Biochemistry and biotechnology involve the study of the chemistry of living systems, in pharmaceutical, diagnostic, agricultural, environmental, and other products which are manufactured or utilized by biological molecules (e.g. DNA, proteins). The Biochemistry major will train professionals able to excel in biotechnology, health professions, pharmaceutical, forensics, as well as the traditional roles of chemistry and biology.
The program requires that students take basic courses in chemistry and biology and then focus on the intersection of the two disciplines with courses and laboratories in biochemistry, biotechnology, biochemical analysis and independent research. The goals of the Biochemistry major are to
» train students for professional careers in the biochemical industries and related disciplines,
» prepare students for graduate work in biochemistry, pharmacology, biosystems engineering, forensic science, molecular biology, as well as dental, medical, and medical related fields,
» meet the growing demand in Michigan and throughout the U.S., for scientists trained in the area of biochemistry and biotechnology.
Required Courses (35 - 42 hours)
CHM 131 (4) Introduction to Chemistry I
AND CHM 132 (4) Introduction to Chemistry II
OR CHM 161 (5) Principles of Chemistry
CHM 211 (4) Quantitative Analysis
BIO 325 (3) Biotechnology
OR BIO 524 (4) Molecular Biology
CHM 345 (3) Organic Chemistry I
CHM 346 (3) Organic Chemistry II
CHM 349 (2) Introduction to Organic Chemistry Laboratory
CHM 355 (3) Biophysical Chemistry
OR CHM 351 (3) Physical Chemistry I
AND CHM 352 (3) Physical Chemistry II
CHM 521 (3) Biochemistry I
CHM 522 (3) Biochemistry II
CHM 527 (1) Biochemistry Lab
CHM 528 (2) Bioanalytical Techniques Laboratory
CHM 491 (3) Independent Study
OR BIO 403 (3) Undergraduate Research
Electives (0 - 5 hours)
Sufficient 300 or greater CHM or BIO level courses to meet the required 40 credit hours selected in consultation with the program advisor. If both BIO 324 and BIO 326 are taken only one may be used as an elective.
Required Biochemistry hours: 40 - 42 hours
Additional Required Courses (27 - 28 hours)
BIO 101 (3) General Biology
OR BIO 105 (3) Introductory Quantitative Biology
BIO 208 (3) Microbiology
BIO 324 (3) Cell Biology
OR BIO 326 (4) Genetics
MTH 132 (4) Calculus I
MTH 133 (4) Calculus II
PHY 130 (4) College Physics I
OR PHY 145 (4) University Physics I
PHY 131 (4) College Physics II
OR PHY 146 (4) University Physics II
PHY 170 (1) College Physics Lab I
OR PHY 175 (1) University Physics Lab I
PHY 171 (1) College Physics Lab II
OR PHY 176 (1) University Physics Lab II
TOTAL required hours: 67 - 70 hours
