Biochemistry - B.S. Degree

Department of Chemistry
Office: 221 Science Center

(716) 673-3287

Matthew A. Fountain, Chairperson

Email: biochemistry.program@fredonia.edu

Website: http://home.fredonia.edu/biochemistry

Biochemistry is at the core of modern science, enabling fundamental advances in medicine, agriculture, industry and basic science. Indeed, biochemists conduct some of the most exciting research in science, and careers in biochemistry rank among the highest on almost every published list of “Best Careers.” Fredonia’s Bachelor of Science degree program in Biochemistry is administered jointly by the Department of Biology and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. With its emphasis on mastery of technical and analytical skills in biochemistry, Fredonia’s program is designed to prepare students for graduate school, medical school, or careers in biochemical research. It also provides a broad foundation in the liberal arts, enhancing graduates’ abilities to meet challenges in a shifting social climate. Fredonia’s program offers a unique flexibility in that students can choose between two tracks: one with a chemical emphasis for studying molecular structure and function, and one which enables students to apply a biochemical perspective to physiological problems. Course requirements of the degree program are listed below. Although not required, participation in undergraduate research in either biology or chemistry is encouraged.

Students who choose to double major in Biology and Biochemistry or Chemistry and Biochemistry must take the chemical track and biological track respectively. In addition, upper level electives cannot be counted for both majors. Students must earn a C- or higher in all Chemistry and Biology courses.

For course descriptions, students should see the listings under the appropriate departments; Biology and Chemistry.

Program requires Core Courses and either a Chemical Emphasis or Biological Emphasis track.

Major Requirements

Core Courses:

BIOL 131Introductory Ecology and Evolution

3

BIOL 132Introductory Ecology and Evolution Laboratory

1

BIOL 133Introductory Cell and Molecular Biology

3

BIOL 134Introductory Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory

1

CHEM 115General Chemistry Lecture I

3

CHEM 125General Chemistry Laboratory I

1

CHEM 116General Chemistry Lecture II

3

CHEM 126General Chemistry Laboratory II

1

or

CHEM 130Honors General Chemistry Laboratory

1

BIOL 237Genetics

3

BIOL 238Genetics Laboratory

1

CHEM 215Organic Chemistry Lecture I

3

CHEM 225Organic Chemistry Laboratory I

1

CHEM 216Organic Chemistry Lecture II

3

CHEM 226Organic Chemistry Laboratory II

1

or

CHEM 230Advanced Organic Laboratory

1

BIOL 333Biochemistry

3

BIOL 334Biochemistry Laboratory

1

CHEM 317Analytical Chemistry, Quantitative Analysis

3

CHEM 327Analytical Chemistry I Laboratory

1

BIOL 380Cell and Molecular Biology

3

BIOL 397Biochemistry Seminar I

1

or

CHEM 495Seminar: Advances in Chemistry

1

CHEM 465Advanced Experimental Biochemistry

2

CHEM 475Advanced Biochemistry

3

CHEM 497Biochemistry Seminar II

1

or

CHEM 496Seminar: Advances in Chemistry

2

Total Credit Hours:46

Track I - Chemical Emphasis:

MATH 122University Calculus I

4

MATH 123University Calculus II

4

PHYS 230University Physics I

4

PHYS 232University Physics I Lab

1

PHYS 231University Physics II

4

PHYS 233University Physics II Lab

1

CHEM 315Introduction to Physical Chemistry

3

CHEM 325Physical Chemistry Laboratory I

1

CHEM 316Advanced Physical Chemistry

3

CHEM 326Physical Chemistry Laboratory II

1

Upper-Level Electives in Biology or Chemistry (approved by advisement)

6

Total Credit Hours:32

Track II - Biological Emphasis:

MATH 120Survey of Calculus I

3

MATH 121Survey of Calculus II

3

or

MATH 122University Calculus I

4

MATH 123University Calculus II

4

PHYS 121College Physics I

3

PHYS 123College Physics Lab I

1

and

PHYS 122College Physics II

3

PHYS 124College Physics II Lab

1

or

PHYS 230University Physics I

4

PHYS 232University Physics I Lab

1

and

PHYS 231University Physics II

4

PHYS 233University Physics II Lab

1

CHEM 318Analytical Chemistry, Instrumental Analysis

3

BIOL 336Mammalian Physiology

3

BIOL 337Mammalian Physiology Lab

1

CHEM 315Introduction to Physical Chemistry

3

Upper-level CHEM elective (approved by advisement)

3

Upper-level CHEM elective (approved by advisement)

3

Total Credit Hours:30-34

Approved Chemistry Electives:

CHEM 318Analytical Chemistry, Instrumental Analysis

3

CHEM 328Analytical Chemistry II Laboratory

2

CHEM 391Independent Lab Research

1-3

CHEM 407Organometallics

3

CHEM 412Advanced Organic Chemistry

3

CHEM 417Polymer Chemistry

3

CHEM 462Inorganic Chemistry

3

CHEM 481Special Topics in Chemistry

1-3

NOTE: CHEM 481 must be approved by coordinator

Approved Biology Electives:

BIOL 336Mammalian Physiology

3

BIOL 338Microbiology

4

BIOL 435Developmental Biology

3

BIOL 440Undergraduate Research

1-3

BIOL 443Plant Physiology

3

and

BIOL 450 - BIOL 451Special topics courses

NOTE:

  • Upper-level Biology and Chemistry courses not listed above, that are related to Biochemistry, can be used towards the Biochemistry degree, but need approval from the Biochemistry Coordinator.  
  • No more than 3 credit hours of BIOL 440 or CHEM 391/CHEM 481 can be used to satisfy BIOL/CHEM electives.
  • BIOL 450 - BIOL 451 Special Topics Courses: Molecular Basis for Disease, Biomembranes, Eukaryotic Gene Expression, Hormone Mechanisms, Microbial Genetics, Radiation Biology.

Total Credit Hours: 77-79