Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Program Contact: Carol Fenn 203-582-8254
A BS in biochemistry gives you the skills to become a research associate studying the ways molecules react with one another, or a laboratory technician analyzing biochemical metabolites in the pursuit of new pharmaceuticals. You may become a biochemist in a food development laboratory, write copy for technical publications or work for a consumer products company developing a more effective sunscreen.
We teach you to evaluate and interpret data, hone your analytical thinking skills and present the results of your scientific research to various audiences. An independent research project strengthens the skills you develop in the classroom. Students are encouraged to pursue real-life work experience in the form of internships at industrial, academic and governmental laboratories.
Your degree in biochemistry qualifies you to work as a research assistant in a chemical, pharmaceutical or academic research laboratory upon graduation, but you’ll also have the foundation to pursue an advanced degree in several fields including medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine or law.
An independent research project directed by a full-time faculty member in the department is required of all students in this program. This research project plays a key role for you to develop a deeper understanding of the biochemistry involved, build skills necessary to work independently and to communicate effectively the results of your research.
BS in Biochemistry Curriculum
Initial placement in 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 or MA 151 should take MA 140. MA 152 is strongly recommended.
Biochemistry majors must maintain a minimum grade of C- in all required chemistry, physics, biology and mathematics courses. Any required course not listed in the course descriptions may be considered for scheduling when the need arises. All 4-credit science courses have a laboratory component. Chemistry and biology electives must be selected with the advice and approval of the department adviser. Open electives should be selected based upon student interests and career goals from offerings in all schools.
In addition to the University Curriculum, students majoring in Biochemistry must complete the following requirements:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| University Curriculum 1 | ||
| Biochemistry Core Requirements | ||
| CHE 110 & 110L | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| CHE 111 & 111L | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| CHE 210 & 210L | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| CHE 211 & 211L | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| CHE 215 & 215L | Analytical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry Lab | 4 |
| CHE 301 & 301L | Physical Chemistry I and Physical Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| CHE 302 & 302L | Physical Chemistry II and Physical Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| CHE 305 & 305L | Instrumental Analysis and Instrumental Analysis Lab | 4 |
| CHE 315 & 315L | Biochemistry I and Biochemistry Lab I | 4 |
| CHE 316 | Biochemistry II | 3 |
| CHE 475 | Chemistry Seminar I | 1 |
| CHE 476 | Chemistry Seminar II | 1 |
| CHE 490 | Chemistry Research I | 3 |
| CHE 491 | Chemistry Research II | 3 |
| Two upper-level CHE elective courses 2 | 6 | |
| Two upper-level BIO or BMS electives 3 | 6 | |
| Cognate Courses 4 | ||
| MA 141 | Calculus of a Single Variable 5 | 3 |
| PHY 110 & 110L | General Physics I and General Physics I Lab 4,6 | 4 |
| PHY 111 & 111L | General Physics II and General Physics II Lab 4,6 | 4 |
| BIO 150 & 150L | General Biology for Majors and General Biology for Majors Laboratory | 4 |
| BIO 151 & 151L | Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics and Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics Lab | 4 |
| Total Credits | 78 | |
| 1 | All students must complete the University Curriculum requirements. |
| 2 | Typically CHE 300 (offerings vary); departmental integrated capstone is currently included in this category. |
| 3 | Advanced biology electives for the biochemistry major are chosen in consultation with the departmental adviser. |
| 4 | Required courses, which support the biochemistry major and may be used to satisfy requirements outside the major. |
| 5 | MA 151 may be substituted for MA 141. MA 152 is also highly recommended but is not required. |
| 6 |
Minimum number of credits required for graduation is 120.
Admission Requirements: College of Arts and Sciences
The requirements for admission into the undergraduate College of Arts and Sciences programs are the same as those for admission to Quinnipiac University.
Admission to the university is competitive, and applicants are expected to present a strong college prep program in high school. Prospective freshmen are strongly encouraged to file an application as early in the senior year as possible, and arrange to have first quarter grades sent from their high school counselor as soon as they are available.
For detailed admission requirements, including required documents, please visit the Admissions page of this catalog.