BS in Biochemistry
There are a wide range of career options for chemists and biochemists in a diverse array of occupational fields. Opportunities can be divided into five main sectors: Industry, Academia, Government, Non-Profit, and Entrepreneurship. In addition, the programs of study for both chemistry and biochemistry degrees provide strong academic, critical thinking, and foundational skills for students interested in pursuing advanced professional degrees in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and pharmacy, as well as rigorous preparation for graduate school.
The curriculum requirement to obtain a BS in Biochemistry consists of the general College of Science curriculum requirements.
Marketable Skills
Students develop the following marketable skills:
- Communication: Reach mutual understanding through the effective exchange of information, ideas, and feelings
- Critical thinking: Analyze and evaluate issues in order to solve problems and develop informed opinions
- Organization: Use resources effectively and efficiently in order to stay focused on different tasks
- Problem-solving: Find solutions to difficult or complex issues
- Research: Be able to search, investigate and critically analyze information in response to a specific research question
- Time management: Prioritize goals and organize time to be more productive and efficient.
Additionally, students will be:
- Using laboratory equipment
- Maintaining precision and accuracy
- Organizing and reporting data, results and conclusions
- Explaining complex ideas for technical and non-technical audiences
Degree Plan
Required Credits: 120
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Designated Core (All courses require a grade of C or better) | ||
Required Courses: 1 | ||
Calculus I | ||
Introductory Mechanics and Laboratory for PHYS 2320 | ||
Introductory Electromagnetism and Laboratory for PHYS 2321 | ||
University Core Curriculum | ||
Complete the University Core Curriculum requirements. | 42 | |
Biochemistry Major | ||
Required Courses: | ||
CHEM 3330 & CHEM 3131 | Biochem I:Struc & Function and Lab for Chemistry | 4 |
CHEM 3332 | Biochem II: Metabol & Bioenerg | 3 |
CHEM 4334 & CHEM 4134 | Structural Biochemistry and Structural Biochemistry Lab | 4 |
CHEM 4335 | Biophysical Chemistry | 3 |
Required Chemistry Courses | ||
CHEM 1305 & CHEM 1105 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | 4 |
CHEM 1306 & CHEM 1106 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | 4 |
CHEM 2321 & CHEM 2221 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Lab | 5 |
CHEM 2322 & CHEM 2222 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Lab | 5 |
CHEM 3310 & CHEM 3110 | Analytical Chemistry and Lab for Chemistry 3310 | 4 |
Other Required Courses | ||
BIOL 1305 & BIOL 1107 | General Biology and Topics in Study of Life I | 4 |
BIOL 1306 & BIOL 1108 | Organismal Biology and Organismal Biology Laboratory | 4 |
BIOL 3314 & BIOL 3115 | Molecular Cell Biology and Molecular Cell Biol Laboratory | 4 |
BIOL 3320 | Genetics | 3 |
MATH 1312 | Calculus II | 3 |
MICR 2340 & MICR 2141 | General Microbiology and Gen Microbiology Laboratory | 4 |
MICR 3449 | Prokaryotic Molecular Genetics | 4 |
STAT 2480 | Elementary Statistical Methods | 4 |
Prescribed Elective Courses | ||
Select Nine Hours: | 9 | |
Mammalian Physiology | ||
Lab for Chemistry 3351 and Physical Chemistry I | ||
Lab for Chemistry 3352 and Physical Chemistry II | ||
Introduction to Research | ||
Instrumental Meths Analyt Chem and Lab for Chemistry 4211 | ||
Advanced Topics Organic Chem | ||
Structure of Matter | ||
Inorganic Chemistry | ||
Introduction to Research | ||
Pathogenic Microbiology Lab and Pathogenic Microbiology | ||
Microbial Physiology Lab and Microbial Physiology | ||
Epidemiology | ||
General Virology | ||
Medical Mycology | ||
Vertebrate Physiology Methods | ||
Cellular Neuroscience | ||
Total Hours | 120 | |
1 Although the UTEP choice is larger, these choices satisfy the requirements of both the core and the major. | ||
2 A total of thirty-seven hours of upper division coursework is required of all Bachelor of Science degrees. | ||
C Course requires a grade of C or better. |
University Core Curriculum (A program may recommend specific courses. All courses require a C or better.)
