ObjectivesBiochemistry is the study of biological function at the molecular level. Although biochemical processes follow the basic laws of physics and chemistry, living organisms, because of their complexity, operate on a set of distinct principles that are not found in simple isolated chemical systems. The goal of biochemistry is to elucidate these principles. The department offers an integrated series of classes that will provide students with an up-to-date view of modern biochemistry & molecular biology ranging from structure-function relationships in macromolecules to the dynamic aspects of metabolism. The core programs can be adapted to emphasize different biochemical specialties such as structural biology, metabolism, molecular biology and cell signaling. Students wishing to pursue advanced studies in Pharmacology or related sciences for which there is no undergraduate program can include classes in Physiology, Pharmacology and/or Pathology in their programs. Greater flexibility is available in combined degree programs of Biochemistry with another subject; most often with Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, Neuroscience or Psychology. Specific programs developed with the Department of Microbiology & Immunology provide coordinated studies of metabolism, enzymology and molecular biology with bacteriology, virology and immunology. These programs provide the foundation for molecular genetics, genetic engineering, biotechnology, biomedical research and medicine.
Academic titleBachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Course description20-credit BSc Major in Biochemistry
Departmental Requirements
1000 level
• BIOL 1010.03 and 1011.03 (or equivalent) - minimum passing grade B-
• CHEM 1011.03 and 1012.03 (or equivalent) - minimum passing grade B-
• One full credit in mathematics
• or, in lieu of the above, SCIE 15XX
2000 level
• BIOL 2020.03
• BIOL 2030.03
• BIOC 2300.03
• BIOC 2610.03
• CHEM 2201.03
• CHEM 2303.03 or (2301.03 and 2304.03)
• CHEM 2401.03 and 2402.03
3000 level
• BIOC 3200.03
• BIOC 3300.03
• BIOC 3400.03
4000 level
• 2.5 full credits in Biochemistry at the 4000 level
BIOC 1040.06: Biological Chemistry and Metabolism for Students of Pharmacy.
BIOC 1420.03: Introductory Biochemistry for Nursing Students.
BIOC 2300.03: Introduction to Biochemistry.
BIOC 2610.03: Introductory Biochemistry Lab.
BIOC 3200.03: Biological Chemistry.
BIOC 3300.03: Intermediary Metabolism.
BIOC 3400.03: Nucleic Acid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
BIOC 4001.03: Special Topics in Biochemistry.
BIOC 4010.03: Bioinformatics.
BIOC 4027.03: Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer.
BIOC 4302.03: Biochemistry of Lipids.
BIOC 4305.03: Mechanisms of Signal Transduction.
BIOC 4403.03: Genes and Genomes.
BIOC 4404.03: Gene Expression.
BIOC 4501.03: Medical Biotechnology I.
BIOC 4603.03: Advanced Laboratory in Biochemical Techniques.
BIOC 4604.03: Research Project I.
BIOC 4605.03: Research Project II.
BIOC 4700.03: Proteins.
BIOC 4701.03: Enzymes.
BIOC 4702.03: Biophysical Characterization of Macromolecules.
BIOC 4804.03: Introduction to Pharmacology I.
BIOC 4806.03: Introduction to Pharmacology II.
BIOC 4807.03: Introduction to Pharmacology III.
BIOC 4811.03: Biochemistry of Clinical Disorders I.
BIOC 4812.03: Biochemistry of Clinical Disorders II.