Combined Bachelors/Masters in Biochemistry
The combined 4+1 master’s degree in biochemistry is an accelerated program that allows you to earn your undergraduate and graduate degrees from Bradley in five years.
Ready for Anything
The B.S./M.S. degree in biochemistry deepens your knowledge of the chemical basis of life and your mastery of the laboratory methods used to understand it better. The combined program allows you to begin taking graduate level courses during your senior year so you can complete both degrees in less time than it would take to complete them separately. It also pairs you with a faculty mentor for research during the final three years of study. You complete the degree with a comprehensive oral exam, thesis project, defense and public seminar.
Making your Mark
A graduate biochemistry degree is valuable if you want to work in chemical industry, university or government research labs. It’s also beneficial if you want to pursue medical school or a Ph.D. in biochemistry or molecular biosciences.
B.S. Requirements for B.S./M.S. Biochemistry
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 hrs.
- CHM 470 or 570: Physical Chemistry I - 3 hrs.
- CHM 580: Literature Seminar 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.
Additional B.S. Requirements – 22-35 hrs..
- CHM 499 - Directed Studies in Chemistry - 2 hrs.
- Complete either a Biochemistry Major or a Concentration in Chemistry at Bradley University
- A total of nine credit hours of 500-600-level coursework (The hours can be elective hours or be part of a concentration or a major.)
M.S. Requirements for B.S./M.S. Biochemistry
A minimum of 30 hours of coursework at the 500–600 level and the courses listed below, which can be taken either as a requirement for the B.S. degree (400 or 500-level) or as a requirement for the M.S. degree (500 or 600-level).**
- CHM 520: Instrumental Analysis – 4 hrs.
- CHM 524: Analytical Separations – 3 hrs.
- CHM 536: Inorganic Chemistry – 3 hrs.
- CHM 561: Biochemistry Lab – 1 hr.
- CHM 562: Protein Structure and Function – 3hrs.
- CHM 566: Intermediary Metabolism – 3 hrs.
- CHM 599: Research - 2-4 hrs.***
- CHM 697: Research – 6-8 hrs.***
- CHM 699: Thesis – 1 hr.
- BIO 310: Genetics – 3 hrs.
- BIO 564: Cell Biology – 3 hrs.
- The remainder of the 30 required 500-600 level hours must be met by 500-level CHM courses or BIO 503, BIO 505, BIO 509, or BIO 568.
Course Sequence
Sample program plan information is provided for sample purposes only. Students should consult with their academic advisor about their individual plan for course registration and completion of program requirements.
Years 1- 4
Complete a B.S. degree with either a Biochemistry major or any concentration in Chemistry at Bradley University. Eight semester plans for these programs can be found using the links at: https://www.bradley.edu/academic/departments/chm/
In addition, students will need to complete the following:
- Thesis research during the summer after the Junior Year (Stipends Available)
- CHM 499 - Directed Studies in Chemistry - 2 hrs.
- CHM 599 – Research - 2 hrs.
- CHM 580 – Literature Seminar - 1 hr.
- An additional six credit hours of coursework at the 500-level (The hours can be elective hours or be part of a concentration or a major.)
Year 5
Complete Remaining M.S. Requirements
Summer after Year Four (3 hours)
- CHM 697 - Research - 3 hrs.
- Conduct thesis research full-time during the summer (Stipends Available)
Fifth Year - Fall Semester (9 hours)
- CHM 524 - Analytical Separations* - 3 hrs.
- CHM 697 - Research - 3 hrs.
- CHM course* - 3 hrs
Fifth Year - Spring Semester (8 hours)
- CHM 562 - Protein Structure and Function* - 3 hrs.
- CHM 566 - Intermediary Metabolism* - 3 hrs.
- CHM 697- Research - 2 hrs.
Summer after Fifth Year (1 hour)
- CHM 699 Thesis - 1hr
*The department's graduate coordinator will review the transcript of each student who transitions into the M.S. program, to ensure that students do not repeat courses that they have already completed (C or better) at the undergraduate level.