I. Communication (six hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Courses in this category focus on developing ideas and expressing them clearly, considering the effect of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate persuasively. Courses involve the command of oral, aural, written, and visual literacy skills that enable people to exchange messages appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility. | ||
Select six hours of the following: | 6 | |
For students whose secondary education was in English: | ||
Written and Oral Communication | ||
Writing About Literature | ||
Rhetoric & Composition I | ||
Rhetoric & Composition 2 | ||
Rhetoric, Composition & Comm | ||
For students whose secondary education was not in English: | ||
Expos Engl Compos-Spkr Esl | ||
Res & Crit Writng Spkr Esl | ||
TOTAL HOURS | 6 |
II. American History (six hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Courses in this category focus on the consideration of past events and ideas relative to the United States, with the option of including Texas History for a portion of this component area. Courses involve the interaction among individuals, communities, states, the nation, and the world, considering how these interactions have contributed to the development of the United States and its global role. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Social Responsibility, and Personal Responsibility. | ||
HIST 1301 | History of U.S. to 1865 | 3 |
HIST 1302 | History of U.S. Since 1865 | 3 |
TOTAL HOURS | 6 |
III. Language, Philosophy & Culture (three hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Courses in this category focus on how ideas, values, beliefs, and other aspects of culture express and affect human experience. Courses involve the exploration of ideas that foster aesthetic and intellectual creation in order to understand the human condition across cultures. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Social Responsibility, and Personal Responsibility. | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Intro-African Amer Studies | ||
Latina/o Presence in the U.S. | ||
English Literature | ||
English Literature | ||
Intro to American Fiction | ||
Intro to American Drama | ||
Intro to American Poetry | ||
Making of the "Other" Americas | ||
World History to 1500 | ||
World History Since 1500 | ||
Introduction to Philosophy | ||
Ethics | ||
Introduct to Religious Studies | ||
Seeing & Naming: Conversations | ||
Introduction to Womens Studies | ||
Global Feminisms | ||
TOTAL HOURS | 3 |
IV. Mathematics (three hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Courses in this category focus on quantitative literacy in logic, patterns, and relationships. Courses involve the understanding of key mathematical concepts and the application of appropriate quantitative tools to everyday experience. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, and Empirical & Quantitative Skills. | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
College Algebra | ||
Trigonometry and Conics | ||
Math in the Modern World | ||
Math for Social Sciences I | ||
Calculus I | ||
Precalculus | ||
Math for Social Sciences II | ||
Statistical Literacy | ||
Elementary Statistical Methods | ||
TOTAL HOURS | 3 |
V. Life & Physical Sciences (six hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Courses in this category focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural phenomena using the scientific method. Courses involve the understanding of interactions among natural phenomena and the implications of scientific principles on the physical world and on experiences. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills, and Teamwork. | ||
Select one of the following: | ||
Astronomy Lab I | ||
Elem Astronomy-Solar System | ||
Elem Astr Stars & Galaxies | ||
Introductory Biology Lab | ||
Human Biology Laboratory | ||
Topics in Study of Life I | ||
Organismal Biology Laboratory | ||
Introductory Biology | ||
Human Biology | ||
General Biology | ||
Organismal Biology | ||
Human Anat/Physio Lab I | ||
Human Anat/Physio Lab II | ||
Human Anat/Physiology I | ||
Human Anat/Physiology II | ||
Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | ||
Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | ||
Intro General Chemistry Lab | ||
Intro Organic & Biochem Lab | ||
General Chemistry | ||
General Chemistry | ||
Intro to General Chemistry | ||
