Major Requirements
Note that these are the new requirements !
Advice for the class of 2013
Advice for the class of 2014
Advice for the class of 2015
Requirements for the Biological Chemistry Major
For students declaring the major in 2012/2013 and later, the major must include:
BIOC: 219; 220; 223; 323; 331; 320
CHEM: a) both 105 and 205, or 120; b) 211
BISC: a) 110 or 112; b) two 300-level courses from among the following: 301; 310; 311; 314; 319; 320; 331; 334; or other course if relevant to the major and approved by the director. At least one of the two 300-level courses must be a laboratory course, excluding 350, 360, 370.
PHYS: 104 or 107.
Math: 116, 120, or equivalent.
For students declaring the major prior to 2011/2012, the major must include:
BIOC: [240]
CHEM: a) both 105 and 205, or 120; b) 211; c) 232; d) both [221] or 223 and 328
BISC: a) 110 or 112; b) 219; c) 220; d) two 300-level courses from among the following: 301; 310; 311; 314; 319; 320; 331; 334; or other course if relevant to the major and approved by the director. At least one of the two 300-level courses must be a laboratory course, excluding 350, 360, 370.
PHYS: 104 or 107.
Math: 116, 120, or equivalent.
Students who declared the major in 2011/12 may follow either set of requirements but are encouraged to followed the new set. Please consult with the program director.
Students should be sure to satisfy the prerequisites for 300-level courses. Students planning graduate work in biochemistry should consider taking additional courses in chemistry, such as analytical and inorganic and the second semester of organic. Students planning graduate work in molecular or cell biology should consider taking additional advanced courses in these areas. Independent research (250, 350, 355/365, 360/370) is highly recommended, especially for those considering graduate study.
The following BIOC courses are cross-listed in either BISC or CHEM: 219; 220; 223 320; 323; 331.
BIOC majors in the classes of 2014 and later should register with the BIOC designation.
A recommended sequence of required courses in the first two years for students declaring in 2012 and later would be:
Year 1: CHEM 105 (or 120) and Math or Physics; CHEM 205 or CHEM 211 and BISC 110/112
Year 2: CHEM 205 or CHEM 211 and BIOC 219; BIOC 223 and BIOC 220, and Math or Physics
In Years 3 and 4, students may elect to complete any combination of BIOC 331; BIOC 320; BIOC 323; 300-level BISC courses (and independent study).
Please discuss your program with the director as early as possible, especially if you are planning on study abroad.
