Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Biochemistry, BS
What Is the Study of Biochemistry?
The Department of Chemistry, in addition to its core of fundamental studies in Physical, Inorganic, Organic, Analytical and Biochemistry, has added a variety of elective courses that offer diversity in training, study and research at the undergraduate level. Within the Department, faculty members are active in many research areas including Organometallic Chemistry, Organic Synthesis, Photochemistry, Protein and Nucleic Acid Biochemistry, Molecular Biology of Viruses, Electrochemistry, Molecular Spectroscopy, Reaction Kinetics, Atmospheric and Environmental Chemistry, Surface Chemistry and Catalysis, and new areas of computer applications.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
The programs of study within the Chemistry major provide many benefits to students. There are a wide variety of accredited programs designed to meet diverse career goals. There is close student-faculty contact and relatively small classes. The students have direct access to modern laboratory equipment and instrumentation, and there are opportunities for research work under the direction of a faculty advisor.
This major is part of an interdisciplinary program between the Biology and Chemistry Departments. The B.S. degree in Biochemistry places a greater emphasis on the physical chemical theory behind biological chemistry. This program is specifically designed for students who seek graduate study or employment in biochemistry or molecular biology.
How to Declare:
Students planning to major in Biochemistry are advised to consult the Department at the beginning of their first quarter on campus to arrange for proper sequence of courses.
Admissions: Admission to the Bachelor of Science major in biochemistry is selective and based upon preparation and prior academic performance. Application may be made through the chemistry department, Chemistry Building 270.
Admission to the biochemistry major will be in two phases:
Phase I: Students will be designated Phase I chemistry majors until they have completed CHEM 121, 122, 123, 351 and 352 and BIOL 205.
Phase II: Students will be admitted to Phase II based on their performance in Phase I. Students with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in the Phase I courses will be given preferential admission to Phase II. Students with a grade point average below 3.0 will be considered on a case by case basis for remaining spaces in the major. See the department’s website for more details.
Coursework
- BIOL 204 Introduction to Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity (4)
- BIOL 205 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology (5)
- BIOL 321 Genetics (4)
- BIOL 323 Cell and Molecular Biology (4)
- BIOL 324 Methods in Molecular Biology (3)
- CHEM 351 Organic Chemistry (4)
- CHEM 352 Organic Chemistry (4)
- CHEM 353 Organic Chemistry (3)
- CHEM 354 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (3)
- CHEM 461 Physical Chemistry (4)
- CHEM 467 Biophysical Chemistry (3)
- CHEM 468 Biophysical Chemistry (4)
- CHEM 471 Biochemistry I (4)
- CHEM 472 Biochemistry II (4)
- CHEM 473 Molecular Biology (3)
- CHEM 474 Biochemistry Laboratory (3)
- MATH 224 Multivariable Calculus and Geometry I (5)
- PHYS 161 Physics With Calculus I (5)
- PHYS 162 Physics With Calculus II (5)
- PHYS 163 Physics with Calculus III (5)
- Choose either:
- CHEM 121 General Chemistry I (5)
- CHEM 122 General Chemistry II (5)
- CHEM 123 General Chemistry III (4)
- CHEM 333 Analytical Chemistry (5)
- or
- CHEM 125 General Chemistry I, Honors (5)
- CHEM 126 General Chemistry II, Honors (5)
- CHEM 225 General Chemistry III, Honors (5)
- Choose either:
- MATH 124 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (5)
- MATH 125 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II (5)
- or
- MATH 134 Calculus I Honors (5)
- MATH 135 Calculus II Honors (5)
- or
- MATH 138 Accelerated Calculus (5)
- Approved electives to total 2 credits
GURs:
These courses are offered within this major and may be used to satisfy GUR or Writing Proficiency Requirements.
- QSR: MATH 124, 125, 134, 135, 138
- LSCI: BIOL 204, 205; CHEM 121, 122, 123,125, 126, 225; PHYS 161, 162, 163
Sample Careers
- Chemical/Pharmaceutical Sales
- Physician
- Crime Lab Analyst
- High School Teacher
- Industrial Chemist
- Technical Writing
- Dentist
- Forensic Scientist
- Quality Assurance Specialist
- Research Scientist
- Occupational Safety Specialist
- Veterinarian
- Science Lab Technician
- Biochemist
- Biotechnology Scientist
- College Professor
- Environmental Scientist/Consultant
Department
Contact
Undergraduate Advisor:
Chemistry Department Administrative Office
CB 270
360-650-3070
chemdept@chem.wwu.edu
Chemistry Department Chair:
Steve Gammon
CB 270A
360-650-3070
grammon@chem.wwu.edu