Biochemistry Major

Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of life. As a biochemistry major at Cedar Crest College, you will study the chemistry of molecules found in living organisms—particularly proteins, DNA/RNA, lipids and carbohydrates—in state-of-the-art labs equipped with the latest technology and instrumentation.

Our biochemistry major combines chemistry and biology coursework with considerable emphasis on the laboratory experience. It is designed to prepare you for graduate studies or for employment in industry, education, or the medical professions. Emerging career options involving the chemistry of living systems include:

• Medicine
• Pharmacology
• Pharmaceutical research
• Environmental chemistry
• Toxicology
• And more

Program Options

At Cedar Crest College, you may choose any of the following tracks when studying biochemistry at the undergraduate level:

• A bachelor of science in biochemistry
• A bachelor of science in biochemistry with a concentration in forensic science
• A bachelor of science in biochemistry combined with a non-science major or minor, such as dance or global studies

Program Details

Some important information about the biochemistry major at Cedar Crest College:

• Through theoretical studies and laboratory experience, you will learn valuable critical thinking skills, research and oral presentation skills.
• 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.

Course Requirements

 

Total number of credits required: 85

• 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 230 Analytical Chemistry 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 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 two courses 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 336 Physical Chemistry II 3 credits
• BIO 227 Microbiology 4 credits
• BIO 313 Advanced Mendelian and Population Genetics 3 credits
• BIO 336 Molecular Genetics II 4 credits

Plus the following biology courses:

• BIO 121 Principles of Biology I 4 credits
• BIO 122 Principles of Biology II 4 credits
• BIO 236 Cell and Molecular Biology 4 credits
• BIO 248 Biostatistics 3 credits
• BIO 335 Molecular Genetics I 4 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