Semester Requirements
Paul Craig, School Head
(585) 475-6145, Paul.Craig@rit.edu
Program overview
Students who enroll in the biochemistry major often have an interest in combining the life and health sciences with a chemistry degree. Students take a year of general biology, in addition to a typical chemistry curriculum. During the upper-level years, students take a substantial core of courses in biochemistry, physical chemistry, liberal arts, and elective courses in life sciences. Students must take a minimum of two upper-division biology electives.
Employment opportunities for biochemistry graduates exist in the chemical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, forensic, and rapidly expanding biotechnological fields. Graduates also are well-prepared to enter advanced degree programs in biochemistry, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and veterinary medicine.
Cooperative education
The biochemistry program may be completed in four or five years, depending on the amount of cooperative education a student decides to complete. Co-op may begin as early as the summer after the first year.
Curriculum
Biochemistry, BS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| CHEM-130 | Chemical Connections | 3 |
| CHEM-151 | General Chemistry | 3 |
| MATH-181 | LAS Perspective 7A: Project-based Calculus I | 4 |
| LAS Foundation 1: First Year Seminar† | 3 | |
| BIOL-121 | Introductory Biology I | 4 |
| CHMO-331 | Comprehensive Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHMO-335 | Comprehensive Organic Chemistry Lab I | 1 |
| MATH-182 | LAS Perspective 7B: Project-based Calculus II | 4 |
| LAS Foundation 2: First Year Writing | 3 | |
| BIOL-122 | Introductory Biology II | 4 |
| Wellness Education* | 0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| CHMO-332 | Comprehensive Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHMO-336 | Comprehensive Organic Chemistry Lab II | 2 |
| CHMA-161 | Quantitative Analysis | 3 |
| CHMA-165 | Analytical Methods Lab | 2 |
| MATH-219 | Multivariable Calculus or MATH-251 Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| LAS Perspective 1, 2 | 6 | |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| CHMA-221 | Instrumental Analysis | |
| CHMA-222 | Chemical Separations | |
| CHMB-402 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| PHYS-211 | LAS Perspective 5: University Physics I | 4 |
| BIOL-201 | Cellular and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| Third Year | ||
| CHMB-403 | Biochemistry 2 | 3 |
| CHMB-405 | Biochemistry Lab (WI) | 3 |
| PHYS-212 | LAS Perspective 6: University Physics II | 4 |
| LAS Perspective 3, 4 | 6 | |
| LAS Immersion 1, 2 | 6 | |
| CHMP-441 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Advanced Biology Elective† | 3 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| CHMI-351 | Inorganic Chemistry I | 3 |
| Advanced Biology Elective† | 3 | |
| LAS Elective | 6 | |
| LAS Immersion 3 | 3 | |
| Advanced Chemistry Lab Elective or Biochemistry Research‡ | 3 | |
| Advanced Biochemistry Elective† | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 9 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 126 | |
Please see New General Education Curriculum–Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) for more information.
(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.
* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information. Students completing bachelor's degrees are required to complete two Wellness courses.
† The First Year Seminar requirement is replaced by an LAS Elective for the 2013-14 academic year.
‡ Please consult an adviser for course options.
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Click to view program requirements in the Quarter Calendar
Quarter Curriculum - For Reference Only
Effective fall 2013, RIT will convert its academic calendar from quarters to semesters. The following content has been made available as reference only. Currently matriculated students who began their academic programs in quarters should consult their academic adviser for guidance and course selection.
Program overview
Students who enroll in the biochemistry program often have an interest in combining the life and health sciences with a chemistry degree. Students take a year of general biology, in addition to a typical chemistry curriculum. During the upper-level years, students in the biochemistry program take a substantial core of courses in biochemistry, physical chemistry, chemical literature, and the liberal arts as well as elective courses in life sciences. Students must take a minimum of two upper-division biology electives.
Employment opportunities for biochemistry graduates exist in the chemical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, forensic, and rapidly expanding biotechnological fields. Graduates also are well-prepared to enter advanced degree programs in biochemistry, medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine.
Cooperative education
The biochemistry program may be completed in four or five years, depending on the amount of cooperative education a student decides to complete. Co-op may begin as early as the summer after the first year.
