Course Requirements

The concentration in biochemistry includes completion of a degree in chemistry in addition to coursework in biology. This combination of courses and laboratories is excellent preparation for graduate study in biochemistry, molecular biology and associated areas. It also provides an excellent foundation for medical school and other health-related programs or for employment in the biotechnology industry.

Four-Year Plan

The following represents one of many paths you can take to complete a major in biochemistry. Note that students typically take four courses per semester for a total of eight each year. Check the Coe catalog to review all of your options.

First Year

CHM-121/ -121L General Chemistry I and Laboratory
CHM-122/ -122L General Chemistry II and Laboratory
MTH-145 Calculus II
BIO-145/ -145L Cellular and Molecular Biology and Laboratory
BIO-155/ -155L Organismal and Ecological Biology and Laboratory

Second Year

PHY-185/ -185L General Physics I and Laboratory
PHY-195/ -195L General Physics II and Laboratory
CHM-211/ -211L Analytical Chemistry and Laboratory
CHM-221 Organic Chemistry I
BIO-235/ -230 Genetics and Genetics and Laboratory

Third Year

CHM-321 Organic Chemistry II
CHM-322 Organic Laboratory
BIO-345/ -345L Techniques in Molecular Biology and Laboratory
CHM-431/ -431L Biochemistry and Laboratory
CHM-464 Seminar in Chemistry I

Fourth Year

CHM-341/ -341L Physical Chemistry I and Laboratory
CHM-432/ -432L Protein Biochemistry
BIO-405 Current Topics in Molecular Biology
CHM-474 Seminar in Chemistry II