Biochemistry Major

This is a combined major at the interface of biology and chemistry that partially overlaps the requirements for those two individual majors. It is particularly appropriate for those going on to graduate work and also provides a strong background for those entering medical, dental, and veterinary school.

Requirements for the Major

A major in Biochemistry requires a minimum of 18 courses including a senior thesis.

BIOLOGY

CHEMISTRY

Any two of the following three Advanced Laboratory courses:

PHYSICS

PHYS030L KS and PHYS031L KS (2 semesters), General Physics for the Life Sciences, or PHYS033L KS and PHYS034L KS (2 semesters), Principles of Physics

MATHEMATICS

MATH030 SC Calculus I and MATH031 SC Calculus II

SENIOR THESIS

Senior Thesis: BIOL191 KS /CHEM191 KS , or BIOL188L KS /CHEM188L KS and BIOL190L KS /CHEM190L KS , or BIOL189L KS /CHEM189L KS and BIOL190L KS /CHEM190L KS

Honors Requirements (All Tracks, where applicable)

To be considered for departmental honors in one of the science majors, a student must:

Achieve a minimum grade point average of 3.67 in courses in the major.
Achieve a minimum grade of A- on the thesis.
Complete a one- or two-semester thesis project in which the student has demonstrated excellence by making a significant contribution to the progress of the research and by producing a thesis document judged to be of honors quality by the department.
Present an oral progress report at the end of the first semester of a two-semester thesis and a poster at the conclusion of either a one- or two-semester thesis in which the student clearly explains the rationale for the project and the conclusions drawn, engages the listener, and knowledgeably answers questions.
Attend at least six scientific seminars during the semester (each semester for a two-semester thesis) and submit a brief and clear summary of each.