Biochemistry Interdisciplinary Minor

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Biochemistry uses the principles of chemistry to explain biology at the molecular level and presents concepts fundamental to all living organisms. The Biochemistry interdisciplinary minor enables students to study formally this intriguing and multidisciplinary field. The interdisciplinary minor features two entry tracts, through BIO 303 or CHE 361. These introductory courses provide a basic understanding of Biochemistry, which is then extended through a number of diverse interdisciplinary opportunities. The interdisciplinary minor is crowned by an advanced seminar capstone course.

Requirements

The biochemistry interdisciplinary minor requires a grade of “C” or higher in six courses. No courses counting for the interdisciplinary minor may be taken pass/fail. Only three of these courses may count both for the interdisciplinary minor and for a student’s major. A maximum of one transfer credit may be applied to the interdisciplinary minor, if approved by the advisers.

One of the following introductory courses is required:

Four electives from the following list are required.

At least one course must be from Biology and one from Chemistry; no more than two can be from the same department.

BIO 201 - Genetics
BIO 202 - Microbiology
BIO 307 - Immunology
BIO 208 - Cell Biology
BIO 309 - Genomics
BIO 333 - Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
BIO 343 - Laboratory Methods in Genomics
CHE 374 - Medicinal Chemistry
CHE 375 - Immunology and Immunopharmacology
CHE 260 - Introduction to Physical Chemistry
CHE 396 - Laboratory Research I
Or one semester of another approved independent study/research course on a biochemically-related topic (e.g. BIO 371, PSY 400, etc.)
MAT 140 - Multivariable Calculus and Modeling
MAT 210 - Mathematical Modeling
PHY 201 - Mathematical Methods for Scientists
PHY 310 - Electronics and Instrumentation
PSY 284 - Drugs and Behavior
OR
PSY 302 - Psychological Research-Behavioral Pharmacology
Either PSY 284 or PSY 302 but not both.

The following capstone course is required:

Application Procedure

Students interested in pursuing the Biochemistry interdisciplinary minor must contact one of the four primary faculty liaisons (Pam Hay, Jeffrey Myers, Sophia Sarafova or Nicole Snyder) to discuss the curriculum. To apply, submit a written letter of application to one of the primary faculty liaisons, preferably no later than the last day of the spring term of the junior year. The letter needs to specify the courses that will be used to satisfy the interdisciplinary minor requirements. Certification of completion of all requirements is made by the Registrar following recommendation by the Biochemistry Advisory Committee.