Biochemistry (BS)

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  Program Learning Outcomes

  Graduates of this program will be able to

  1. work safely and effectively in a laboratory.
  2. design experiments.
  3. use and interpret (qualitatively, quantitatively, and statistically) data collected by the following instruments: pH meter, analytical balance, UV/vis spectrometer, FTIR, GC/MS, and NMR.
  4. communicate scientific knowledge effectively through oral and written reports.
  5. search the biochemical literature, including online sources.
  6. critically read the biochemical literature.
  7. demonstrate an awareness of the ethical issues in the molecular sciences.
  8. work effectively in small groups and teams.
  9. use computers to assist data collection and processing.
  10. use biochemical techniques, including statistical analysis of experimental data, electrophoretic techniques, chromatographic separations, and isolation and identification of macromolecules.
  11. apply knowledge in regards to biological structures and interactions, biological reactions, and biological equilibria, and thermodynamics.
  12. demonstrate a mastery of factual knowledge in chemistry (organic, inorganic, biochemistry, physical, analytical) and biology.
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  Degree Requirements - Bachelor of Science with a Major in Biochemistry (120 credits)

  The Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry is designed to provide the student with the background in chemistry, biology and biochemistry needed to enter professional schools, such as medicine or dentistry; to pursue graduate studies in chemistry or biochemistry or a number of interdisciplinary areas such as pharmacology, forensics or bio-engineering; to teach chemistry at the secondary level; or work as a biologically-oriented professional chemist.

  Course Requirements

  • CHM 1070 General Chemistry I (3 credits)
  • CHM 1080 General Chemistry II (3 credits)
  • CHM 1100 Chemistry Laboratory I (1 credit)
  • CHM 1120 Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (1 credit)
  • CHM 2250 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1 credit)
  • CHM 2270 Organic Chemistry I (3 credits)
  • CHM 2290 Organic Chemistry II (3 credits)
  • CHM 2310 Advanced Organic and Inorganic Synthetic Laboratory (1 credit)
  • CHM 3200 Computers in Chemistry and Molecular Modeling (1 credit)
  • CHM 3330 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I (1 credit)
  • CHM 3410 Chemical Thermodynamics and Applications (3 credits)
  • CHM 3420 Chemical Dynamics and Quantum Chemistry (3 credits)
  • CHM 3870 Quantitative Analysis (3 credits)
  • CHM 3880 Quantitative Analysis Laboratory (1 credit)
  • CHM 4710 Biochemistry I (3 credits)
  • CHM 4720 Biochemistry II (3 credits)
  • CHM 4740 Recent Advances in Chemistry and Biochemistry (3 credits)
  • CHM 4750 Biochemistry Laboratory (1 credit)
  • CHM 4990 Chemistry Senior Assessment (0 credits)
  • Optional: Laboratory Research (CHM 3980, CHM 4980) max 6 credits

  Additional Requirements

  • BIO 1200 General Biology I (3 credits)
  • BIO 1210 General Biology Laboratory I (2 credits)
  • BIO 1220 General Biology II (3 credits)
  • BIO 1230 General Biology Laboratory II (2 credits)
  • BIO 2600-level or above (6 credits)
  • MTH 1410 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (4 credits)
  • MTH 1420 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II (4 credits)
  • PHY 1300 General Physics I (3 credits)
  • PHY 1310 General Physics I Laboratory (1 credit)
  • PHY 1320 General Physics II (3 credits)
  • PHY 1330 General Physics II Laboratory (1 credit)

  The requirements for this degree also include additional credit hours from the University Core Curriculum for the College of Engineering & Science.

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  Core Curriculum

  In addition to the courses required for this program listed above, the student must also fulfill the requirements of the University Core Curriculum for this program.

  Some of these courses may be satisfied by courses in your program.  Please review your Degree Evaluation or consult your academic advisor for more information.

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  Optional Concentration - Neuroscience

  The Neuroscience concentration focuses on the scientific investigation of behavior, neurological and mental processes, as well as provides students with basic scientific skills training. A concentration in neuroscience will offer students an opportunity to learn about theory and research on the brain and nervous system from a number of perspectives. Students will learn how developments in biology, psychology, chemistry and related fields alter knowledge regarding brain structure and function. This cross-disciplinary concentration is not housed within a single department but, rather, is directed and taught primarily by faculty in the departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry and Psychology.

  The concentration is a minimum of 12 credit hours, a minimum of three credit hours in PYC, and six credit hours from 3000+ level or higher.

