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. (Italicized courses are prerequisite to required upper level courses.) 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-101/ -101L General Chemistry I and Laboratory
CHM-102/ -102L General Chemistry II and Laboratory
MTH-145 Calculus II
BIO-145 Cellular and Molecular Biology/BIO-140 Introduction to Biology Laboratory
BIO-155/ -150 Organismal and Ecological Biology and Laboratory

Second Year

PHY-215,-210 General Physics I & Laboratory
PHY-225/ -220 General Physics II & 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/ -340 Techniques in Molecular Biology and Laboratory
CHM-431/ -431L Biochemistry and Laboratory
CHM-705 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-715 Seminar in Chemistry II