Biochemistry, BS

Program Code: BIOC

Biochemistry is a dynamic and growing area in the sciences that integrates the understanding of chemical principles in living organisms. IUP’s biochemistry program offers excellent training and coursework that combine the principles of chemistry and biology with the fundamentals of mathematics and physics. An exciting facet of the Biochemistry BS is the undergraduate research component. This aspect allows a student to work with a faculty member on a novel problem in biochemistry. Very often these students give presentations of their results at national and local scientific conferences.

The IUP Biochemistry degree prepares graduates to pursue various careers in medicine, science and technology, or advanced studies in biochemistry, bioengineering, biotechnology and other related fields. Students who pursue the Biochemistry major simultaneously fulfil all of the science coursework required by most medical schools. Additionally, many IUP Biochemistry graduates have continued their education to earn Ph.D. degrees at highly prestigious graduate programs.

Liberal Studies: 44-45

As outlined in the Liberal Studies Requirements with the following specifications:

Major: 57

Required Core: 49

BIOC 290 - Biochemistry Seminar I Credits: 1
BIOC 301 - Foundations of Biochemistry Credits: 3
BIOC 311 - Biochemistry Laboratory I Credits: 2
BIOC 402 - Advanced Biochemistry Credits: 3
BIOC 412 - Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory II Credits: 2
BIOC 480 - Biochemistry Seminar II Credits: 1
BIOC 482 - Independent Research in Biochemistry Credits: 1-3 (Minimum of 2 credits required.)
One additional BIOC course at the 400-level (1)
CHEM 111 - General Chemistry I Credits: 4
CHEM 112 - General Chemistry II Credits: 4
CHEM 231 - Organic Chemistry I Credits: 4
CHEM 325 - Analytical Chemistry I Credits: 4
CHEM 332 - Organic Chemistry II Credits: 4
BIOL 202 - Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology Credits: 4
BIOL 203 - Principles of Genetics and Development Credits: 4

One course from the following: 4 (2,3)

CHEM 314 - Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 4
CHEM 341 - Physical Chemistry I Credits: 4

Controlled Electives: 8

8 credits from the following:

BIOL 241 - Introductory Medical Microbiology Credits: 4
MATH 122 - Calculus II for Natural and Social Sciences Credits: 4
MATH 126 - Calculus II/Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics Credits: 3
MATH 171 - Introduction to Linear Algebra Credits: 3
MATH 225 - Calculus III/Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics Credits: 3
MATH 341 - Differential Equations Credits: 3 (2)
Any additional BIOC, BIOL or CHEM course at the 300-level or above (4,5)

Free Electives: 17-19

Total Degree Requirements: 120

(1) This requirement may be met with a 400-level CHEM course, with advisor permission.

(2) If both CHEM 314 and CHEM 341 are taken, the second course satisfies 4cr of the controlled elective requirement.

(3) CHEM 341 requires MATH 122 or MATH 126 .

(4) Students cannot count both MATH 122 and MATH 126 .

(5) For an American Chemical Society certified degree, Students need to take MATH 122 or MATH 126 , and CHEM 314 , CHEM 341 and one additional CHEM course at the 400-level.