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Biochemistry, B.S.

Learning Outcomes for Biochemistry Majors

Biochemistry graduates of the University of Portland should:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of biochemistry and at least three of the four other traditional sub-disciplines in chemistry (analytical, organic, physical, and inorganic).
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental theories of chemistry.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and applications of chemistry.
    3. Demonstrate knowledge of important laboratory techniques, methods, and instrumentation.
  2. Obtain and use data from the chemical literature.
    1. Be able to perform a literature search.
    2. Be able to critically read the literature and extract useful information.
    3. Be able to find the primary literature for a specific topic.
  3. Know how to work safely in the laboratory.
    1. Be able to use modern instruments to elucidate chemical systems.
    2. Be able to properly use personal protection (e.g. goggles, gloves, lab coat).
    3. Be able to safely handle common laboratory equipment.
    4. Be able to design experiments with proper safety features.
    5. Be able to access material safety and disposal information.
  4. Ask questions, conduct experiments, and interpret results according to established scientific theory.
    1. Use fundamental knowledge of chemistry to form hypotheses.
    2. Create and use specialized equipment to prepare the appropriate conditions for the chemistry of interest.
    3. Identify meaningful results from a data set.
  5. Effectively communicate orally and in writing.
    1. Develop an effective presentation style.
    2. Effectively use figures and data to communicate ideas and results.

University Core Curriculum Requirements — 40 credit hours

All University of Portland students progress through a set of shared course options as part of the University’s liberal arts Core Curriculum. This curriculum offers a foundation of multiple lenses to address enduring questions of human concern, integrating the liberal arts, the University mission, and the knowledge, skills, and values needed in a diverse society and in the workplace.

See Core Curriculum Requirements

Two of the three core requirements in the Scientific and Quantitative Literacy and Problem Solving Habit are satisfied by the mathematics and science requirements within the major.

CHM 376 and CHM 471/473 are the designated Writing in the Discipline courses for the B.S. in Biochemistry.

College of Arts and Sciences B.S. Requirements — 6 credit hours

See College Requirements, B.S.

Major Requirements — 58-61 credit hours

Common Major Requirements — 44 credit hours

CHM 207General Chemistry I

3
CHM 208General Chemistry II

3
CHM 277General Chemistry I Lab

1
CHM 278General Chemistry II Lab

1
CHM 314Analytical Chemistry

3
CHM 379Analytical Chemistry Laboratory

1
CHM 325Organic Chemistry I

3
CHM 326Organic Chemistry II

3
CHM 375Organic Chemistry I Lab

1
CHM 376Organic Chemistry II Lab

1
CHM 331Physical Chemistry I

3
CHM 372Physical Chemistry I Laboratory

1
CHM 344Inorganic Chemistry I

3
CHM 374Inorganic Chemistry I Laboratory

1
MTH 201Calculus I

4
MTH 202Calculus II

4
PHY 204General Physics I

3
PHY 205General Physics II

3
PHY 274General Physics Lab I

1
PHY 275General Physics Lab II

1

Option 1: Requirements for an American Chemical Society (ACS) certified B.S. in Biochemistry

This curriculum, certified for depth and rigor by the American Chemical Society, is designed for the student who is interested in the molecular basis of biological problems and plans on pursuing an advanced degree in biochemistry. In addition to the core, college, and common major requirements, the requirements for this option are:

Option 1 Requirements – 17 credit hours

BIO 207Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology

3
BIO 277Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology Lab

1
CHM 453Biochemistry I

3
CHM 471Biochemistry I Laboratory

1
CHM 454Biochemistry II

3
CHM 474Biochemistry II Laboratory

1
CHM 472Instrumental Analysis Laboratory

1
CHM 477Data Analysis Laboratory

1
CHM 444Inorganic Chemistry II

3
Or
CHM 332Physical Chemistry II

3

Any additional credit hours required to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours

Option 2: Requirements for a B.S. in Biochemistry

This curriculum is designed for the student who is interested in the molecular basis of biological problems or a medically related field. In addition to the core, college, and common major requirements, the requirements for this option are:

Option 2 Requirements — 14 credit hours

BIO 207Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology

3
BIO 277Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology Lab

1
CHM 453Biochemistry I

3
CHM 454Biochemistry II

3
CHM 471Biochemistry I Laboratory

1
Upper-division science, engineering, or mathematics electives

3

Any additional credit hours required to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours