110 credits
Introduction
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.
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.
