Biochemistry

Concentration students completing the Biology major must include: 

• CHEM 181, CHEM 221, CHEM 222, CHEM 231
• A full year of Biochemistry with Lab.
• At least one upper-level Biology course with a lab that is molecular in nature (e.g., Genetics, Cell Biology, Microbiology or another course approved by the concentration directors) as part of their major-required courses.
• A semester of physics.
• A 300-level course in Chemistry (e.g., Instrumental Chemistry and Analytical Methods, Chemical Thermodynamics, Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy, Inorganic Chemistry, Advanced Biochemistry, Biophysical Chemistry, Molecular Pharmacology, or another course approved by the concentration directors).
  • Please note that some of these chemistry courses have attached labs and/or additional prerequisites that will not be waived.

Concentration students completing the chemistry major must include: 

• A full year of Biochemistry with Lab.
• BIO 161
• One upper-level Biology course with a lab that is molecular in nature (e.g., Genetics, Cell Biology, Microbiology, or another course approved by the concentration directors).
  • Please note that some upper division biology courses have additional prerequisites that will not be waived.

• Successful completion of the course requirements for a major in Chemistry or Biology.
• A full year of research or the equivalent, leading to a thesis with a public defense at the Academic Conference. Students will identify a research advisor during their junior year, present a thesis prospectus in the fall of their senior year, and submit a written update early in the spring semester of their senior year.
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all math and science courses, including labs.
• Fulfillment of the course requirements, including end-of-year presentations and seminars, set by the research advisor of the full-year research project. (Note that it is possible to fulfill the research requirement in an off-campus lab. If you elect this option, the Biochemistry committee member from your major department will serve as your on-campus research advisor).
• Submission of a bound thesis, including a thesis acceptance cover sheet signed by the research advisor (and a second reader at advisor's and student's discretion), to the Biochemistry committee before the last day of class during senior year.

• Students interested in the concentration must apply during the spring semester of their second year and have declared a major in biology or chemistry.
• A meeting is held each spring for interested first- and second-year students.  Applications to the Concentration are processed through the program's Canvas page.  There, you can download the application instructions and the Excel template for GPA calculations. Applications for 2025 can be submitted via Canvas and are due Feb. 14th at 3 p.m.
  • Please email Prof. Mills to be added to the Canvas page.