Program Overview

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Biochemistry

Bachelor of Science

Overview

Whether you're fascinated by scientific research or interested in pursuing medical school, this "central science" degree takes you anywhere you want to go. The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry uses chemistry as a tool to examine the molecular processes of life. Biochemistry is at the core of life sciences, and biochemical knowledge provides the underpinning for a variety of disciplines, from medicine to agriculture to engineering. In this program, students take coursework from award-winning faculty whose research and expertise include diverse specialties: protein structure and function, molecular genetics, medicinal biochemistry, optics, physics and more. Students hone communication and presentation skills; learn report writing, analytical thinking and research methods; and develop proficiency in mathematics and information technology. The complex questions that biochemists and chemists address encompass critical challenges that humans face today and tomorrow.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze; Critically analyze the results and data from biochemical experiments, including one's own original research
• Communicate in Context; Communicate scientific findings and place them in the context of existing scientific knowledge and literature
• Experiment; Conduct biochemical experiments, including original research
• Foundation; Develop foundational knowledge of core biochemical concepts and principles
• Hypothesize; Make hypotheses and models and devise/design tests of them

Program Details

Sample Courses

• BIOC 296B: Introduction to Biochemical Research
• BIOC 462A: Biochemistry
• BIOC 463A: Biochemical Laboratory Techniques

Career Fields

• Academics
• Agriculture
• Engineering
• Forensic science
• Medicine

Level of Math

arrowdownSubstantial Knowledge

This strand involves skill and facility with calculus. The S-strand begins at one of two calculus options - MATH 122A/B (Functions for Calculus and First-Semester Calculus) or MATH 125 (Calculus I). Students who successfully complete the S-strand may continue on to MATH 129 (Calculus II), MATH 223 (Vector Calculus), or beyond. Those who choose but are not ready to begin the S-strand will be required to take preparatory work.

Level of Second Language

arrowdown2nd Semester Proficiency

Second-semester skill level in a second language is required. Non-B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options: 1. Scoring the equivalent of second-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona. 2. Completion with a C or better of a second semester course at the post-secondary level. 3. An AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate) or CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) language score determined by the individual language department. 4. In the College of Engineering by a method determined within the College; however, all students in the college must also take a language placement examination on entrance to the University.

Pre-major Required?

No

This Major's College

College of Science

Degree

Bachelor of Science

Sample Plans

2025, Biochemistry

• 4-Year Sample Plan
• Map Transfer Coursework
• Plan Ahead with a Transfer Pathway

First Year

1st Semester

• CHEM 181 General Chemistry I (4)
• MATH 122A (1)
• MATH 122B Calculus I (4)
• CHEM 195A CBC Major's Colloquium (1)
• ENGL 101 English Composition (3)
• Introduction to the General Education Experience (Entry Course) (1)

2nd Semester

• CHEM 182 General Chemistry II (4)
• MATH 129 Calculus II (3)
• ENGL 102 English Composition II (3)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
• Introduction to the General Education Experience (Entry Course) (3)

Second Year

3rd Semester

• Organic Chemistry Lecture (3)
• Organic Chemistry Lab (2)
• BIOC 296B Intro to Biochemical Research (1)
• MCB 181R Introductory Biology (3)
• MCB 181L Introductory Biology Lab (1)
• Biostatistics or Calculus 3 option (3)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)

4th Semester

• Biochemistry I (4)
• Biochemical Lab Techniques (4)
• ECOL 182R Introductory Biology II (3)
• ECOL 182L Introductory Biology II Lab (1)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)

Third Year

5th Semester

• Biochemistry II (4)
• PHYS 141 (4)
• 2nd Language (4)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)

6th Semester

• CHEM or Biochemistry elective (3)
• PHYS 241 (4)
• 2nd Language (4)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)

Fourth Year

7th Semester

• Physical Chemistry (3)
• BIOC 498 (H) Senior Capstone (3)
• Bioc elective (3)
• Elective (3)
• General Education Portfolio (Exit Course) (1)

8th Semester

• Chem or Bioc elective (3)
• BIOC 498 (H) Senior Thesis (3)
• Elective (3)
• Elective (3)