About the Program

Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of life processes, and biochemists have been investigating the fundamental questions of how living things function for hundreds of years. However, the application of our ever-increasing biochemical knowledge to problems in medicine, dentistry, pharmacology, agriculture, forensics, environmental sciences, alternative energy, food science, and many other disciplines comprises an exciting new frontier full of opportunities.

Our Biochemistry minor is clearly linked to career opportunities in an array of highly skilled jobs related to science, medicine, health, and the environment, with opportunities across industry, government, and academia. Employers recognize that students of Biochemistry develop a wide range of transferable technical, analytical, and presentation skills.

The Biochemistry minor complements many existing programs at 91AV, such as Medical Biology, Biological Sciences, Neuroscience, and Marine Science. As a student in these majors, you may seek to complement your foundational biochemical knowledge with the increased depth and rigor offered through the Biochemistry minor in preparation for research positions, graduate studies, and medical and health professions. The minor also includes opportunities for faculty-mentored research.

Curriculum

Program Required CoursesCredits
BIO 370 – Cell and Molecular Biology3
CHE 307/307L – Quantitative Analysis w/Lab or CHE 450 – Advanced Biochemistry Lab3–5
CHE 350/350L – Biochemistry I: Proteins w/Lab5
CHE 351 – Biochemistry II: Bioenergetics & Metabolism3
Minimum of One (1) Program Specific Elective (below)2–5
Minimum Total Required Credits18
Program Specific ElectivesCredits
BIO 232/232L – Microbiology w/Lab4
BIO 254 – Medicinal Plant Biology3
BIO 306 – Virology3
BIO 318 – Nutrition through the Life Cycle3
BIO 365 – Immunology3
BIO 404/404S – Neuroscience** w/Recitation4
BIO 407 – Developmental Biology3
CHE 280/280L – Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry w/Lab3
CHE 307/307L – Quantitative Analysis* w/Lab5
CHE 320 – Mechanistic Organic Chemistry3
CHE 327 – Applied Physical Chemistry3
CHE 371 – Physical Chemistry II3
CHE 375 – Advanced Laboratory2
CHE 405 – Medicinal Chemistry3
CHE 417/417L – Instrumental Methods of Analysis w/Lab4
CHE 420 – Spectroscopic Methods of Structural Analysis3
CHE 450 – Advanced Biochemistry Lab*3
MAR 326 – Experimental Animal Physiology3
NEU 205/205L – Introduction to Neurobiology w/Lab4

*If not chosen as a required course.

**Enrollment eligibility is dependent upon availability and requires permission.

Additionally, selected topics courses may be acceptable. Contact the Academic Director for more information.

There are no restrictions on counting a course towards this minor and towards other program requirements.