Biochemistry majors typically take the following courses in the fall semester of their first year:
First-Year Experience Learning Community Courses
We will register you in these courses.
- Philosophy (PHIL 201)
- English Composition (ENG 101) OR Theology (TRS 201)
Why am I taking these classes? Honors students take equivalent honors courses.
Major and Elective Courses
You will need to choose and register for these courses.
- General Chemistry lecture & lab (CHEM 103 & 113)
- Mechanisms of Life I lecture & lab (BIOL 105 & 115)
- Calculus (MATH 111 or 121 depending on the calculus placement exam; see below for full details)
Math placement
Your major requires you to take the math placement exam to determine what math course is the right level for you. For more information on math placement, please review the Mathematics Department’s placement exam instructions.
About Your First Semester Courses
The first course in a biochemistry major is general chemistry (CHEM 103) and its accompanying lab (CHEM 113). This course lays the foundation for all the topics that will be covered in more advanced chemistry courses – physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and organic & biochemistry.
Since biochemistry is at the interface of the disciplines of chemistry and biology, a firm foundation in biology is necessary for the understanding of advanced biochemistry topics. So for a fourth course, a first-year biochemistry major should take "Mechanisms of LIfe I" (BIOL 105) and its accompanying lab (BIOL 115).
A biochemistry major should also take a math course as determined by the math placement exam. Biochemistry majors can complete either the Calculus for Social-Life Sciences sequence (MATH 111-112) or the Analytic Geometry and Calculus sequence (MATH 121-122). Consult with your advisor to determine which sequence you should choose. Note that MATH 121 is required if a student plans a math minor. Alternatively, for your fifth course you could begin your studies of a foreign language, in which case you would need to start the calculus no later than fall of sophomore year.
To learn more about the Biochemistry major, consult the Chemistry Department’s website.
Know which courses you want? Get registered.