2019-2020 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
- Requirements for a B.S. Major in Biochemistry
- Suggested Order of Coursework for a Major in Biochemistry (B.S.)
The B.S. biochemistry major prepares students for entry level employment in biotechnical or biomedical laboratories or for entry into professional health schools or biochemical graduate programs.
A summary of all degree requirements as well as other departmental information is available in the Chemistry Department Handbook. All biochemistry majors should obtain a copy from the department office.
Requirements for a B.S. Major in Biochemistry
1. General University Degree Requirements
As identified in the General Academic Policies section of the Grand Valley State University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog.
2. Chemistry Courses
- CHM 115 - Principles of Chemistry I Credits: 4
- CHM 116 - Principles of Chemistry II Credits: 5
- CHM 221 - Survey of Analytical Chemistry Credits: 4
- CHM 245 - Principles of Organic Chemistry I Credits: 4
- CHM 246 - Principles of Organic Chemistry I Lab Credits: 1
- CHM 247 - Principles of Organic Chemistry II Credits: 3
- CHM 248 - Principles of Organic Chemistry II Lab Credits: 1
- CHM 351 - Introduction to Physical Chemistry Credits: 3 OR BOTH CHM 356 - Physical Chemistry I (3 credits) AND CHM 358 - Physical Chemistry II (3 credits)
- CHM 352 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory Credits: 1
- CHM 391 - Chemistry Seminar I Credits: 1
- CHM 461 - Biochemistry I Credits: 4
- CHM 462 - Techniques in Biochemistry Credits: 3
- CHM 463 - Biochemistry II Credits: 3
- CHM 491 - Chemistry Seminar II Credits: 1
3. Required Cognate Courses
- BIO 120 - General Biology I Credits: 4 OR BOTH CMB 155 - Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology (3 credits) AND CMB 156 - Discoveries in Cell & Molecular Biology: A Research-Based Laboratory Course (1 credit)
- BIO 375 - Genetics Credits: 3
- BIO 376 - Genetics Laboratory Credits: 1
- MTH 201 - Calculus I Credits: 4
- PHY 220 - General Physics I Credits: 5
- PHY 221 - General Physics II Credits: 5
4. Elective Courses
Take eight additional credits from the following choices:
- BIO 357 - Environmental Microbiology Credits: 4
- BIO 416 - Advanced Genetics Laboratory Credits: 2
- BIO 423 - Plant Biotechnology Credits: 3
- BIO 432 - Comparative Animal Physiology Credits: 4
- BMS 212 - Introductory Microbiology Credits: 3
- BMS 213 - Laboratory in Microbiology Credits: 1
- BMS 290 - Human Physiology Credits: 3
- BMS 291 - Laboratory in Human Physiology Credits: 1
- BMS 306 - Advanced Human Nutrition Credits: 3
- BMS 312 - Bacterial Genetics Credits: 3
- BMS 313 - Bacterial Genetics Laboratory Credits: 1
- BMS 410 - Immunology Credits: 3
- BMS 422 - Bacterial Physiology Credits: 3
- BMS 423 - Bacterial Physiology Laboratory Credits: 2
- BMS 431 - Medical Virology Credits: 3
- CHM 421 - Green Chemistry for Sustainable Environment Credits: 3
- CHM 427 - Green and Environmental Chemistry Laboratory Credits: 3
- CHM 441 - Advanced Topics in Organic Chemistry Credits: 3
- CHM 442 - Synthetic Polymers: Life Cycle and Emerging Sustainable Technologies Credits: 3
- CHM 447 - Organic Synthesis and Characterization Credits: 3
- CHM 457 - Advanced Physical and Instrumental Chemistry Laboratory Credits: 3
- CHM 471 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 3
- CHM 475 - Electrochemistry Credits: 3
- CHM 477 - Synthetic Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 3
- CMB 351 - Bioinformatics: Tools and Techniques for Life Scientists Credits: 3
- CMB 405 - Cell and Molecular Biology Credits: 4
- CMB 406 - Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory Credits: 2
- CMB 411 - Genetics of Development and Cancer Credits: 3
- CMB 414 - Molecular Biology of the Gene Credits: 3
- CMB 426 - Research Applications in Nucleic Acids Credits: 4
- CMB 452 - Computer Modeling of Biomolecules Credits: 3
Additional Information
Students in the biochemistry major interested in graduate school are advised to consult with their advisor about selecting these optional courses:
- PHY 230/231 instead of PHY 220/221
- CHM 356 and CHM 358 instead of CHM 351
- MTH 202 in addition to MTH 201
Students in the biochemistry major who transfer or change majors may make these substitutions with advisor approval:
Students in the biochemistry major seeking a degree certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS) must also complete:
- at least 106 lab hours in additional elective CHM courses above the 200 level. CHM 490 and CHM 499 lab hours may be used to satisfy this requirement.
- CHM 273 plus two credits of CHM courses above the 200 level in addition to the minimum requirements.
Suggested Order of Coursework for a Major in Biochemistry (B.S.)
This option assumes students will complete the required general education courses and select electives with the help of his or her advisor.
First Year
- BIO 120 - General Biology I Credits: 4
- CHM 115 - Principles of Chemistry I Credits: 4
- CHM 116 - Principles of Chemistry II Credits: 5
- MTH 201 - Calculus I Credits: 4
- PHY 220 - General Physics I Credits: 5 OR PHY 230 - Principles of Physics I (5 credits)
Second Year
- CHM 221 - Survey of Analytical Chemistry Credits: 4
- CHM 245 - Principles of Organic Chemistry I Credits: 4
- CHM 246 - Principles of Organic Chemistry I Lab Credits: 1
- CHM 247 - Principles of Organic Chemistry II Credits: 3
- CHM 248 - Principles of Organic Chemistry II Lab Credits: 1
- PHY 221 - General Physics II Credits: 5 OR PHY 231 - Principles of Physics II (5 credits)
Third Year
- BIO 375 - Genetics Credits: 3
- BIO 376 - Genetics Laboratory Credits: 1
- CHM 391 - Chemistry Seminar I Credits: 1
- CHM 461 - Biochemistry I Credits: 4
- CHM 462 - Techniques in Biochemistry Credits: 3
- Cognate electives
Fourth Year
- CHM 351 - Introduction to Physical Chemistry Credits: 3 OR CHM 356 - Physical Chemistry I (3 credits)
- CHM 352 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory Credits: 1
- CHM 463 - Biochemistry II Credits: 3
- CHM 491 - Chemistry Seminar II Credits: 1 (Capstone course)
- Cognate electives