Biochemistry – Major
For information, contact Dr. Marianne Staretz.
The biochemistry major combines course work in chemistry and biology, with
considerable emphasis on the laboratory experience. It is designed to prepare
students for a number of emerging career options involving the chemistry of
living systems, including medicine, pharmacology, pharmaceutical research,
environmental chemistry and toxicology. Upon graduation, students generally
enter into industry, graduate study, education or the medical professions.
Because this is a highly structured program, it is recommended that students
interested in the biochemistry Major consult the program advisor early in their
academic sequence. As a capstone experience, juniors and seniors complete
either a departmental research project or a corporate internship, which is
summarized in a seminar presentation.
Grade Requirements
An overall 2.000 grade-point average in chemistry, biology and cognate courses
is required for the major in biochemistry. A grade of C or better is required
for all chemistry courses at the 100 and 200 level that fulfill major
requirements. A grade of C or better is also required for CHE 307. Only two
grades of C- will be allowed for all Biology courses and chemistry courses at
the 300 level that fulfill major requirements. A student must have a 2.000
average in chemistry courses to declare the biochemistry major. A grade of C-
or better is required for all cognate courses that satisfy major requirements.
Courses that satisfy a major requirement may not be repeated more than once. At
least 24 of the credits in chemistry required for the biochemistry major must
be completed on the Cedar Crest campus. The biochemistry major may not be
combined with either a chemistry or biology minor.
Requirements for the Biochemistry Major (67 credits)
CHE 111 Chemical Principles 4 credits
CHE 112 Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis 4 credits
CHE 205 Organic Chemistry I 4 credits
CHE 206 Organic Chemistry II 4 credits
CHE 300 Technical Information 3 credits
CHE 302 Instrumental Analysis 4 credits
CHE 307 Biochemistry I 4 credits
CHE 308 Biochemistry II 4 credits
CHE 318 Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory 2 credits
CHE 331 Inorganic Chemistry 3 or 4 credits
CHE 335 Physical Chemistry 4 credits
CHE 352 Seminar 1 credit
CHE 391 Advanced Laboratory and Research 3 credits
or
CHE 393 Internship
Plus choose one course from the following:
CHE 306 Advanced Organic Chemistry 3 credits
CHE 314 Toxicology 3 credits
CHE 320 Environmental Chemistry 3 or 4 credits
CHE 344 Heterocyclic Compounds 3 credits
CHE 335 Molecular Genetics I 4 credits
CHE 336 Physical Chemistry II 3 credits
Plus the following biology courses:
BIO 121 Principles of Biology I 4 credits
BIO 122 Principles of Biology II 4 credits
BIO 227 Microbiology 4 credits
BIO 235
BIO 236
BIO 248 Biostatistics 3 credits
Also required for the pre-professional program:
BIO 320 Biomedical Ethics 3 credits
Plus the following cognate courses:
MAT 141 Calculus I 3 credits
MAT 142 Calculus II 3 credits
PHY 101 Introductory College Physics I 4 credits
PHY 102 Introductory College Physics II 4 credits
Students considering graduate study should have additional calculus.