Biochemistry
Bachelor of Science — Joint Major, Biology and Chemistry Departments
Andrew Smith, Dana Professor and Steering Committee Chairperson
The biochemistry major provides background for many different careers in the sciences, especially in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, environmental, and biotechnology industries. In addition, it provides excellent preparation for careers in the medical field and affiliated health professions or for advanced study in a biochemistry graduate program. The curriculum combines a strong background in relevant areas of chemistry and biology with focused study in biochemistry, including extensive laboratory courses that cover major experimental techniques in biochemistry. Student-faculty collaborative research is an integral part of the curriculum. Students may participate in a diverse array of research programs with faculty from the biology or chemistry departments.
Requirements for Honors in Biochemistry
Students who are interested in doing an honors thesis should make plans with their research advisor in the spring of their junior year. They should select an honors committee comprising three faculty members, including the advisor, with at least one member from the Biology Department and one member from the Chemistry Department. The student will submit a brief application for honors to the Chair of the Biochemistry Steering Committee no later than three days before the add/drop deadline in the fall semester of their senior year. They must have completed BIOC 39000 and must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.00 with a 3.30 average in all chemistry and biology courses. Full guidelines are available from the Chair of the Steering Committee.
If the application is approved, students will take the two-semester honors course sequence in their senior year (BIOC 49700 and BIOC 49800). They will provide a full proposal to their committee, then perform the research and provide periodic updates to the committee. At the end of the year, students will present an oral presentation of their thesis to faculty and students of both departments. The written thesis must be completed and sent to the committee at least two days before the open presentation. The honors thesis will be evaluated by the student's committee.
BIOC 19200 Research: Biochemistry (LA)
After consultation with a faculty member doing biochemical research, the student undertakes a research problem under the guidance of that faculty member. Prerequisites: Permission of the faculty member.
1-3 Credits
BIOC 24000 Experimental Biochemistry (LA)
Immersion in a project-based research environment, focusing on current methodologies in biochemistry, molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics. In a highly collaborative atmosphere, students will form an interactive research team that engages in rigorous scientific problem solving through the sharing of ideas and progress reports. Prerequisites: BIOL 12100 or BIOL 11900; CHEM 22100. (Y)
Attributes: ENRE
2 Credits
BIOC 29000 Research in Biochemistry (LA)
After consultation with the faculty in the the Departments of Biology or Chemistry, the student undertakes a research problem in the lab under the guidance of one or more faculty members. Course is repeatable up to 18 credits. Prerequisites: CHEM 12100, BIOL 12100 or BIOL 12200. (F,S,Y)
1-3 Credits
BIOC 29100 Research: Biochemistry (LA)
After consultation with a faculty member doing biochemical research, the student undertakes a research problem under the guidance of that faculty member. Prerequisites: Permission of the faculty member.
1-3 Credits
BIOC 29200 Research: Biochemistry (LA)
After consultation with a faculty member doing biochemical research, the student undertakes a research problem under the guidance of that faculty member. Prerequisites: Permission of the faculty member.
1-3 Credits
BIOC 33300 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (LA)
A one-semester survey course covering the main concepts of biochemistry and molecular biology. Covers protein structure, enzymology, core metabolism, nucleic acid structure, DNA replication, transcription and translation from a molecular perspective. Lecture/discussion: Three hours. Not open to students who have completed BIOC 35300 or BIOC 35400. Prerequisites: BIOL 11900 or BIOL 12100; CHEM 22100; CHEM 23200. (S,Y)
Attributes: BIEL
3 Credits
BIOC 35300 Biochemistry: Protein Structure & Function (LA)
Introduction to biochemistry, including consideration of protein, enzyme, carbohydrate, and lipid structure and function, and metabolism of sugars, fatty acids, and amino acids. Mechanisms of reactions and control of pathways are stressed. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 22200 and 23200. (F,Y)
Attributes: BIEL, QL
3 Credits
BIOC 35400 Biochemistry: Molecular Biology of the Gene (LA)
The structure of nucleic acids and chromosomes, replication of DNA, mutation and repair, DNA recombination, transcription, RNA processing, translation, gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, genes and development, and molecular medicine will be covered. Three hours of lecture and one hour of discussion per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 22200 and BIOL 22700. (S,Y)
Attributes: BIEL
4 Credits
BIOC 39000 Independent Research in Biochemistry (LA)
In consultation with a faculty member, student will plan and execute a research project in biochemistry or related area. The project will culminate in a research paper describing the findings
as well as an oral presentation delivered to the department of the faculty advisor. Prerequisites: BIOL 22700; CHEM 23200; permission of instructor. (F-S, Y)
3 Credits
BIOC 39100-39200 Research: Biochemistry (LA)
After consultation with a faculty member doing biochemical research, the student undertakes a research problem under the guidance of that faculty member. Prerequisites: Permission of the faculty member.
1-3 Credits
BIOC 48100 Current Topics in Biochemistry (LA)
Discussion of recent research papers in the field of biochemistry. Students will analyze recent scientific reports in depth, applying and integrating what they have learned in previous courses. This course fulfills the ICC capstone requirement. Prerequisites: BIOC 35300. (F,Y)
Attributes: BIEL, CP
2 Credits
BIOC 49100-49200 Research: Biochemistry (LA)
After consultation with a faculty member doing biochemical research, the student undertakes a research problem under the guidance of that faculty member. Prerequisites: Permission of the faculty member.
1-3 Credits
BIOC 49700-49800 Honors Research: Biochemistry (LA)
After consultation with a selected honors committee from biology and chemistry faculty, the student undertakes a research project under the guidance of a faculty member. An honors thesis and an oral defense of the thesis are required. Prerequisites: Admission to honors program; three credits of research at level 3 or above.
3-4 Credits