Biochemistry, BS

Contact:

James Hougland: 454 Life Sciences Complex
315-443-1134: hougland@syr.edu

Samuel H. Chan: 342 Life Sciences Complex
315-443-3182: shchan@syr.edu

Faculty

John M. Belote,Mark S. Braiman, Carlos A. Castañeda, Joseph Chaiken, Arindam Chakraborty, Samuel H.P. Chan, John D. Chisholm, Heather Coleman, Steve Dorus, Robert P. Doyle, Scott E. Erdman, Thomas P. Fondy, Anthony Garza, Paul Gold, Sarah Hall, James A. Hewett, John M. Franck, Sandra J. Hewett, James L. Hougland, Bruce S. Hudson, James Kallmerten, Ivan V. Korendovych, Donna Korol, Timothy M. Korter, Katharine Lewis, Yan-Yeung Luk, Jessica MacDonald, Eleanor Maine, Mathew M. Maye, Melissa Pepling, Ramesh Raina, Karin Ruhlandt, Robert Silver, Nancy I. Totah, Roy Welch, Weiwei Zheng, Jon Zubieta

Biochemistry is the study of the molecular basis of life. Lying at the interface between chemistry and biology, biochemistry is concerned with the structure and interaction of proteins, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules as related to their function in biological systems. As one of the most dynamic areas of science, biochemistry has led to improved medicines and diagnostic agents, new ways of controlling disease, and greater understanding of the chemical factors that control our general health and well-being.

The bachelor of science degree in biochemistry is appropriate for students pursuing advanced degrees in biochemistry, molecular biology, and biophysics, as well as in the biomedical fields and health professions.

Before declaring the biochemistry major, students must earn at least 30 credits in courses graded A-F at Syracuse, and earn at least a grade of C+ in CHE 275 and BIO 326 or BIO 327 .

B.S. Degree Requirements

Core Courses (48-60 credits)

Elective Courses

(At least 12 credits, including at least one instructional lab indicated with an asterisk)

Additional Information

If both BIO 475 and CHE 477 /BCM 477 are taken, one may count toward the 12-credit elective requirement, thereby also meeting the instructional lab requirement.

BCM 460 counts once (up to 3 credits) toward elective requirement, but does not count as an instructional lab course.

Recommended Electives

For a Career in Biology, Biochemistry, or Molecular Biology

Preparation for Graduate School in a Department of Biology, Biochemistry, or Molecular Biology

For a Career in Chemistry

Preparation for Graduate School in a Department of Chemistry

For a Career in Health Professions (M.D., D.D.S., D.V.M.)

Preparation for Health Professions (M.D., D.D.S., D.V.M.)

For a Career in Pharmaceutical or Biotechnical Industry

Preparation for Technical Careers in Pharmaceutical or Biotechnical Industry

Distinction in Biochemistry

The biochemistry B.S. program encourages all of its students to participate in research through its BCM 460 course. For students whose research culminates in a written thesis, it is possible to graduate with Distinction in Biochemistry if the following requirements are met.

First, the student must have a transcript showing an overall cumulative GPA of 3.4, and must also have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 in all natural sciences and mathematics courses taken at S.U.

Second, the student must have taken a minimum of 6 credits of BCM 460 .

Third, before completion of the final semester at Syracuse University, the student must make an oral presentation (either poster or platform) based on his/her research, at one of the following: (1) the Syracuse University biology department Undergraduate Research Conference in April; or (2) an external conference sponsored by an outside (non-S.U.) educational institution with its own accredited 4-year biochemistry degree program; or (3) an external conference sponsored by a nationally-recognized scientific society with a biochemistry component (e.g. ACS, FASEB, Biophysical Society). A symposium specifically designed for undergraduate researchers from multiple institutions and sponsored by a regional or local chapter of a national scientific society is understood to qualify as external, even if it is physically located at Syracuse University.

Fourth, the student is responsible for selecting the thesis reader from the list of faculty members in the Biochemistry Program and obtaining his/her consent to serve as a reader (see the proposal for a degree with distinction in Biochemistry).

Additional Information

For further information, contact the biochemistry major advisors.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Be able to recognize theories, concepts, and principles from the major sub-fields of biology

2. Be able to recognize theories, concepts, and principles from the major sub-fields of chemistry with emphasis on developing problem solving skills in inorganic and organic chemistry

3. Distinguish more specific and advanced concepts in selected areas of biology and/or chemistry

4. Be able to recognize fundamental biochemical concepts and principles and apply them to problem solving in biochemistry

5. Perform accurate and precise biochemical measurements and be able to apply skills in the nature and practice of science, with emphasis on interpretation of experimental results and drawing reasonable conclusions

6. Communicate effectively through oral and written reports

7. Perform laboratory research