non-Tenure Track Associate Professor, Biology
B.S., State University of New York at Binghamton; Ph.D., New York University
Andrew K. Udit, co-chair
Associate Professor, Chemistry
H.B.Sc., University of Toronto; Ph.D., California Institute of Technology
Renee Baran
Associate Professor, Biology
B.A., Macalester College; Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley
Jeffrey Cannon
Assistant Professor, Chemistry
A.B., Occidental College; Ph.D., University of California, Irvine
Chris Craney
Professor, Chemistry
B.S., University of Puget Sound; M.S., D.A., Washington State University
Shana Goffredi
Associate Professor, Biology
B.A., University of San Diego; Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara
Gretchen North
John W. McMenamin Endowed Chair in Biology
B.A., Stanford University; M.A., University of Connecticut; M.A., College of William and Mary; Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles
Cheryl Okumura
Assistant Professor, Biology
B.A., Pomona College; Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles
Roberta Pollock
Professor, Biology
B.S., Emory University; Ph.D., Harvard University
Marcella Raney
Associate Professor, Kinesiology
A.B., Occidental College; Ph.D., University of Southern California