Biochemistry, B.S.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry is intended for students who plan to pursue a career in biochemical research, chemistry research, and suitable for a student pursuing health professions (medical, pharmaceutical, dental, and other clinical and health professions). The B.S. program is a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary program to prepare students for graduate study in pursuit of a Master of Science (M.S.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in areas related to biochemistry.

Note: Biochemistry majors may not take courses listed in the major or additional requirements for CR/NC grades.

Major Requirements (47-50 units)

Core Program (40 units)

CHEM 1A - General Chemistry 1A Units: 5 (Area 5A)
CHEM 1B - General Chemistry 1B Units: 5
CHEM 102 - Quantitative Analytical Chemistry Units: 5
CHEM 110A - Physical Chemistry Units: 3
CHEM 112 - Biophysical Chemistry Units: 3
CHEM 128A - Organic Chemistry Units: 3
CHEM 128B - Organic Chemistry Units: 3
CHEM 129A - Organic Chemistry Laboratory Units: 2
CHEM 129B - Organic Chemistry Laboratory Units: 2
CHEM 155A - Fundamentals of Biochemistry Units: 3
CHEM 155B - Physiological Chemistry and Metabolism Units: 3
CHEM 156 - Biochemical Laboratory Techniques Units: 3

Select Two Additional Upper-Division CHEM Courses (4-7 units):

CHEM 106 - Analytical Measurements Laboratory Units: 4
OR
CHEM 106S - Instrumental Analysis in Industrial Settings Units: 4
CHEM 111 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory Units: 3
CHEM 123 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Units: 3
CHEM 124 - Synthesis and Characterization Units: 2
CHEM 140T - Topics in Chemistry Units: 1-4
CHEM 160H - Research Techniques Units: 3
CHEM 161W - Scientific Writing Workshop Units: 3
CHEM 165SH - Peer Instruction in Chemistry Units: 3
CHEM 180H - Honors Seminar in Chemistry Units: 1-2
CHEM 190 - Independent Study Units: 1-3
CHEM 195 - Undergraduate Research Units: 1-3
CHEM 199 - Undergraduate Thesis Units: 3
Advising Note: Students interested in adding an American Chemical Society (ACS) Certification to their BS Biochemistry degree can meet the ACS requirements by selecting one of the following options for their upper-division chemistry electives:
- CHEM 123 and CHEM 124 (5 units)
- CHEM 123 and CHEM 111 (5 units)

Select One Additional Upper-Division BIOL Course (3-4 units):

BIOL 103 - Cellular Biology Units: 3
BIOL 120 - Microbiology Units: 4
or other approved courses.

Additional Requirements (27-30 units)

BIOL 1A - Introductory Biology Units: 4 (Area 5B)
BIOL 1B - Introductory Biology Units: 4
BIOL 102 - Genetics Units: 3
MATH 75 - Calculus I Units: 4 (Area 2)
MATH 76 - Calculus II Units: 4
PHYS 2A - General Physics Units: 4 (Area 5A)
PHYS 2B - General Physics Units: 4
OR
PHYS 4A - Mechanics and Wave Motion Units: 3 (Area 5A)
PHYS 4AL - Laboratory in Mechanics and Wave Motion Units: 1 (Area 5A)
PHYS 4B - Electricity, Magnetism, and Heat Units: 3
PHYS 4BL - Laboratory in Electricity, Magnetism, and Heat Units: 1
PHYS 4C - Light and Modern Physics Units: 3 (strongly recommended)

Other Degree Requirements

In addition to the major program requirements, every student must also complete the University’s baccalaureate degree requirements such as:

American Government and Institutions (PLSI 2 )
General Education Requirements (43 units)
Additional University Graduation Requirements (9 units) - Biochemistry majors are exempt from 3 units of this requirement
Upper-Division Writing Requirement
Sufficient Elective Units to Meet Required Total Units (varies); it is recommended that units in this area be utilized to complete a second major or minor.

A full description of the University’s graduation requirements can be found in the Baccalaureate Degree Requirements .

Total: 120 Units*

*General Education, AUGR, and Upper-division Writing courses can be double counted with major requirements. These courses include CHEM 1A or PHYS 4A and PHYS 4AL in GE Area 5A, BIOL 1A in GE Area 5B, MATH 75 in GE Area 2. See advisor for details.

Pre-Admission Disclosure: Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or tax payer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs, to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements are available from the Undergraduate Studies Office, 559.278.4468, 5200 N. Barton M/S UL54 Fresno, CA 93740