Biochemistry Major

Major requirements

The course of study typically pursued by Biochemistry majors is:

Suggested First Year:

Eight credits Fall Semester:

• BIO 114 Introduction to the Biological Sciences  
• CHEM 153 Chemical Principles  

Eight credits Spring Semester: 

• CHEM 253 Organic Chemistry I  
• MATH 101 Calculus I  (or AP credit) 

Suggested Second Year:

Twelve credits Fall Semester:

• BIO 211 Genetics  
• CHEM 254 Organic Chemistry II  
• PHYS 170 Introductory Physics I ​ 

Four credits Spring Semester:

• CHEM 232 Aqueous Equilibria  

Sixteen additional credits - (typically taken during third and fourth years)

• CHEM 355 Chemical Thermodynamics  
• CHEM 305 Principles of Biochemistry Lecture  
• CHEM 306 Experimental Biochemistry  
• CHEM 405 Senior Seminar in Biochemistry   
• CHEM 499 Independent Research  or BIO 499 Independent Research  
• CHEM 500 Honors Research  or BIO 500 Honors Research  

Four credits at the 300-level:

• BIO 303 Evolution  
• BIO 316 Molecular Biology and Genomics  
• BIO 319 Stem Cell Biology  
• BIO 324 Neurobiology  
• BIO 340 Principles of Cancer Biology  
• BIO 398 - an experimental course with a focus at the cellular or molecular level, if approved by one of the Biochemistry program coordinators. Study abroad courses may also fulfill this requirement pending approval. 

Notes:

Only one course may be overlapped between this major and a second major, or between a major and a minor. 

A course taken at Wheaton College that receives a grade of “Pass” (P) may not be used to fulfill a requirement in the major, except under special circumstances.