Biochemistry

The diversity of biochemistry is illustrated by the breadth of the research interests of the faculty associated with the Biochemistry concentration. These interests range from biophysics and biophysical chemistry through molecular and cellular biology. A well trained biochemist must have an excellent grounding in the physical sciences as well as in biology. Students in this concentration are encouraged to enroll in the more rigorous course sequences in chemistry and physics and to take at least three semesters of mathematics. Courses at the advanced level are open to upper-class students as well as graduate students, and a one-credit seminar course in an area of biochemistry is offered each semester.

Biochemistry is an experimental science and students are encouraged to carry out independent research projects under faculty supervision. By performing research, a student gains a deeper understanding of an area as well as an appreciation of the experimental scientific process. Faculty members pursue a large variety of projects in their laboratories, using many different techniques. Faculty research interests include regulation of gene expression, genetic engineering, properties of transformed cells, membrane structure and transport, structure and function of proteins and the cytoskeleton, photosynthesis and oxidative phosphorylation, and chromosome structure. Viruses, microbes, yeast, animal cells in culture, and higher plants are used in the research programs of faculty members in biochemistry.

A number of the graduates from the Biochemistry concentration will continue their training in graduate school or in medical or veterinary colleges. Holders of a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry are needed in academic, industrial, and government laboratories. Biochemistry is a rapidly moving discipline that is attracting increasing interest from many industries, including pharmaceutical houses, chemical concerns, and food processors.

Biochemistry Requirements

Students electing this concentration should be sure to complete CHEM 2070 -CHEM 2080 or CHEM 2150 during their freshman year. Students concentrating in Biochemistry should not take CHEM 1570 , Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry. Also note that our concentrators are required to complete an organic chemistry laboratory course (either CHEM 2510 or CHEM 3010 ).

General and organic chemistry:

5 credits of Biochemistry:

Cell biology:

BIOMG 4320 - Survey of Cell Biology

Laboratory course in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology:

BIOMG 4400 - Laboratory in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Physical chemistry:

CHEM 2870 - Introductory Physical Chemistry plus
CHEM 2880 - Introductory Physical Chemistry
or
CHEM 3890 - Honors Physical Chemistry I plus
CHEM 3900 - Honors Physical Chemistry II
The one-year sequence, CHEM 2870 + CHEM 2880 , in our estimation, is an ideal way to learn physical chemistry, and is designed in large part around the interests of our Biochemistry Concentrators. For these reasons we recommend this sequence to you! Of course, the Chemistry Honors sequence, CHEM 3890 + CHEM 3900 , would also be a fine way to learn physical chemistry.

And at least one other course with a biochemical or biophysical orientation selected from the following list:

BIOMG 4380 - The RNA World
BIOMG 6310 - Protein Structure and Function
CHEM 4500 - Principles of Chemical Biology
BIOG 4990 - Independent Undergraduate Research in Biology (or the equivalent in other departments) with the approval of the advisor, if the research has continued over at least two semesters and includes a substantial biochemical component.

Note:

It is recommended that when selecting freshman-level core biology choice courses that one of them be BIOMG 1350 - Introductory Biology: Cell and Developmental Biology .
Students interested in graduate work in biochemistry should take PHYS 2207 –PHYS 2208 and should consider taking CHEM 3890 –CHEM 3900 and its prerequisites.