Student ID:__________________________ Student Name:_______________________ Adviser Name:_______________________ Catalog: 2013-2014 Catalog Program: Biochemistry, BS Minimum Credits Required:__________________

Biochemistry, BS

110 credits

Introduction/What is the Study of Biochemistry?

Admission to the Bachelor of Science major in biochemistry is selective and based upon preparation and prior academic performance. Application may be made through the chemistry department, Chemistry Building 270. Admission to the biochemistry major will be in two phases. Students will be designated Phase I majors until they have completed CHEM 121, 122, 123, 351 and 352 and BIOL 205. Students will be admitted to Phase II based on their performance in Phase I. Students with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in the Phase I courses will be given preferential admission to Phase II. Students with a grade point average below 3.0 will be considered on a case by case basis for remaining spaces in the major. See the department’s website for more details.

This major is part of an interdisciplinary program between the biology and chemistry departments at Western. The BS degree in biochemistry (with greater emphasis on the physical chemical theory behind biological chemistry) is offered via the chemistry department, whereas a BS degree in cellular and molecular biology (with a different emphasis) is offered via the biology department. The requirements for the BS in biochemistry are listed below. For the cellular and molecular biology degree program, see the biology department section of this catalog.

This program is specifically designed for students who seek graduate study or employment in biochemistry or molecular biology.

A typical four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry is described on the department’s website.

Why Consider a Biochemistry Major? 

The programs of study within the Chemistry major provide many benefits to students. There are a wide variety of accredited programs designed to meet diverse career goals. There is close student-faculty contact and relatively small classes. The students have direct access to modern laboratory equipment and instrumentation, and there are opportunities for research work under the direction of a faculty advisor.

This major is part of an interdisciplinary program between the Biology and Chemistry Departments. The B.S. degree in Biochemistry places a greater emphasis on the physical chemical theory behind biological chemistry. This program is specifically designed for students who seek graduate study or employment in biochemistry or molecular biology.

 Contact Information

Chemistry Department Chair
James R. Vyvyan
Chemistry Building 270A
360-650-2883
James.Vyvyan@wwu.edu
 

Undergraduate Advisor
Chemistry Department
Administrative Office
Chemistry Building 270
360-650-3070
chemdept@chem.wwu.edu

 Sample Careers

Chemical/Pharmaceutical Sales | Physician | Crime Lab Analyst | High School Teacher | Industrial Chemist | Technical Writing | Dentist | Forensic Scientist | Quality Assurance Specialist | Research Scientist | Occupational Safety Specialist | Veterinarian | Science Lab Technician | Biochemist | Biotechnology Scientist | College Professor | Environmental Scientist/Consultant 

 Major/Career Resources

http://www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.

Requirements

Course NameTerm TakenGradeGen Ed
 BIOL 204 - Introduction to Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity
 BIOL 205 - Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
 BIOL 321 - Genetics
 BIOL 323 - Cell and Molecular Biology
 BIOL 324 - Methods in Molecular Biology
 CHEM 351 - Organic Chemistry
 CHEM 352 - Organic Chemistry
 CHEM 353 - Organic Chemistry
 CHEM 354 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
 CHEM 461 - Physical Chemistry
 CHEM 467 - Biophysical Chemistry
 CHEM 468 - Biophysical Chemistry
 CHEM 471 - Biochemistry I
 CHEM 472 - Biochemistry II
 CHEM 473 - Molecular Biology
 CHEM 474 - Biochemistry Laboratory
 MATH 224 - Multivariable Calculus and Geometry I
 PHYS 161 - Physics with Calculus I
 PHYS 162 - Physics with Calculus II
 PHYS 163 - Physics with Calculus III

❑ Choose one of the following series:

    CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I
    CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II
    CHEM 123 - General Chemistry III
    CHEM 333 - Analytical Chemistry

       or

    CHEM 125 - General Chemistry I, Honors
    CHEM 126 - General Chemistry II, Honors
    CHEM 225 - General Chemistry III, Honors

❑ Choose either:

    MATH 124 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
    MATH 125 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II

       or

    MATH 134 - Calculus I Honors
    MATH 135 - Calculus II Honors

       or

    MATH 138 - Accelerated Calculus

❑ Approved electives to total 2 credits

University Graduation Requirements

General University Requirements (GURS) 
Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
180 Minimum Total Credits
60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
Residency Requirement
Minimum Grade Requirements
Final Quarter Requirement

Notes: