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Biochemistry Major

Study biochemistry at SBU

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Studying biochemistry is important if you have aspirations of pursuing medical school or other healthcare professions. A biochemistry degree is the most recommended major for students who want to go to medical school. By majoring in biochemistry at SBU, you will receive a solid foundation in chemistry and biology that will equip you for further education at graduate or professional schools.

Your biochemistry degree will involve a significant load of science courses in chemistry and biology. The study of biochemistry focuses on the chemistry of biological reactions.

Graduates with a biochemistry degree will usually advance to medical or professional schooling, or pursue graduate-level education in biochemistry. Advanced education in biochemistry would prepare you for research careers, such as pharmaceutical or cancer research.

The biochemistry degree is offered through SBU's College of Arts and Sciences. 

Resources

Major Map (PDF)

Degree Plan

Professor explains chemistry lab equipment to group of students

The SBU Advantage

  • Work alongside expert faculty to conduct research while still an undergraduate student through SBU's Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program.
  • Receive on-on-one academic advisement from a chemistry faculty member who will provide personalized guidance to help you achieve your goals.
  • Participate in small lecture and lab class sizes, which allows for more hands-on learning opportunities and closer interactions with faculty and staff.

Faith Integration

SBU is home to the Darrell R. Strait Center for the Integration of Science and Christian Faith, which is intentionally focused on equipping students to study the history and philosophy of science, Biblical hermeneutics, and the integration of science and faith. Faculty encourage discussion of ethical issues that arise in the world of science and challenge students to use their Christian faith as the basis for approaching all issues. SBU believes strongly that science and Christian faith can be integrated and support each other.

As a biochemistry major, you will take a course from the Strait Center — Chemistry Through the Eyes of Faith. You will have the option to add a second major in Integration of Science and Christian Faith by taking the other Strait Center courses including: Methods of Biblical Interpretation, Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview, and History and Philosophy of Science and Technology.

Pre-Health Society

Pre-Health Society is an open club for students who are interested in pursuing a career in a health-related field. The club meets once a month for group meetings, planning service events and hearing from guest speakers from various health fields. The club is a mix of under and upperclassmen, giving younger students the chance to meet peers and mentors who can encourage them in their chosen fields and through the challenges of pursuing a health-related career.

 

Full-Time Faculty

Isaac Corn

Dr. Isaac Corn, Assistant Professor
Jena Whetstine

Dr. Jena Whetstine, Associate Professor
 

Faith Integration

SBU biochemistry majors have the opportunity to apply for several privately funded scholarships including:

  • Bill Little Chemistry Scholarship
  • Friends of the College of Science and Mathematics Scholarship
  • James Lightfoot Scholarship
  • Marie Colvin Scholarship
  • Smith-Glynn-Callaway Medical Foundation Scholarship

Biochemistry Program Four-Year Plan

Freshman

Fall Semester

CHE 1115 General Chemistry I 5
BIO 1004 Principles of Biology 4
BIB 1013 Old Testament History 3
ENG 1113 English Composition I 3
UNI 1111 University Seminar 1
Total hours 16

Spring Semester

CHE 1125 General Chemistry II 5
MAT 1195 Calculus I 5
ENG 2213 English Composition II 3
UNI 1121 Critical Thinking 1
BIB 1023 New Testament History 3
Total hours 17
 

Sophomore

Fall Semester

CHE 3304 Organic Chemistry I 4
MAT 3343 Mathematical Statistics 3
PHY 1115 Physics I 5
BIO/CHE BIO/CHE elective 4
Total hours 16

Spring Semester

CHE 3314 Organic Chemistry II 4
PHY 1125 Physics II 5
KIN 1162 Foundations of Physical Fitness/Wellness 2
POL 1113 American Government and Politics 3
  Humanities Elective 3
Total hours 17
 

Junior

Fall Semester

CHE 3364 Biochemistry 4
SCF BIO or CHE Through the Eyes of Faith 2
PSY 1013 Psychology 3
HIS 22X3 U.S. History I or II 3
  Cultural Studies Elective 2-3
Total hours 14-15

Spring Semester

CHE 3371 Seminar in Chemistry I 1
BIO/CHE 4104 Biochemistry 2 4
CHE 3345 Analytical Chemistry 5
BIO/CHE 3012 Methods of Scientific Research 2
CIS 1033 Foundations of Computer Science 3
Total hours 15
 

Senior

Fall Semester

BIO/CHE BIO/CHE elective 4
CHE 3323 Physical Chemistry 3
BIO 3324 Genetics 4
COM 1103 Fundamentals of Speech Communication 3
  Elective hours 3
Total hours 17

Spring Semester

BIO/CHE 4471 Seminar 1
BIO 4224 Cellular and Molecular Biology 4
CHE 4412 Advanced Chemistry Lab 2
ECO 2003 LIFE Economics 3
SPF 2012 Foundations of Spiritual Formation 2
  Elective hours 3
Total hours 15

NOTE: This plan assumes an ACT math score high enough to meet the College Algebra requirement and high school completion of ENG 1113, English Composition, and CIS 1103, Computer and Information Management.

Download in PDF format:
Biochemistry Plan (PDF)