Curriculum
The biochemistry program offers two tracks, one that follows the guidelines of the American Society of Biochemists and Molecular Biologists (ASBMB) and one that is certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS). The ASBMB program allows more science and university-wide electives in such fields as biology, while the ACS program is for students interested in graduate-level chemistry programs.
Semester conversion
Effective fall 2013, RIT will convert its academic calendar from quarters to semesters. Each program and its associated courses have been sent to the New York State Department of Education for approval of the semester plan. For reference, the following charts illustrate the typical course sequence for this program in both quarters and semesters. Students should consult their academic advisers with questions regarding planning and course selection.
Biochemistry, BS degree, typical course sequence (ASBMB guidelines) (quarters)
| Course | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| 1010-200 | Chemical Safety | 1 |
| 1010-230 | Freshman Symposium | 1 |
| 1010-251, 252 | General Chemistry I, II | 7 |
| 1010-255 | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| 1008-261, 262 | Quantitative Analysis I, II | 7 |
| 1008-265, 266 | Quantitative Analysis Lab I, II | 3 |
| 1016-281, 282, 283 | Calculus I, II, III | 12 |
| 1001-201, 202, 203 | General Biology | 9 |
| 1001-205, 206, 207 | General Biology Lab | 3 |
| Liberal Arts* | 4 | |
| 1105-051, 052 | First-Year Enrichment | 2 |
| Wellness Education‡ | 0 | |
| 1010-499 | Cooperative Education (optional) | Co-op |
| Second Year | ||
| 1010-401 | Chemical Literature | 2 |
| 1016-305 | Multivariable Calculus or 1016-319 Data Analysis I | 4 |
| 1013-431, 432, 433 | Organic Chemistry I, II, III | 9 |
| 1013-435, 436 | Preparative Organic Chemistry Lab I, II | 2 |
| 1013-437 | Systematic Identification of Organic Compounds III Lab | 2 |
| 1001-322 | Cell Biology | 4 |
| 1001-350 | Molecular Biology | 4 |
| 1009-502 | Biochemistry: Conformation and Dynamics | 3 |
| Biology Elective | 4 | |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| University-wide Electives§ | ||
| 1010-499 | Cooperative Education (optional) | Co-op |
| Third Year | ||
| 1008-311 | Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| 1008-318 | Instrumental Analysis Lab | 1 |
| 1009-503 | Biochemistry: Metabolism | 3 |
| 1009-504 | Biochemistry: Nucleic Acids | 3 |
| 1009-505 | Biochemistry: Experimental Techniques Lab | 2 |
| Choose one of the following physics sequences: | 12 | |
| 1017-311, 312, 313 | University Physics I, II, III | |
| 1017-211, 212, 213 | College Physics I, II, III | |
| Biology Elective | 4 | |
| Advanced Biochemistry Elective | 4 | |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| University-wide Electives§ | ||
| 1010-499 | Cooperative Education (optional) | Co-op |
| Fourth Year | ||
| 1014-441 | Chemical Thermodynamics | 4 |
| 1014-445 | Chemical Thermodynamics Lab | 1 |
| 1014-443 | Chemical Kinetics | 4 |
| 1014-447 | Chemical Kinetics Lab | 1 |
| Liberal Arts* | 8 | |
| University-wide Electives§ | ||
| 1010-499 | Cooperative Education (optional) | Co-op |
| Total Quarter Credit Hours | 183 | |
* Please see Liberal Arts General Education Requirements for more information.
‡ Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
§ Biochemistry Research (1009-541, 542, 543) may be used as a science elective and is highly recommended. Two electives must be upper-division biology courses (300 or higher) that include laboratory, for a minimum of eight credit hours. Electives are necessary to bring the total quarter credit hours to 183 for graduation.
