Major & Minor Overview

The biochemistry major provides interdisciplinary training, education and experience in the chemical and biological sciences. Biochemistry focuses on understanding the chemical processes of living organisms,the reaction pathways that sustain life, the principles of how structure defines function, and the physical basis of biomolecular interactions. Students who major in Biochemistry are prepared for diverse careers in medicine, scientific research, biotechnology, pharmacy, biomedical consulting, teaching and education, among other professions. The undergraduate degree in Biochemistry emphasizes knowledge and understanding of:
 

• Foundational principles of biology and chemistry

• The building blocks of life (DNA, RNA and proteins), how they evolved, how they interact, and how organisms make and degrade these building blocks

• How living organisms maintain homeostasis and regulate metabolism

• The molecular mechanisms of how living systems respond to changes, such as environmental perturbations, disease, and chemical therapeutics

• How chemical reactions impact human health

The undergraduate degree in Biochemistry also emphasizes and cultivates development of the following skills:
 

• Quantitative problem solving

• Critical thinking and analytical reasoning

• Communication of scientific concepts and ideas

Because biochemistry connects to scientific disciplines ranging from genetics, human physiology, microbiology, neuroscience, cell biology, chemistry, and geology, Biochemistry majors are given the freedom to explore advanced electives in many of these subjects. Additional information about the Biochemistry B.A. can be found on the Biochemistry Department website.

Biochemistry major students are prepared for many different careers after graduation. Career Services offers a number of programs and services designed to help students plan their career, including workshops, internships, and placement services after graduation. For an appointment with a career counselor or for more information, call 303-492-6541 or stop by Center for Community, N352.
 

Additional Opportunities

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduates are encouraged to participate in research to prepare themselves for graduate school, professional school, or industry. There are multiple opportunities for undergraduates to be involved in research within the Department of Biochemistry. For more information, visit our Departmental Undergraduate research page.

Study Abroad

The experience of studying abroad can prove invaluable. For information about study abroad programs, visit the Office of International Education/Study Abroad website.

Teaching Certification

Biochemistry majors can also earn certification as teachers through the School of Education. The program for a secondary school science-teaching certificate is challenging requiring a broad, strong background in science, as well as coursework in education and practice teaching. It usually requires at least five years of study. Students interested in teacher certification are encouraged to contact the School of Education.

The biochemistry major provides interdisciplinary training in the biological and chemical sciences, including courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry, as well as in biology, calculus and physics.

In addition to these, students must fulfill the graduation requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences. No more than 45 credits of BCHM courses can be applied to the 120-credit minimum to graduate.

Transfer students who plan to complete a BA degree in biochemistry must complete at the Boulder campus a minimum of 12 credits of upper-division courses in biochemistry covering at least two of the sub-disciplines in their major: organic, physical and biochemistry.

Students may want to consult each semester's Registration Handbook and Schedule of Courses, as well as the Professor Performance Guide for further information about course offerings and faculty.
 

Required Courses and Credits

¹ Or CHEM 4511 and CHEM 4531

All students, and especially those intending to go onto graduate pschool in biochemistry, will benefit from additional advanced courses. Recommended electives include graduate courses in various fields of chemistry, or advanced courses in biology or mathematics.

Students in the undergraduate biochemistry major are required to take three advanced major electives for a total of at least 9 credits to complete the biochemistry major. Below is a list of all approved electives that can be taken to satisfy the advanced major electives requirement.

*BCHM 4901 must be approved by the Biochemistry Associate Chair for Undergraduate Affairs (Amy Palmer). To be eligible students must have a minimum of 120 hours of independent research prior to applying forr BCHM 4901 as an advanced elective. BCHM 4901 can only count once as an advanced elective. It must be taken as a 3-credit course and a final paper is required.

Requirements

The College of Arts and Sciences will allow a maximum of 9 hours of transfer credit, including 6 upper-division credit hours to count toward a minor. Students may transfer courses through organic chemistry only. All courses required for the minor must be completed with a grade of C- or better, and the overall GPA in all BCHM courses taken must be a 2.00.

Students who have taken CHEN 1211 and CHEM 1221 may substitute them for CHEM 1113 and CHEM 1114. Engineering students who have taken CHEN 4521 may NOT use this to satisfy the physical chemistry requirement.