Biochemistry - B.S. Degree
Department of Chemistry
Office: 221 Science Center
(716) 673-3287
Todd Proffitt, Interim Chairperson
Email: biochemistry.program@fredonia.edu
Website: https://www.fredonia.edu/academics/colleges-schools/college-liberal-arts-sciences/chemistry/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 131 | Introductory Ecology and Evolution | 3 |
| BIOL 132 | Introductory Ecology and Evolution Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL 133 | Introductory Cell and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 134 | Introductory Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 115 | General Chemistry Lecture I | 3 |
| CHEM 125 | General Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| CHEM 116 | General Chemistry Lecture II | 3 |
| CHEM 126 | General Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| or | |
| CHEM 130 | Honors General Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL 237 | Genetics | 3 |
| BIOL 238 | Genetics Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 215 | Organic Chemistry Lecture I | 3 |
| CHEM 225 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| CHEM 216 | Organic Chemistry Lecture II | 3 |
| CHEM 226 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| or | |
| CHEM 230 | Advanced Organic Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL 333 | Biochemistry | 3 |
| BIOL 334 | Biochemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 317 | Analytical Chemistry, Quantitative Analysis | 3 |
| CHEM 327 | Analytical Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL 380 | Cell and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 397 | Biochemistry Seminar I | 1 |
| or | |
| CHEM 495 | Seminar: Advances in Chemistry | 1 |
| CHEM 465 | Advanced Experimental Biochemistry | 2 |
| CHEM 475 | Advanced Biochemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 497 | Biochemistry Seminar II | 1 |
| or | |
| CHEM 496 | Seminar: Advances in Chemistry | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 46 |
Track I - Chemical Emphasis:
| MATH 122 | University Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 123 | University Calculus II | 4 |
| PHYS 230 | University Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 232 | University Physics I Lab | 1 |
| PHYS 231 | University Physics II | 4 |
| PHYS 233 | University Physics II Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 315 | Introduction to Physical Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 325 | Physical Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| CHEM 316 | Advanced Physical Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 326 | Physical Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| Upper-Level Electives in Biology or Chemistry (approved by advisement) | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 32 |
Track II - Biological Emphasis:
| MATH 120 | Survey of Calculus I | 3 |
| MATH 121 | Survey of Calculus II | 3 |
| or | |
| MATH 122 | University Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 123 | University Calculus II | 4 |
| PHYS 121 | College Physics I | 3 |
| PHYS 123 | College Physics Lab I | 1 |
| | and | |
| PHYS 122 | College Physics II | 3 |
| PHYS 124 | College Physics II Lab | 1 |
| or | |
| PHYS 230 | University Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 232 | University Physics I Lab | 1 |
| | and | |
| PHYS 231 | University Physics II | 4 |
| PHYS 233 | University Physics II Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 318 | Analytical Chemistry, Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| BIOL 336 | Mammalian Physiology | 3 |
| BIOL 337 | Mammalian Physiology Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 315 | Introduction 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:
NOTE: CHEM 481 must be approved by coordinator
Approved Biology Electives:
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