Biochemistry

Description

Biochemistry is a scientific discipline that integrates and applies chemical and biological principles in exploring and understanding the chemistry of living organisms. In the biochemistry major, students are grounded in the chemical, physical, and biological principles that characterize living systems, and they develop an interdisciplinary mindset that prepares them to embrace the interdependent nature of these areas of study. In addition, students develop facility with a wide variety of technical skills required in the modern workforce in both research and industrial environments. By working with modern instrumentation in well-equipped laboratory facilities, students develop excellent laboratory and analytical skills, preparing them for employment in a variety of biochemical fields, graduate study in biochemistry or related areas, and a career in a variety of professional arenas, including pharmacy, medicine, veterinary medicine, physical therapy, and dentistry. Because students first gain a basic understanding of the principles of biochemistry and then are required to explore science independently, through research, internships and/or a capstone experience, graduates from this program will be well-prepared to meet the rapidly changing research, clinical, and technical demands of our modern world.

Objectives

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, graduates will be able to

1. Apply knowledge of chemical principles to the understanding of living systems.
2. Describe the ways in which biomolecules contribute to the structure and function of cells.
3. Design and execute scientific experiments using the scientific method.
4. Interpret scientific data and communicate findings.
5. Exhibit behaviors consistent with the professional and ethical standards of the discipline.
6. Evaluate current scientific advances using knowledge of biochemical principles.
7. Evaluate scientific discovery in terms of its scientific merit and its ethical, societal, and global implications.

Policies

Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the major, and the lowest acceptable grade is a “C” in all major and Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE) courses. No student, regardless of major, will be permitted to take a science or math course unless he/she earns a grade of "C" or better in all prerequisite courses.

A student may not earn a grade of “C-” or lower in any science or math course more than three times during the program. If a fourth grade of “C-” or lower is earned in any science or math course, the student will be automatically dismissed from the biochemistry major.

Probation: The student who earns any combination of two grades of “C-” or lower in a science or math course will be notified, in writing, by the department chair that he or she is on probation in the School of the Sciences.

Final Probation: The student who earns any combination of three grades of “C-” or lower in a science or math course will be notified, in writing, by the department chair that he or she is on final probation in the School of the Sciences.

Dismissal: If a fourth grade of “C-” or lower in any science or math course is earned, the student will be notified, in writing, by the department chair that he or she has been dismissed from the major.

Requirements

The courses listed below are required for completion of the bachelor's degree in biochemistry. Students must also complete the requirements for the Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE).

Specific pre- and co-requisites for each course are listed in the course descriptions.

Major Requirements:

Senior Capstone Experiences (Select One):

Elective courses Group 1

Select two from the following list:

Elective courses Group 2

Select three from the following list (one must be CHEM, one must be BIO and at least two of the courses must be at the 300 level or higher):

Suggested Course Sequence

Suggested Course Sequence

Minor in Biochemistry

A minor in biochemistry is not available. Students majoring in biochemistry may not earn a minor in biology or chemistry.

Other Options

BS/MS Option: The BS/MS option is available for students majoring in biochemistry who wish to combine their bachelor's coursework with work toward a Stevenson University master's degree in forensic sciences in the biology, chemistry, or crime scene investigation track. Students choosing this option may earn their master's degree in as little as one year after their bachelor's degree. Interested students must formally apply for entrance into this BS/MS option in their junior year. Once admitted into this program, students develop an educational plan in consultation with their undergraduate and graduate advisors.

Please see the Forensic Sciences  section of this catalog for more information.

BS/MAT Option: The BS/MAT option is available for students majoring in biochemistry who wish to combine their bachelor's coursework with work toward a Stevenson University master's degree in teaching. Please see Additional Enrollment Options in the Admissions section of this catalog for more information.

Course Descriptions

See Biochemistry Course Descriptions