  Choose 1 of the following

  • BIO 3800 Principles of Neurophysiology (3 credits)
  • PYC 3070 Psychobiology (3 credits)

  Choose 1 of the following

  • BIO 2840 Animal Behavior (3 credits)
  • BIO 3800 Principles of Neurophysiology (3 credits)
  • CHM 4740 Recent Advances in Chemistry and Biochemistry (3 credits)
  • CHM 4600 Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery (3 credits)

  Choose 2 of the following (at least one course must be PYC)

  • BIO 2840 Animal Behavior (3 credits)
  • BIO 3800 Principles of Neurophysiology (3 credits)
  • BIO 4350  Fundamentals of Pharmacology (3 credits)
  • CHM 4600 Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery (3 credits)
  • CHM 4740 Recent Advances in Chemistry and Biochemistry (3 credits)
  • PYC 2010 Research Methods I (3 credits)
  • PYC 2020 Research Methods II (3 credits)
  • PYC 4070 Advanced Psychobiology (3 credits)
  • PYC 4080 Advanced Psychobiology Laboratory (3 credits)
  • PYC 4090 Perceptual and Cognitive Processes (3 credits)
  • PYC 4100 Perceptual and Cognitive Process Laboratory (3 credits)

  Total Credits: 12 credits

  Six credits must be 3000 level or higher.

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  Optional Concentration-Biochemistry Research

  The Research Concentration within the B.S. Biochemistry major is designed for students who are interested in pursuing further research in graduate school or careers in industry, medicine, and science education. A research concentration will offer students an opportunity to read and explore scientific literature, develop hypotheses, design and implement experiments, collect and analyze data and communicate their findings. The Research Concentration involves both course-based research experiences and mentored laboratory research experiences. Students will gain experience problem solving by using the scientific method.

  The concentration is a minimum of 9 credits and must include six credit hours from courses 3000+ level or higher.

  Inquiry-based laboratory or course-based undergraduate research experience (at least 1 credit)

  • BIO 1040 – Fundamentals of Bioinformatics (3 credits) 
  • BIO 2710 – Genetics Laboratory (2 credits) 
  • BIO 3201 – Applied Metagenomics (3 credits) 
  • BIO 3510 – Histology Laboratory (2 credits) 
  • BIO 3950 – Advanced Microbial Phage Genomics: SEA GENES (4 credits) 
  • BIO 4490 – Ecology Laboratory (2 credits) 
  • BIO 4640 – Physiology Laboratory (2 credits) 
  • BIO 4750 – Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory (2 credits) 
  • CHM 1150 – Research in Chemistry Lab (1 credit) 
  • CHM 1980 – Introduction to Research Methods in Chemistry and Biochemistry (1 credit)
  • CHM 4820 – Instrumental Analysis Laboratory (1 credit)

  Note another laboratory class may be acceptable if it has the research attribute.

  Laboratory Research (3-8 credits)

  Each student must take two (2) academic semesters and/or summers of mentored research and it must include the preparation and presentation of a thesis.

  • BIO 4920 (1-2 credits): Directed Studies: Laboratory Research
  • BIO 4930 (1-2 credits): Directed Studies: Advanced Laboratory Research
  • SCIE 4998 (0-1.5 credits): Undergraduate Research Thesis I
  • SCIE 4999 (0-1.5 credits): Undergraduate Research Thesis II

  -OR-

  • CHM 3980 (1-2 credits): Introduction to Undergraduate Research
  • CHM 4980 (1-2 credits): Undergraduate Research
  • SCIE 4998 (0-1.5 credits): Undergraduate Research Thesis I

  • SCIE 4999 (0-1.5 credits): Undergraduate Research Thesis II 
    

  -OR-
   
  

  • SCIE 4980 (0 credits): Undergraduate Research 
  • SCIE 4998 (0-1.5 credits): Undergraduate Research Thesis I
  • SCIE 4999 (0-1.5 credits): Undergraduate Research Thesis II

  -OR-
  
  

  • HON 4997 (1 credit): Honors Thesis Proposal
  • HON 4998 (1 credit): Honors Thesis Approval
  • HON 4999 (1 credit): Honors Thesis Defense Additional Requirement

  
  

  Research Portfolio (0 credits; Pass/Fail)

  Each student must prepare and submit a research portfolio containing the products from the research-focused courses they have completed in addition to the list of research courses they have taken. This Portfolio should include their research proposal and research reflections they have completed. The portfolio must also include their final edited thesis and slides from the thesis presentation.

  Total Credits: 9 credits
  
  Contact Kendra Evans, Ph.D., (evanskr@udmercy.edu) for more information.