Biochemistry Major
Major Requirements
Biochemistry encompasses the study of the form and function of the proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids found in living organisms. Traditionally, biochemistry has been an interdisciplinary field, drawing on techniques and expertise from physics, medicine, biology, and chemistry. More information on the biochemistry major is available on the website (bates.edu/chemistry-biochemistry).
The biochemistry major requires courses from both the chemistry and biology departments, including a one- or two-semester capstone experience. Some courses have math and/or physics prerequisites, which are normally taken in the first two years. Students who major in biochemistry may not double major in biology, chemistry, or neuroscience, minor in chemistry, or obtain a concentration in chemistry.
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| Chemistry Core | |
| Complete the following courses: | |
| CHEM 107 | Atomic and Molecular Structure/Lab |
| CHEM 108 | Chemical Reactivity/Lab |
| CHEM 217 | Organic Chemistry I/Lab |
| CHEM 218 | Organic Chemistry II/Lab |
| CHEM 321 | Biological Chemistry I/Lab |
| CHEM 322 | Biological Chemistry II/Lab |
| Complete at least one course from the following: | |
| Statistical Thermodynamics | |
| Biophysical Chemistry | |
| Biology Core | |
| Complete the following courses: | |
| BIO 195 Lab-Based Biological Inquiry | |
| BIO 202 | Cellular Basis of Life |
| BIO 204 | Applied Research and Scientific Writing |
| Complete at least one course from the following: | |
| Gene Editing in Biology and Neuroscience | |
| Microbiology/Lab | |
| Neurogenetics | |
| Developmental Biology | |
| Molecular Biology | |
| Medical Genetics | |
| Genomics, Epigenetics, and Gene Regulation | |
| Genetics | |
| Ecological and Evolutionary Genomics | |
| Biochemistry of Virus Replication and Host Cell Defense Systems | |
| Medical Genetics | |
| Electives 1 | |
| Complete at least one course from the following: | |
Any Chemistry course 200-level or above 2 | |
| Biostatistics | |
| Research Design, Analysis, and Statistics in Environmental Science | |
| Gene Editing in Biology and Neuroscience | |
| Neurobiology/Lab | |
| Microbiology/Lab | |
| Neurogenetics | |
| Developmental Biology | |
| Molecular Biology | |
| Medical Genetics | |
| Animal Physiology/Lab | |
| Genomics, Epigenetics, and Gene Regulation | |
| Genetics | |
| Ecological and Evolutionary Genomics | |
| Advanced Chemical Measurement Laboratory/Lab | |
| Chemical Synthesis and Reactivity/Lab | |
| Research Design, Analysis, and Statistics in Environmental Science | |
| Medical Genetics | |
| Research-Based Capstone | |
| Complete one course from the following: | |
| Biochemistry Research: Prokaryotic Gene Expression | |
| Chemistry Research: Chemical Biology and Synthesis | |
| Pre-Health Capstone | |
| Senior Research and Seminar | |
| Senior Research and Seminar | |
Students may request permission to conduct a two-semester thesis, at the discretion of the thesis advisor and the department; this option is most appropriate for students considering graduate school and a career in research. A second semester of thesis can count toward the thirty-two credits required for graduation, but only one of the two thesis semesters may count toward the major.
Senior Project Description
The [W3] requirement may be completed through a research-based capstone course, CHEM 401 Biochemistry Research: Prokaryotic Gene Expression , CHEM 402 Chemistry Research: Chemical Biology and Synthesis, CHEM 403 Pre-Health Capstone, or through a written thesis, CHEM 457 Senior Research and Seminar or CHEM 458 Senior Research and Seminar. The written thesis may be either an experimental (including computational) or non-experimental thesis. Students conducting an experimental thesis register for CHEM 457, 458, or both, while students undertaking a non-experimental thesis register for either CHEM 457 or 458. Students pursuing honors must register for both CHEM 457 and 458. Details about the capstone requirements are found on the department website.
- 1
It is strongly recommended that students considering graduate programs in biochemistry, biophysics, or related disciplines select a chemistry elective. An elective course may not also be used to fulfill another course requirement for the Biochemistry major. Independent study courses may not be used as electives. With the exception of CHEM S37 and S42, Short Term courses may not be used as electives.
- 2
Except CHEM 360 Independent Study
Courses Taken Outside of Bates
Students receiving scores of four or five on the Chemistry AP examination, a grade of A or B on the A-level Chemistry examinations, or a grade of six or seven on the IB HL program examination may receive credit for CHEM 107 Atomic and Molecular Structure/Lab and/or CHEM 108 Chemical Reactivity/Lab. These credits may be used toward the major in biochemistry, and may be used as a prerequisite for any course that requires CHEM 107 or 108. Their suitability as a prerequisite for a medical school is determined by the requirements of each individual medical school program. Except for AP/IB courses, a maximum of two credits taken elsewhere (transfer or off-campus study courses) may be used as a core or elective course, subject to department approval.
Pass/Fail
Pass/Fail grading may not be elected for courses applied toward the major.
Declaration Restrictions
Students who have declared the Biochemistry major may not declare the following:
- Biology major
- Chemistry major
- Chemistry minor
- Neuroscience major
- Chemistry (C003) concentration
Starting with the class of 2030, students may not declare this major any later than March 1 of the Junior year.
Other Considerations
With the exception of CHEM S37 and CHEM S42, Short Term courses may not be used to fulfill the requirements of the major.
Students typically satisfy the [W2] requirement by completing BIO 204 Applied Research and Scientific Writing. Most courses required for the B.S. degree are normally fulfilled through required courses and their prerequisites. However, students may need additional courses and should consult the requirements for the B.S. degree.