Biochemistry (B.S.)

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Student Learning Outcomes for Biochemistry:

Students will be able to:

Explain fundamental chemistry and biochemistry concepts.
Communicate chemical and biochemical knowledge.
Research a chemical and biochemical problem or concept.
Design, execute, and interpret experiments to solve chemical and biochemical problems.
Draw connections to other fields of study.
Work as a member of a team.
Envision and pursue multiple paths for purposeful life work.

The Biochemistry major prepares students for medical school or other health professional schools, graduate study in biochemistry and related fields, or employment that requires baccalaureate education.

The Biochemistry degree at Elizabethtown College is certified by the American Chemical Society.

The Biochemistry curriculum requires:

CH 105 - NPS Fundamentals of Chemistry: Introduction to Molecular Science
CH 113 - Organic Chemistry I
CH 201 - Laboratory Methods in Chemistry
CH 213 - Organic Chemistry II
CH 214 - Chemical Instrumentation
CH 242 - Physical Inorganic Chemistry
CH 323 - Biochemistry I
CH 324 - Biochemistry II
CH 326 - Techniques of Biochemistry
CH 343 - Physical Chemistry I
CH 395 - Chemistry Seminar I
CH 396 - Chemistry Seminar II
CH 455 - Integrated Chemistry Laboratory I
CH 456 - Integrated Chemistry Laboratory II
CH 495 - Chemistry Seminar III
CH 496 - Chemistry Seminar IV
BIO 111 - Molecules, Cells, & Animal Systems
BIO 112 - Principles of Evolution, Ecology, and Diversity of Life
Three additional credits of Biology with emphasis on genetics
Ten credits as any combination of Chemistry (300 or above, excluding internship or research) or Biology (200 or above, excluding internship or research) courses, as long as one course is in Chemistry.
MA 121 - MA Calculus I
MA 122 - Calculus II
PHY 201 - College Physics I
PHY 202 - College Physics II

Four credits among:

First Year Suggested Courses:

Notes:

These courses begin a highly structured program coordinated among several departments, and if not completed in the first year, lead to delayed graduation or extraordinary difficulties for subsequent advisors.

There is a strong correlation between students’ performance on the math portion of the SAT/ACT and CH 105, likely a result of quantitative thinking and analytical reasoning skills. To promote student success, when a student has very poor entrance exam scores, it may be advisable to delay BIO 111 rather than enrolling the student in both CH 105 and BIO 111 during the first semester. These students are encouraged to meet with the department chair to discuss a modified four-year plan.

Math placement will be determined by the Mathematical Sciences department. For the major, competency must be through the MA 122 level. MA 121 is a necessary prerequisite for PHY 201 which is normally taken in the spring semester of the sophomore year.

If not completed in the fall, EN 100 must be completed during the spring semester.

A grade of C- or better must be earned in CH 105 in order to advance to CH 113.

Students planning to apply to medical school or other health related professional schools should plan on taking BIO 112. The recommendation is to take it during the second semester of the first year.