Biochemistry

The biochemistry major blends chemistry and biology so you can understand biological systems at the molecular level.

Ready for Anything

You gain a foundation in chemistry and biology to develop your understanding of life’s chemical basis. Courses introduce you to research as early as your first year with opportunities to participate in faculty-mentored projects. You can continue research year-round through labs, independent studies and summer grants. These projects develop your lab skills and give you opportunities to make a difference in agriculture, medicine and other areas.

By the time you graduate, your experiences include:

• Close mentoring relationships with faculty starting your first year, as the department boasts a 2:1 faculty-first-year major ratio
• Hands-on experience using state-of-the-art lab equipment
• A semester-long senior research project
• Opportunities to publish research with faculty and present your work at local, regional and national conferences
• Networking and professional growth through weekly seminars, departmental employment, the Chem Club and Chem Demo Crew

Making your Mark

Biochemistry majors are valuable for careers in biomedical research, forensic science, pharmaceutics and other professions. Though many students pursued graduate degree, some began careers after graduation. Recent graduates found jobs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, St. Louis Metropolitan Crime Laboratory, Emerald Performance Materials and Exelon Energy. Others attended graduate school at the University of Wisconsin, the University of North Carolina and the University of Southern California. Graduates interested in professional programs such as medical, dental or veterinary school attended schools such as the University of Illinois, St. Louis University and Indiana University.

Major Requirements

Chem/Biochem Common Requirements - 50-51 hrs.

• CHM 110: General Chemistry I - 3 hrs.
• CHM 111: General Chemistry I Laboratory - 1 hr.
• CHM 114: Chemistry of the Elements - 1 hr.
• CHM 116: General Chemistry II - 3 hrs.
• CHM 117: General Chemistry II Laboratory - 1 hr.
• CHM 252: Organic Chemistry I - 4 hrs.
• CHM 253: Organic Chemistry Laboratory I - 1 hr.
• CHM 256: Organic Chemistry II - 3 hrs.
• CHM 257: Organic Chemistry Laboratory II - 1 hr.
• CHM 292: Chemical Informatics - 1 hr.
• CHM 326: Analytical Chemistry - 4 hrs.
• CHM 360: Biochemistry - 3 hrs.
• CHM 380: Seminar I in Chemistry and Biochemistry - 0 hr.
• CHM 386: Seminar II in Chemistry and Biochemistry - 1 hr.
• CHM 470 or 570: Physical Chemistry I - 3 hrs.
• CHM 480 or 580: Seminar III in Chemistry and Biochemistry - 1 hr.
• BIO 151: Molecules to Cells - 3 hrs.
• BIO 152: Molecules to Cells Laboratory - 1 hr.
• PHY 110: University Physics I - 4 hrs.
  and PHY 201: University Physics II - 4 hrs.
  or PHY 107: General Physics I - 4 hrs.
  and 108: General Physics II - 4 hrs.
• MTH 121: Calculus I - 4 hrs.
  and MTH 122: Calculus II - 4 hrs.
  or MTH 115: Brief Calculus With Applications I - 4 hrs.
  and MTH 116: Brief Calculus With Applications II - 3 hrs.

Required Courses - 23 hrs.

• CHM 361: Biochemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
• CHM 420 or 520: Instrumental Analysis - 4 hr.
• CHM 436: or 536 Inorganic Chemistry - 3 hr.
• CHM 462 or 562: Protein Structure and Function - 3 hr.
• CHM 466 or 566: Intermediary Metabolism - 3 hr.
• CHM 471 or 571: Physical Chemistry Laboratory I - 1 hr.
• BIO 310: Genetics - 3 hr.
• BIO 311: Genetics Laboratory - 1 hr.
• BIO 464 or 564 with lab: Cell Biology - 4 hr.