Biochemistry, BS degree, typical course sequence (ACS certified) (quarters)
| Course | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| 1010-200 | Chemical Safety | 1 |
| 1010-230 | Freshman Symposium | 1 |
| 1010-251, 252 | General Chemistry I, II | 7 |
| 1010-255 | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| 1008-261, 262 | Quantitative Analysis I, II | 7 |
| 1008-265, 266 | Quantitative Analysis Lab I, II | 3 |
| 1016-281, 282, 283 | Calculus I, II, III | 12 |
| 1001-201, 202, 203 | General Biology I, II, III | 9 |
| 1001-205, 206, 207 | General Biology Lab | 3 |
| Liberal Arts* | 4 | |
| 1105-051, 052 | First-Year Enrichment | 2 |
| Wellness Education‡ | 0 | |
| 1010-499 | Cooperative Education (optional) | Co-op |
| Second Year | ||
| 1010-401 | Chemical Literature | 2 |
| 1016-305 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| 1016-306 | Differential Equations | 4 |
| 1013-431, 432, 433 | Organic Chemistry I, II, III | 9 |
| 1013-435, 436 | Preparative Organic Chemistry Lab I, II | 2 |
| 1013-437 | Systematic Identification of Organic Compounds III Lab | 2 |
| 1001-322 | Cell Biology | 4 |
| 1001-350 | Molecular Biology | 4 |
| 1009-502 | Biochemistry: Conformation and Dynamics | 3 |
| Biology Elective | 4 | |
| Liberal Arts* | 8 | |
| University-wide Electives§ | ||
| 1010-499 | Cooperative Education (optional) | Co-op |
| Third Year | ||
| 1008-311 | Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| 1008-318 | Instrumental Analysis Lab | 1 |
| 1009-503 | Biochemistry: Metabolism | 3 |
| 1009-504 | Biochemistry: Nucleic Acids | 3 |
| 1009-505 | Biochemistry: Experimental Techniques Lab | 2 |
| Choose one of the following physics sequences: | 12 | |
| 1017-311, 312,313 | University Physics I, II, III | |
| 1017-211, 212, 213 | College Physics I, II, III | |
| Biology Elective | 4 | |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| 1010-499 | Cooperative Education (optional) | Co-op |
| Fourth Year | ||
| 1014-441 | Chemical Thermodynamics | 4 |
| 1014-445 | Chemical Thermodynamics Lab | 1 |
| 1014-442 | Quantum Chemistry | 4 |
| 1014-446 | Quantum Chemistry Lab | 1 |
| 1014-443 | Chemical Kinetics | 4 |
| 1014-447 | Chemical Kinetics Lab | 1 |
| 1012-562 | Inorganic Chemistry I | 4 |
| 1011-565 | Preparative Inorganic Chemistry Lab | 3 |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| 1010-499 | Cooperative Education (optional) | Co-op |
| Total Quarter Credit Hours | 183 | |
* Please See Liberal Arts General Education Requirements for more information. ACS certification recommends a foreign language (preferably German).
‡ Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
§ Biochemistry Research (1009-541, 542, 543) may be used as a science elective and is highly recommended. Two electives must be upper-division biology courses (300 or higher) that include laboratory, for a minimum of eight credit hours. Electives are necessary to bring the total quarter credit hours to 183 for graduation.
Biochemistry, BS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| CHEM-130 | Chemical Connections | 3 |
| CHEM-151 | General Chemistry | 3 |
| MATH-181 | LAS Perspective 7A: Project-Based Calculus I | 4 |
| LAS Foundation 1: First-Year Seminar | 3 | |
| BIOL-121 | Introductory Biology I | 4 |
| CHMO-331 | Comprehensive Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHMO-335 | Comprehensive Organic Chemistry Lab I | 1 |
| MATH-182 | LAS Perspective 7B: Project-Based Calculus II | 4 |
| ENGL-150 | LAS Foundation 2: Writing Seminar | 3 |
| BIOL-122 | Introductory Biology II | 4 |
| Wellness Education* | 0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| CHMO-332 | Comprehensive Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHMO-336 | Comprehensive Organic Chemistry Lab II | 2 |
| CHMA-161 | Quantitative Analysis | 3 |
| CHMA-165 | Analytical Methods Lab | 2 |
| MATH-219 | Multivariable Calculus or Data Analysis I | 3 |
| LAS Perspective 1, 2 | 6 | |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| CHMA-221 | Instrumental Analysis | |
| CHMA-222 | Chemical Separations | |
| CHMB-402 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| PHYS-211 | LAS Perspective 5: University Physics I | 4 |
| BIOL-201 | Cellular and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| Third Year | ||
| CHMB-403 | Biochemistry 2 | 3 |
| CHMB-405 | Biochemistry Lab (WI) | 3 |
| PHYS-212 | LAS Perspective 6: University Physics II | 4 |
| LAS Perspective 3, 4 | 6 | |
| LAS Immersion 1, 2 | 6 | |
| CHMP-441 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Advanced Biology Elective† | 3 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| CHMI-351 | Inorganic Chemistry I | 3 |
| Advanced Biology Elective† | 3 | |
| LAS Elective | 6 | |
| LAS Immersion 3 | 3 | |
| Advanced Chemistry Lab Elective or Biochemistry Research† | 3 | |
| Advanced Biochemistry Elective† | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 9 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 126 | |
Please see New General Education Curriculum–Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) for more information.
