Biochemistry

BS Degree Program

The biochemistry program is the result of a joint effort of the departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry to provide students interested in this area with a curriculum in the interdisciplinary science of biochemistry. The program, strengthened by mathematics and physics, attempts to unite those aspects of biology and chemistry relevant to the subcellular study of the life process. Administration of the program is by the biochemistry committee, composed of members of the departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry. Flexibility in course requirements allows students to shape individual curricula within the framework of the overall program. Toward this goal, each student receives individual guidance by members of the committee.

Harpur College Requirements

Harpur College students must complete the following requirements in addition to those listed for the major:

  • 126 credits
  • 94 liberal arts and sciences credits
  • Minimum of 46 upper-level credits
  • Completion of the Harpur College writing requirement (four to five courses as described in the All-College Writing section of the Harpur College Undergraduate Information section of the Bulletin. Maximum of one C/J course and two W courses may be transferred).
  • Minimum of 44 credits in residence in Harpur College
  • 2.0 or higher GPA

Harpur College requirements are described in detail in the Requirements for Graduation section of the Harpur College Undergraduate Information section of the Bulletin.

Restrictions on Double Majors

Biochemistry majors may not double major or minor with biological sciences, chemistry or neuroscience.

Requirements for Biochemistry Major

  • BCHM (or BIOL) 401, 403, 425, 426, BCHM 480
  • BIOL 113, 114, 115
  • Inorganic chemistry: CHEM 107 and 108 preferred (CHEM 104, 105 and 106 sequence or CHEM 111 may fulfill this requirement)
  • Additional chemistry requirement: CHEM 231, 332, 335, 361
  • PHYS 131, 132 (or 121, 122)
  • MATH 224/225 and MATH 226/227

Plus 16 additional credits: four in biology, eight in chemistry and four in any department of the Division of Science and Mathematics. Eight of these credits must be upper level. The four credits in biology must be at the 300-400 level. The eight credits in chemistry must be selected from the following courses: CHEM 221, 341, 421, 422, 432, 434, 442, 443, 451, 452, 454, 455, 462, 482, 483, 484, 485 and 486. Four credits of BCHM 497 may be used as science and mathematics divisional credits only. BIOL 304, 323, 341, 391, 451, 480, 490, 491, 494, 495, 496, 497 and 498, BCHM 491 and CHEM 311, 362, 391, 397, 496, 497 and 498 may not be used to fulfill the electives. Regardless of major, students may not earn credit for both BIOL 304 and BIOL/BCHM 403.

Electives should be approved by the advisor. Biochemistry majors may not take BCHM 401, 403, 425, 426 and 480 (or BIOL 401, 403, 425, 426) or CHEM 361 on a Pass/Fail basis. They may, however, elect to take a total of not more than eight credits of their other courses and electives required for the major with the Pass/Fail grading options.

Residency requirement: The following courses must be taken at 香港六合彩资料: BCHM 401, 403, 425, 426, 480, CHEM 361, four credits in BIOL courses numbered 300 level and above, eight credits in CHEM courses selected from the list of approved courses.

It is important to declare a major in biochemistry as soon as possible and to plan carefully the sequence in which the courses should be taken. A suggested sequence is available on the biochemistry program website. Consent of the biochemistry program director is required for any substitutions or waivers of the requirements.

The following courses are required courses for the biochemistry major: MATH 224 and PHYS 121. If students do not place into MATH 224, then MATH 223 and, if needed, MATH 108 are also required for completion of the major. If students do not place into PHYS 121, then MATH 108 is also required for completion of the major.  

Honors Program in Biochemistry

An honors program in biochemistry is available to declared biochemistry majors who have demonstrated excellence in laboratory research. To qualify for honors, students must:

  • have a successful ongoing research project; and,
  • with approval of their advisor, apply to the biochemistry committee to be admitted into the honors research in biochemistry program

Before graduation, the student must complete a thesis, the form of which is decided by the advisor with approval of the biochemistry committee. This thesis must be defended before a thesis committee composed of the student鈥檚 advisor, a faculty member selected by the student and his or her advisor, and a faculty member selected by the biochemistry committee.

Details of these procedures may be found on the biochemistry honors web page. At graduation, recipients of honors receive recognition of their accomplishments for distinguished independent research in biochemistry. Each year, one or two outstanding senior biochemistry majors are honored as recipients of the Award for Excellence in Biochemistry. They are selected on the basis of their academic excellence and research capabilities.

List of Faculty

This program draws faculty from across multiple departments. For a list of faculty, see the program's website.