Biochemistry B.S.

Coordinator, Department of Chemistry: Professor Matera

Professors: Karty, Sienerth

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 111INTRODUCTORY CELL BIOLOGY

3 sh

BIO 113CELL BIOLOGY LABORATORY

1 sh

BIO 212INTRODUCTORY POPULATION BIOLOGY

3 sh

BIO 214POPULATION BIOLOGY LABORATORY

1 sh

CHM 111GENERAL CHEMISTRY I

4 sh

CHM 112GENERAL CHEMISTRY II

4 sh

MTH 151CALCULUS I

4 sh

BIO 245PRINCIPLES OF GENETICS

3 sh

BIO 246GENETICS LABORATORY

1 sh

CHM 211ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I

4 sh

CHM 212ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II

4 sh

CHM 311QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS

4 sh

CHM 351BIOCHEMISTRY I

4 sh

CHM 353BIOCHEMISTRY II

4 sh

CHM 495SENIOR SEMINAR IN BIOCHEMISTRY

3 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

PHY 201GENERAL PHYSICS I

4 sh

PHY 202GENERAL PHYSICS II

4 sh

or

PHY 221UNIVERSITY PHYSICS I

4 sh

PHY 222UNIVERSITY PHYSICS II

4 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.

BIO 324TOXICOLOGY

4 sh

BIO 327IMMUNOLOGY

4 sh

BIO 328BIOCHEMICAL BASIS OF DISEASE

4 sh

BIO 361INTRODUCTION TO CANCER BIOLOGY

4 sh

BIO 422MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOLOGY

4 sh

BIO 445TOPICS IN ADVANCED GENETICS

4 sh

BIO 499RESEARCH

1-4 sh

CHM 321INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS

4 sh

CHM 332PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I

4 sh

CHM 334PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II

4 sh

CHM 341INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

4 sh

CHM 355MEDICINAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTRY

4 sh

CHM 499RESEARCH

1-3 sh

PHY 499RESEARCH

1-4 sh


Students majoring in Biochemistry cannot also declare a minor in either Biology or Chemistry.

Total Credit Hours: 65

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