Biochemistry, BS BS
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry curriculum provides a thorough undergraduate education for students planning careers as research scientists, industrial chemists, and educators in universities or in secondary schools. In addition, department courses provide a foundation in the basic science of chemistry to students majoring in biological or physical sciences, students planning a career in medicine or other health-related fields, students in the College of Engineering and Applied Science, and students in the liberal arts. Especially in its graduate programs, the department stresses interdisciplinary approaches, as exemplified by the Laboratory for Surface Studies and the Great Lakes WATER Institute. It also cooperates with chemists of the Milwaukee area’s industrial and scientific community.
Course of Study: Major Options in Chemistry and Biochemistry
Students may choose from four different curricular options in chemistry and biochemistry:
- Chemistry Major
- Chemistry Major with a Biochemical Option
- Biochemistry Major
- Biochemistry Major with a Clinical Pharmacology Option (BS only)
Undergraduate research is encouraged strongly for students in any of the chemistry options. In some cases, students may start research with a faculty member as early as their freshman year. Information about research opportunities may be obtained from the department office or from SAACS (the American Chemical Society student affiliate group). Pre-medical students who choose to follow one of the chemistry or biochemistry options should see the L&S pre-professional programs section in this catalog and should consult their pre-medical advisor and an advisor in chemistry regularly.
The opportunity to participate in research as an undergraduate is a distinct advantage for 51ÁÔÆæ undergraduates. At most large, research universities, research opportunities for undergraduates are limited; there are fewer of them and they often are reserved for juniors or seniors. At 51ÁÔÆæ, you can get involved as early as freshman year. Students work directly with faculty and graduate students on their current research projects, and sometimes find themselves published in a peer-reviewed journal right alongside the faculty member. Participating in undergraduate research is an excellent way to enhance your resume for graduate school or employment.
Biochemistry is a specialty within chemistry that focuses on the basic substances and elements that make up living creatures, including plants, animals and humans.
Biochemistry is a popular major for students preparing to go on to medical school, veterinary school, dental school or other similar healthcare professional programs that require a foundation in both biology and chemistry. However, students also pursue many other types of paths including lab research in areas related to water, healthcare, and manufacturing; forensics work for municipalities or agencies; agriculture; genetics; scientific writing and promotion; sales and marketing in science fields; food safety and production; legal consulting on scientific matters; pharmaceutical production; and more.
Graduate studies in Biochemistry can be found under the  department, with both a Master of Science and the terminal PhD available.
Career Resources and Job Outcomes
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
Listed below are the requirements for the Biochemistry, BS major. In addition to the requirements for the major, students must also satisfy all university and college general degree requirements. Degree requirements will vary depending on when you took your first college class. We encourage you to consult your advisor regularly to ensure you stay on track towards earning your degree. You can read more about the degree requirements on the L&S Degree Requirements web pages.
Biochemistry Major Requirements
The biochemistry major differs from the standard chemistry major with a biochemical option in a number of ways intended to provide for students a more intensive education in biochemistry so that they are prepared for work in the biochemical industry upon completing their baccalaureate degree. Students who are interested in graduate work in biochemistry should follow the standard chemistry major with a biochemical option.
There are two options in the biochemistry major:
- Biochemistry General Option
- Biochemistry with Clinical Pharmacology Option
Requirements
Students must complete the courses listed below, including at least 15 upper-division (numbered 300 and above) credits in the major in residence at 51ÁÔÆæ. The College of Letters & Science requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all credits in the major attempted at 51ÁÔÆæ. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all major credits attempted, including any transfer work.
