The Biochemistry minor requirements reflect the fundamental importance of the intellectual tools and structures of biology and chemistry to the study of all issues in biochemistry, and we ask students to get a grounding in both disciplines. It is likely that many students enrolling in the minor will major in either biology or chemistry. To encourage breadth within the minor, no more than five six-credit courses from a student’s own major may be counted toward the minimum requirements of the minor.
Required courses
- Required background courses: CHEM123, CHEM224, CHEM233, CHEM234, BIOL125, BIOL126
- Required core courses: BIOC301, BIOC311 (laboratory), and BIOC331
- One of the following electives: BIOL310, BIOL370, BIOL372, BIOL383, BIOL385, CHEM350, CHEM360
Note to biology majors: BIOC301 will count toward major requirements only if BIOC311 is also taken subsequently.
Biochemistry outside the classroom
In addition to the above courses, both the biology and chemistry departments maintain vigorous weekly seminar programs, regularly bringing to the college distinguished scientists, including many biochemists. Each minor should make it a priority to attend relevant seminars whenever possible.
Several faculty members also maintain active research programs related to biochemistry. Biochemistry minors and those interested in biochemistry as a field of study are encouraged to reach out to individual faculty members to discuss potential research opportunities.
Finally, both the chemistry and biology departments regularly offer integrative exercise experiences related to biochemistry as an option for their majors. Minors who are biology or chemistry majors have the option of furthering their pursuit of biochemistry through a biochemical topic as the basis for their senior integrative exercise.