Undergraduate Biochemistry Program

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Baylor University offers a variety of degree options and programs to suit the needs of students with a career goals. For students who plan a career in biochemistry at the bachelor's degree level, the Department offers an American Chemical Society (ACS) professionally certified B.S. degree with a concentration in biochemistry.

The Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry--
A New Option

Because of the importance of biochemistry in modern medicine and the allied health sciences, the Department of Chemistry now offers a B.A. and B.S. major in biochemistry. These new programs are specifically designated to provide a firm foundation in biochemistry and prepare students for careers in health-related disciplines. A solid background in biochemistry is an important advantage for medical school.

Both the B.A. and the B.S. in biochemistry require less math than the traditional major in chemistry at Baylor (two semesters of calculus compared to three or more for the traditional program). Biochemistry students are encouraged to take more biology courses than the typical chemistry major. To make the biochemistry curriculum relevant to health-related programs, a special course has been designated to stress how the principles of physical chemistry can be applied to systems of biochemical interest.

The BA degree in biochemistry requires 30 semester hours of chemistry (See current undergraduate catalog for official degree requirements). This is an excellent choice for students who wish to attend a professional school in medicine or dentistry. It is also attractive to students who plan careers that require a technical background with a less intensive concentration in science, such as technical writing or information science.

The B.S. degree in biochemistry follows the recommendations of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. It requires (See current undergraduate catalog for offcial degree requirements) more courses in chemistry and biochemistry (35 hours). This is an ideal choice for students who plan to attend graduate school in biochemistry or related areas, or undertake medical research after attending medical school. To gain experience in doing research, B.S. biochemistry students are strongly encouraged to undertake a laboratory research project under the direction of a chemistry faculty member.

B.A. Degree

1. Chemistry 1301, 1302, 1316, 3331, 3332, 3238, 4125, 4141, 4327, 4341, 4342 and one semester of 4151 or 4152, and 4001.
   
2. A minimun of one semester hour of "4000" level chemistry is required, with the exception of CHE 4231 and a second choice from either CHE 4151 or 4152.
   
3. An exit examination, designated by the department, will be required of all biochemistry majors. This examination will be chosen by the department from the GRE, A.C.S. standardized examination, or another similar examination.

1. Biology 1305-1105 and 1306-1106.
   
2. Mathematics 1321 and 1322.
   
3. Physics 1408 and 1409, or 1425 and 2435.
   
4. A modern foreign language or languages shall be selected to meet the College requirements.

B.S. Degree

1. Chemistry 1301, 1302, 1316, 3331, 3332, 3238, 4125, 4141, 4142, 4327, 4341, 4342 and 1 semester hour of 4151 or 4152, and 4001.
   
2. A minimum of 5 semester hours of "4000" level chemistry, excluding Chemistry 4321 and 4151 or 4152. It is recommended that Chemistry 4316 be included in the 5-hour total. A maximun of three semester hours of 4V98 may count toward this requirement.
   
3. An exit examination, designated by the department, will be required of all biochemistry majors. This examination will be chosen by the department from the GRE, A.C.S. standardized examination, or another similar examination.

1. Biology 1305-1105 and 1306-1106.
   
2. Two "2000", "3000", or "4000" level courses (at least 3 semester hours each) in biology. It is recommended that Biology 4306-4106 be taken as one of the two courses. BIO 2401 and 2402 cannot be used to complete this requirement.
   
3. Mathematics 1321 and 1322.
   
4. Physics 1425 and 2435.
   
5. A modern foreign language or languages shall be selected to meet the College requirements.

Undergraduate research in chemistry is strongly encouraged.
Safety glasses must be worn in all laboratories.
Contact lenses are not permitted.

1. Chemistry 1301,1302, 3331, 3332 and 3238.
   
2. Six semester hours from: Chemistry 4327, 4341 and 4342.
   

A-C
Dr. Charles Garmer
Charles_Garner@baylor.edu
BSB E.112
Telephone: 710-6862

D-H
Dr. Bob Kane
Bob_Kane@baylor.edu
BSB C.319
Telephone: 710-4556

I-L
Dr. Kevin Pinney
Kevin_Pinney@baylor.edu
BSB C.318
Telephone: 710-4117

M-N
Dr. Paul Primrose
Paul_Primrose@baylor.edu
BSB C.221
Telephone: 710-2028

O-R
Dr. Mark Jonklaas
Mark_Jonklaas@baylor.edu
BSB C.218
Telephone: 710-2051

S-Z
Dr. Mary Lynn Trawick
Mary_Lynn_Trawick@baylor.edu
BSB C.320
Telephone: 710-6857

Pre-Health Sciences
Mrs. Nancy Johnson
Nancy_Johnson@baylor.edu
BSB B.111
Telephone: 710-3659

NOTE: The 2009-2010 Undergraduate Catalog is the ultimate authority for any requirement.