Biochemistry General Option
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý | General Chemistry and General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis | 10 |
| Elementary Quantitative Analysis | 4 | |
| Organic Chemistry | 3 | |
| Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 2 | |
| Organic Chemistry | 3 | |
| Biophysical Chemistry | 3 | |
| Introduction to Biochemistry | 3 | |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Biochemistry: Protein Structure and Function | ||
| Biochemistry: Cellular Processes | ||
| Biochemistry: Metabolism | ||
| Introduction to Biochemistry Laboratory | 2 | |
| Select two credits total from the following options in research (satisfies L&S research requirement): | 2 | |
| Senior Research | ||
| Senior Thesis | ||
| Foundations of Biological Sciences I | 4 | |
| Foundations of Biological Sciences II | 4 | |
| Genetics | 4 | |
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý | General Physics I (Non-Calculus Treatment) and General Physics Laboratory I (Non-Calculus Treatment) | 5 |
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý | General Physics II (Non-Calculus Treatment) and General Physics Laboratory II (Non-Calculus Treatment) | 5 |
| Calculus with Life Sciences Applications | 4 | |
| Elementary Statistical Analysis | 3 | |
| Biological Science Electives | ||
| Select 3 credits (see below) | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 70 | |
Biological Science Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Cell Biology | 3 | |
| Laboratory in Genetics and Cell Biology | 2 | |
| Developmental Biology | 3 | |
| General Microbiology | 4 | |
| Immunology | 3 | |
| General Virology | 3 | |
| Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neurobiology | 3 | |
| Molecular Genetics | 3 | |
| Molecular Biology of Microorganisms | 3 | |
| Laboratory Techniques in Molecular Biology | 4 | |
| Microbial Diversity and Physiology | 3 | |
| Endocrinology | 3 | |
| Functional Genomics | 3 | |
| Experimental Microbiology | 4 |
Clinical Pharmacology Option
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý | General Chemistry and General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis | 10 |
| Organic Chemistry | 3 | |
| Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 2 | |
| Organic Chemistry | 3 | |
| Biophysical Chemistry | 3 | |
| Introduction to Biochemistry | 3 | |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Biochemistry: Protein Structure and Function | ||
| Biochemistry: Cellular Processes | ||
| Biochemistry: Metabolism | ||
| Introduction to Biochemistry Laboratory | 2 | |
| Select two credits total from the following options in research (satisfies L&S research requirement): | 2 | |
| Senior Research | ||
| Senior Thesis | ||
| Foundations of Biological Sciences I | 4 | |
| Foundations of Biological Sciences II | 4 | |
| Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 | |
| Genetics | 4 | |
| General Microbiology | 4 | |
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý | General Physics I (Non-Calculus Treatment) and General Physics Laboratory I (Non-Calculus Treatment) | 5 |
| Calculus with Life Sciences Applications | 4 | |
| Elementary Statistical Analysis | 3 | |
| Clinical Immunology | 3 | |
| Clinical Immunology Laboratory | 1 | |
| Clinical Chemistry | 3 | |
| Clinical Chemistry Laboratory Theory & Operations | 1 | |
| Molecular and Genetic Diagnostics | 2 | |
| Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory | 1 | |
| Pharmacology | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 80 | |
Letters & Science Advising
During your time at 51ÁÔÆæ, you may have multiple members of your success team, including advisors, peer mentors and success coaches. Letters & Science students typically work with at least two different types of advisors as they pursue their degrees: professional college advisors and faculty advisors. L&S college advisors advise across your entire degree program while departmental faculty advisors focus on the major.
College advisors are located in Holton Hall (or virtually for online students) and serve as your primary advisor. They are your point person for your questions about navigating college and completing your degree. College advisors will:
- Assist you in defining your academic and life goals.
- Help you create an educational plan that is consistent with those goals.
- Assist you in understanding curriculum, major and degree requirements for graduation, as well as university policies and procedures.
- Provide you with information about campus and community resources and refer you to those resources as appropriate.
- Monitor your progress toward graduation and completion of requirements.
Faculty advisors mentor students in the major and assist them in maximizing their development in the program. You will begin working with a faculty advisor when you declare your major. Faculty advisors are an important partner and will:
- Help you understand major requirements and course offerings in the department.Â
- Explain opportunities for internships and undergraduate research and guide you in obtaining those experiences.
- Serve as an excellent resource as you consider potential graduate programs and career paths in your field.
Students are encouraged to meet with both their college advisor and faculty advisor at least once each semester. Appointments are available in-person, by phone or by video.Â
Currently enrolled students should use the  to make an appointment with your assigned advisor or call (414) 229-4654 if you do not currently have an assigned Letters & Science advisor. Prospective students who haven't enrolled in classes yet should call (414) 229-7711 or email let-sci@uwm.edu.
We encourage you to begin exploring career options when you declare your major or at the start of your sophomore year, whichever comes first.