Intro Organic & Biochemistry | ||
Environmental Sci. Lab | ||
Non-major Lab for ESCI 1301 | ||
Intro to Environmental Sci | ||
Laboratory for GEOG 1306 | ||
Physical Geography | ||
Lab for GEOL 1313 | ||
Lab for GEOL 1314 | ||
Principles of Earth Sci - Lab | ||
Laboratory for Geology 1212 | ||
Principles of Earth Sciences | ||
Principles of Earth Science | ||
The Blue Planet | ||
Natural Hazards | ||
Intro to Physical Geology | ||
Intro to Historical Geol | ||
Fundamentals of Nutrition | ||
Wellness Dynamics | ||
Microorganisms and Disease | ||
General Physics I | ||
General Physics II | ||
Laboratory for PHYS 2320 | ||
Laboratory for PHYS 2321 | ||
Introductory Mechanics | ||
Introductory Electromagnetism | ||
TOTAL HOURS | 6 |
VI. Political Science (six hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Courses in this category focus on consideration of the Constitution of the United States and the constitutions of the states, with special emphasis on that of Texas. Courses involve the analysis of governmental institutions, political behavior, civic engagement, and their political and philosophical foundations. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Social Responsibility and Personal Responsibility. | ||
Required Courses: | ||
POLS 2310 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
POLS 2311 | American Gover & Politics | 3 |
TOTAL HOURS | 6 |
VII. Social & Behavioral Sciences (three hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Courses in this category focus on the application of empirical and scientific methods that contribute to the understanding of what makes us human. Courses involve the exploration of behavior and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, and events, examining their impact on the individual, society, and culture. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills, and Social Responsibility. | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Intro-Phys Anth/Archeolog | ||
Intro-Cultural Anthropology | ||
Cultural Geography | ||
Intro to Linguistics | ||
Asian American Studies | ||
Econ for Engrs & Scientists | ||
Intro to Chicano Studies | ||
Interpersonal Communication | ||
Mass Media and Society | ||
Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
Principles of Microeconomics | ||
Introduction to Ed Psychology | ||
Action Research in Classrooms | ||
Introduction to Linguistics | ||
Cultural Geography | ||
Leadership in Action | ||
Introduction to Linguistics | ||
Lang. Inside & Out: Sel Topics | ||
Introduction to Psychology | ||
Introduction to Sociology | ||
Cultural Geography | ||
TOTAL HOURS | 3 |
VIII. Creative Arts
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Courses in this category focus on the appreciation and analysis of creative artifacts and works of the human imagination. Courses involve the synthesis and interpretation of artistic expression and enable critical, creative, and innovative communication about works of art. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, and Social Responsibility. | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Art Appreciation | ||
History of Art I | ||
History of Art II | ||
Chicana/o Fine Arts Appreciat | ||
Introduction to Dance | ||
Intro-Art of Motion Pict. | ||
Music Appreciation | ||
Jazz to Rock | ||
Music, Culture, and Society | ||
Introduction to Theatre | ||
TOTAL HOURS | 3 |
IX. Component Area Option (six hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
a. A minimum of 3 SCH must meet the definition and corresponding Core Objectives specified in one of the foundational component areas. b. As an option for up to 3 semester credit hours of the Component Area Option, an institution may select course(s) that: (i) Meet(s) the definition specified for one or more of the foundational component areas; and (ii) Include(s) a minimum of three Core Objectives, including Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, and one of the remaining Core Objectives of the institution's choice. | ||
Intro to Global Business | ||
COMM 1301 | Public Speaking | 3 |
Business/Profession Comm | ||
Intro-Computational Thinking | ||
Computer Programming Sci/Engr | ||
Eng Innovation and Leadership | ||
Engineering Design Experience | ||
Applied Engineering Analysis | ||
Introduction to Leadership | ||
Inquiry in Math & Science | ||
Comm. Var. Across the Lifespan | ||
Seminar/Critical Inquiry | ||
TOTAL HOURS | 6 |
4-Year Sample Degree Plan
