Biochemistry BS
The Bachelor of Science with a major in biochemistry program is designed for students who plan to enter graduate school or the chemical or pharmaceutical industry. In particular, it is ideal for the pre-professional student preparing for admission into a school of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or physical therapy. The curriculum is certified by the American Chemical Society. (Florham)
The biochemistry curriculum is particularly well suited to premedical students. Entrance requirement for most medical schools require an undergraduate program to include a two semesters of biology, physics, English composition, and some calculus in addition to a strong chemistry background. Pre-professional counseling for science and health careers is available on campus.
Program Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate a solid foundation in biochemistry including the vocabulary, concepts, methods, and procedures that will allow them to be competitive when entering industry, graduate, and professional schools.
- Write and speak clearly on biochemical topics and demonstrate a mastery of these topics through their written and oral communications.
- Excel at utilizing information resources including primary and secondary literature in the field using modern tools to locate and retrieve scientific information.
- Demonstrate qualitative and quantitative critical reasoning skills allowing them to interpret experimental data and evaluate its significance.
- Use standard laboratory equipment, modern instrumentation, and classical techniques to carry out experiments while following proper procedures and regulations for safe handling and use of chemicals and equipment.
Degree Plan
NOTE: All students are required to complete the General Education Requirements of their campus in fulfillment of their Bachelor degree requirements.
Semesters 1 and 2
- CHEM1201 General Chemistry I Lecture
- CHEM1203 General Chemistry I Laboratory
- CHEM1202 General Chemistry II Lecture
- CHEM1204 General Chemistry II Laboratory
Semesters 3 and 4
- CHEM2261 Organic Chemistry I Lecture
- CHEM2263 Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
- CHEM2262 Organic Chemistry II Lecture
- CHEM2264 Organic Chemistry II Laboratory
Semesters 5
- CHEM3241 Physical Chemistry I Lecture
- CHEM3243 Physical Chemistry I Laboratory
- CHEM3281 Biochemistry I Lecture
- CHEM3389 Biochemistry I Laboratory
Semester 6
- CHEM3242 Physical Chemistry II Lecture
- CHEM3244 Physical Chemistry II Laboratory
- CHEM3282 Biochemistry II Lecture
- CHEM4401 Chemistry Seminar
Semester 7
- CHEM2211 Inorganic Chemistry Lecture
- CHEM2221 Analytical Chemistry Lecture
- CHEM2223 Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
Semester 8
- CHEM2314 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
- CHEM4233 Instrumental Analysis Lecture
- CHEM4234 Instrumental Analysis Laboratory
- CHEM4215 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (or)
- CHEM4373 Polymer Chemistry
Cognate Requirements
Semesters 1 and 2
- MATH1201 or MATH1203 Calculus I
- MATH2202 Calculus II
- BIOL1221 / BIOL1222 Biological Diversity Lecture / Laboratory
- BIOL1233 / BIOL1234 Introduction to Molecules, Cells and Genes Lecture / Laboratory
Semesters 3 and 4
- PHYS2203 / PHYS2201 University Physics I Lecture / Laboratory
- PHYS2204 / PHYS2202 University Physics II Lecture / Laboratory
Semester 8
Major Requirements
Free Electives
May be chosen from any courses offered at the University after consultation with an advisor, (student may not take BIOL1101/BIOL1102). (Foreign language is recommended for students intending to go to graduate school.)
Advance Mathematics Course
Select one course, three credits, from the following:
- MATH2203 Calculus III
- MATH2337 Applied Statistics
Science Electives
Any upper-level (3000 or 4000) undergraduate or graduate science course or Independent Study.
A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation.