Academics Biochemistry

Biochemistry

The diversity of biochemistry is illustrated by the breadth of the research interests of the faculty associated with the Program of Study. 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 Program of Study 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 Program of Study 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.

Required Classes for Program of Study in Biochemistry:

BIOBM 4400 Laboratory in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; physical chemistry (CHEM 2870-2880  or 3890-3900 or 3890-2880); 6 credits of organic chemistry (CHEM 3570-3580 or CHEM 3590-3600); plus one of the following two alternatives. Students wanting to maximize their background in chemistry should take CHEM 3000 Quantitative Chemistry and CHEM 3010 Honors Experimental Chemistry I (students who choose this option should not take CHEM 2510). Students wanting to gain further depth in biochemistry and related disciplines should take BIOBM 4320 Survey of Cell Biology, and either CHEM 3000 Quantitative Chemistry or CHEM 2520 Elementary Experimental Organic Chemistry. Students choosing the first alternative are encouraged to take BIOBM 4320.

Note: CHEM 2880 is designed for biologists. Five hours of biochemistry are recommended (3310 and 3320, or 3300 and 3340 or 3330 and 3340).  Students interested in graduate work in biochemistry should take PHYS 2207-2208 and should consider taking a third semester of calculus in preparation for CHEM 3890-3900 and its prerequisites. They should be sure to complete CHEM 2070-2080 or 2150-2160 during their freshman year.

Note: Biology majors in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences who select the Biochemistry program are allowed to take up to 61 credit hours in the endowed colleges because of the high number of required endowed courses for this Program of Study.

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