BS Biochemistry- Starting with Calculus
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
BS BIOCHEMISTRY | ||
FRESHMAN | ||
Fall | ||
BIOL 1305 & BIOL 1107 | General Biology and Topics in Study of Life I | 4 |
CHEM 1305 & CHEM 1105 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | 4 |
MATH 1411 | Calculus I | 4 |
SCI 1301 | Inquiry in Math & Science | 3 |
Spring | ||
BIOL 1306 & BIOL 1108 | Organismal Biology and Organismal Biology Laboratory | 4 |
CHEM 1306 & CHEM 1106 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | 4 |
COMM 1301 | Public Speaking | 3 |
MATH 1312 | Calculus II | 3 |
RWS 1301 | Rhetoric & Composition I | 3 |
SOPHOMORE | ||
Fall | ||
CHEM 2321 & CHEM 2221 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Lab | 5 |
HIST 1301 | History of U.S. to 1865 | 3 |
PHYS 2320 & PHYS 2120 | Introductory Mechanics and Laboratory for PHYS 2320 | 4 |
STAT 2480 | Elementary Statistical Methods | 4 |
Spring | ||
CHEM 2322 & CHEM 2222 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Lab | 5 |
HIST 1302 | History of U.S. Since 1865 | 3 |
PHYS 2321 & PHYS 2121 | Introductory Electromagnetism and Laboratory for PHYS 2321 | 4 |
RWS 1302 | Rhetoric & Composition 2 | 3 |
JUNIOR | ||
Fall | ||
CHEM 3310 & CHEM 3110 | Analytical Chemistry and Lab for Chemistry 3310 | 4 |
CHEM 3330 & CHEM 3131 | Biochem I:Struc & Function and Lab for Chemistry | 4 |
PHIL 2306 | Ethics | 3 |
POLS 2310 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
PSYC 1301 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
Spring | ||
ART 1300 | Art Appreciation | 3 |
CHEM 3332 | Biochem II: Metabol & Bioenerg | 3 |
MICR 2340 & MICR 2141 | General Microbiology and Gen Microbiology Laboratory | 4 |
POLS 2311 | American Gover & Politics | 3 |
SENIOR | ||
Fall | ||
BIOL 3314 & BIOL 3115 | Molecular Cell Biology and Molecular Cell Biol Laboratory | 4 |
CHEM 4334 & CHEM 4134 | Structural Biochemistry and Structural Biochemistry Lab | 4 |
Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
Spring | ||
MICR 3449 | Prokaryotic Molecular Genetics | 4 |
BIOL 3320 | Genetics | 3 |
CHEM 4335 | Biophysical Chemistry | 3 |
Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
Total Hours | 120 |
BS Biochemistry- Starting with Pre-Calculus
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
BS BIOCHEMISTRY | ||
FRESHMAN | ||
Fall | ||
BIOL 1305 & BIOL 1107 | General Biology and Topics in Study of Life I | 4 |
CHEM 1305 & CHEM 1105 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | 4 |
MATH 1508 | Precalculus | 5 |
SCI 1301 | Inquiry in Math & Science | 3 |
Spring | ||
BIOL 1306 & BIOL 1108 | Organismal Biology and Organismal Biology Laboratory | 4 |
CHEM 1306 & CHEM 1106 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | 4 |
COMM 1301 | Public Speaking | 3 |
MATH 1411 | Calculus I | 4 |
RWS 1301 | Rhetoric & Composition I | 3 |
SOPHOMORE | ||
Fall | ||
CHEM 2321 & CHEM 2221 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Lab | 5 |
HIST 1301 | History of U.S. to 1865 | 3 |
MATH 1312 | Calculus II | 3 |
PHYS 2320 & PHYS 2121 | Introductory Mechanics and Laboratory for PHYS 2321 | 4 |
Spring | ||
CHEM 2322 & CHEM 2222 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Lab | 5 |
HIST 1302 | History of U.S. Since 1865 | 3 |
PHYS 2321 & PHYS 2121 | Introductory Electromagnetism and Laboratory for PHYS 2321 | 4 |
RWS 1302 | Rhetoric & Composition 2 | 3 |
STAT 2480 | Elementary Statistical Methods | 4 |
JUNIOR | ||
Fall | ||
CHEM 3310 & CHEM 3110 | Analytical Chemistry and Lab for Chemistry 3310 | 4 |
CHEM 3330 & CHEM 3131 | Biochem I:Struc & Function and Lab for Chemistry | 4 |
PHIL 2306 | Ethics | 3 |
PSYC 1301 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
POLS 2310 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
Spring | ||
ART 1300 | Art Appreciation | 3 |
CHEM 3332 | Biochem II: Metabol & Bioenerg | 3 |
MICR 2340 & MICR 2141 | General Microbiology and Gen Microbiology Laboratory | 4 |
POLS 2311 | American Gover & Politics | 3 |
SENIOR | ||
Fall | ||
BIOL 3314 & BIOL 3115 | Molecular Cell Biology and Molecular Cell Biol Laboratory | 4 |
CHEM 4334 & CHEM 4134 | Structural Biochemistry and Structural Biochemistry Lab | 4 |
Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
Spring | ||
BIOL 3320 | Genetics | 3 |
CHEM 4335 | Biophysical Chemistry | 3 |
MICR 3449 | Prokaryotic Molecular Genetics | 4 |
Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
Total Hours | 125 |