BS in Biochemistry
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Increasing numbers of important scientific advances in biology and medicine are focused on the chemical interaction of molecules and require a fundamental understanding of chemistry applied to the life sciences.
The biochemistry major addresses this need and provides a program of study in the major areas of chemistry with an emphasis on chemical applications in the life sciences. There is also an emphasis on developing skills in analytical thinking and problem-solving, evaluation and interpretation of data, effective communication of scientific information and research methodologies.
You'll acquire the background and skills to prepare you for entry-level positions in chemical, pharmaceutical or academic research laboratory settings or in non-traditional settings. Your education will also prepare you for entry into graduate programs in chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science, biomedical sciences, pharmacy, secondary education, medicine and law.
Curriculum + Requirements
Increasing numbers of important scientific advances in biology and medicine are focused on the chemical interaction of molecules and require a fundamental understanding of chemistry applied to life sciences. The BS in biochemistry maintains the Quinnipiac tradition of a strong liberal education and a balance of science requirements that provides competent training in chemistry with suitable applications in biochemistry and strong orientation in biology.
The freshman and sophomore years are structured to allow students to study within the biochemistry program while keeping open their choices of majors in science programs.
The junior and senior years retain the essential advanced courses in chemistry that are advantageous for employment in the majority of chemistry laboratory positions in the foreseeable future. Graduates with acceptable grades may also continue into graduate education.
Initial placement in the English and mathematics courses is determined by placement examinations and an evaluation of high school units presented. Students who do not place directly into MA 141 should take MA 140. MA 142 is strongly recommended.
Undergraduates enrolled in the biochemistry major must maintain a minimum grade of C in all required chemistry, physics and mathematics courses. Any required course not listed in the course description section may be considered for scheduling when the need arises. All 4-credit science courses have a laboratory component. Chemistry electives must be selected with the advice and approval of the department chairperson. Open electives should be selected based upon student interests and career goals from offerings in all schools.
An independent research project chosen by the student and directed by a full-time faculty member in the department or an approved internship is required of all students in these programs. This research project or internship plays a key role for the student in developing a deeper understanding of the chemistry involved, and builds skills necessary to work independently and communicate the results of the work to a group of scientists.
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Fall Semester, First Year |
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Course |
Title |
Credits |
| BIO 101/101L | General Biology I with lab (UC) | 4 |
| CHE 110/110L | General Chemistry I with lab | 4 |
| EN 101 | Elements of Composition I (UC) | 3 |
| MA 141 | Calculus of a Single Variable I (UC) | 3 |
| QU 101 | The Individual in the Community | 3 |
| Total: 17 |
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Spring Semester, First Year |
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Course |
Title |
Credits |
| BIO 102/102L | General Biology II with lab (UC) | 4 |
| CHE 111/111L | General Chemistry II with lab | 4 |
| EN 102 | Elements of Composition II (UC) | 3 |
| MA 142 | Calculus of a Single Variable II or other elective | 3 |
| UC | Social Science | 3 |
| Total: 17 | ||
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Fall Semester, Second Year |
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Course |
Title |
Credits |
| CHE 210/210L | Organic Chemistry I with lab | 4 |
| CHE 215/215L | Analytical Chemistry with lab | 4 |
| PHY 110/110L* | General Physics I with lab | 4 |
| UC elective | 3 | |
| Total: 15 | ||
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Spring Semester, Second Year |
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Course |
Title |
Credits |
| CHE 211/211L | Organic Chemistry II with lab | 4 |
| PHY 111/111L* | General Physics II with lab | 4 |
| UC | Humanities | 3 |
| QU 201 | National Community | 3 |
| Total: 14 | ||
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Fall Semester, Third Year |
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Course |
Title |
Credits |
| CHE 301/301L | Physical Chemistry I with lab | 4 |
| CHE 315/315L | Biochemistry I with lab | 4 |
| UC | Humanities | 3 |
| Advanced Biology elective | 4 | |
| Total: 15 | ||
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Spring Semester, Third Year |
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Course |
Title |
Credits |
| CHE 302/302L | Physical Chemistry II with lab | |
| or CHE 304/304L | Biophysical Chemistry with lab | 4 |
| CHE 305/305L | Instrumental Analysis with lab | 4 |
| CHE 316 | Biochemistry II | 3 |
| QU 301 | Global Community | 3 |
| Total: 14 | ||
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Fall Semester, Fourth Year |
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Course |
Title |
Credits |
| CHE 490 | Chemistry Research I | 3 |
| CHE 475 | Chemistry Seminar I | 1 |
| CHE | Chemistry elective | 3-4 |
| UC | Social Science | 3 |
| UC | Fine Arts | 3 |
| Total: 13-14 | ||
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Spring Semester, Fourth Year |
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Course |
Title |
Credits |
| CHE 491 | Chemistry Research II | 3 |
| CHE 476 | Chemistry Seminar II | 1 |
| Chemistry elective | 3-4 | |
| Advanced Biology elective | 4 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective (if necessary) | 0-3 | |
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Total: 14–17 |
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*PHY 121/121L and 122/122L may be substituted for PHY 110/110L and 111/111L
Minimum number of credits required for graduation: 120
Advanced biology electives for the biochemistry major may be chosen from the following list of suggested electives or similar level biology or biomedical science courses. Check for prerequisites.
| Course | Title | Credits |
| BIO 282 | Genetics | 4 |
| BIO 346 | Cell Physiology | 4 |
| BMS 370 | General Microbiology | 4 |
| BMS 375 | Immunology | 4 |