Biochemistry - B.S. Degree

Department of Chemistry
Office: 221 Science Center

(716) 673-3287

Dr. William Brown, Chairperson
Dr. Mark Janik, Coordinator

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. Course requirements of the degree program are listed below. Although not required, participation in undergraduate research in either biology or chemistry is encouraged.

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

 

Major Requirements

Core Courses:

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

 

CHEM 314Principles of Physical Chemistry

3

or

CHEM 315Introduction to Physical Chemistry

3

 

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

CHEM 465Advanced Experimental Biochemistry

2

CHEM 475Advanced Biochemistry

3

CHEM 495Seminar: Advances in Chemistry

1

CHEM 496Seminar: Advances in Chemistry

2

Upper-level electives in BIO or CHEM

9

Total Credit Hours:55
*See list of approved upper-level electives below

Supporting Courses:

MATH 120Survey of Calculus I

3

and

MATH 121Survey of Calculus II

3

 

or

 

MATH 122University Calculus I

4

and

MATH 123University Calculus II

4

 

PHYS 121College Physics I

3

PHYS 123College Physics Lab I

1

PHYS 122College Physics II

3

PHYS 124College Physics II Lab

1

or

 

PHYS 230University Physics I

4

PHYS 232University Physics I Lab

1

PHYS 231University Physics II

4

PHYS 233University Physics II Lab

1

Total Credit Hours:14-18

Approved Upper-level Electives

Biology Electives:

BIOL 336Mammalian Physiology

3

BIOL 337Mammalian Physiology Lab

1

BIOL 338Microbiology

4

BIOL 344Parasitology

1

BIOL 381Cell and Molecular Biology Lab

1

BIOL 435Developmental Biology

3

BIOL 437Molecular Genetics Laboratory

2

BIOL 438Molecules and Medicine

3

BIOL 440Undergraduate Research

1-3

BIOL 450Modern Concepts in Biology

1-4

BIOL 453Basic Hematology

1

BIOL 461Immunology and Serology

3

BIOL 480Molecular Biology of Disease

3

BIOL 450 Special Topics course must be related to Biochemistry

Chemistry Electives

CHEM 316Advanced Physical Chemistry

3

CHEM 325Physical Chemistry Laboratory I

1

CHEM 326Physical Chemistry Laboratory II

1

CHEM 328Analytical Chemistry II Laboratory

2

CHEM 391Independent Lab Research

1-3

CHEM 392Independent Lab Research

1-3

CHEM 412Advanced Organic Chemistry

3

CHEM 413Applied Spectroscopy

3

CHEM 414Medicinal Organic Chemistry

3

CHEM 417Polymer Chemistry

3

CHEM 462Inorganic Chemistry

3

CHEM 481Special Topics in Chemistry

1-3

CHEM 491Independent Laboratory Research

1-3

CHEM 492Independent Laboratory Research

1-3

CHEM 481 Special Topics course must be related to Biochemistry

Note:

  • No more than 3 credit hours of BIOL 440 Undergraduate Research or CHEM 391, 392, 491 and 492 Independent Lab Research can be used towards the major. 
  • At least 3 upper-level credits must be from chemistry.
  • 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 chair of the department. 

Total Credit Hours: 69-73