(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.
* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
† Please consult an adviser for course options.
Accelerated dual degree option
Either of the BS chemistry programs may be combined with the MS chemistry program, allowing students to acquire both degrees in a total of five years.
Program discontinued
Effective June 2011, the BS/MS in biochemistry/chemistry will no longer admit new students. This change will not affect currently matriculated students.
Biochemistry, combined BS/MS degree, typical course sequence (quarters)
| Course | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| 1010-200 | Chemical Safety | 1 |
| 1010-230 | Freshman Symposium | 1 |
| 1010-251, 252 | General Chemistry I, II | 7 |
| 1010-255 | General Chemistry Lab | 1 |
| 1008-261, 262 | Quantitative Analysis I, II | 7 |
| 1008-265, 266 | Quantitative Analysis Lab I, II | 3 |
| 1016-281, 282, 283 | Calculus I, II, III | 12 |
| 1001-201, 202, 203 | General Biology I, II, III | 9 |
| 1001-205, 206, 207 | General Biology Lab | 3 |
| Liberal Arts* | 4 | |
| 1105-051, 052 | First-Year Enrichment | 2 |
| Wellness Education† | 0 | |
| 1010-499 | Cooperative Education (optional, summer) | Co-op |
| Second Year | ||
| 1008-311 | Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| 1008-318 | Instrumental Analysis Lab | 1 |
| 1016-305 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| 1016-306 | Differential Equations | 4 |
| 1013-431, 432, 433 | Organic Chemistry I, II, III | 9 |
| 1013-435, 436 | Preparative Organic Chemistry Lab I, II | 2 |
| 1013-437 | Systematic ID of Organic Compounds III Lab | 2 |
| 1017-311, 312, 313 | University Physics I, II, III | 12 |
| Liberal Arts* | 16 | |
| 1010-499 | Cooperative Education (optional, summer) | Co-op |
| Third Year | ||
| 1014-441 | Chemical Thermodynamics | 4 |
| 1014-445 | Chemical Thermodynamics Lab | 1 |
| 1010-401 | Chemical Literature | 2 |
| 1014-442 | Quantum Chemistry | 4 |
| 1014-446 | Quantum Chemistry Lab | 1 |
| 1014-443 | Chemical Kinetics | 4 |
| 1014-447 | Chemical Kinetics Lab | 1 |
| Liberal Arts* | 16 | |
| 1010-499 | Cooperative Education (optional) | Co-op |
| Fourth Year | ||
| 1009-702 | Biochemistry | 3 |
| 1012-562 | Inorganic Chemistry I | 4 |
| 1008-711 | Advanced Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| 1011-765 | Preparative Inorganic Chemistry Lab | 3 |
| 1009-703 | Biochemistry: Metabolism | 3 |
| 1009-704 | Biochemistry: Nucleic Acids | 3 |
| 1009-705 | Biochemistry: Experimental Techniques Lab | 3 |
| Biology Electives** | ||
| Chemistry Electives§ | ||
| 1010-879 | Research and Thesis Guidance# | |
| Fifth Year | ||
| 1010-870 | Chemistry Seminar | 2 |
| 1008-621 | Advanced Instrumental Analysis Lab | 2 |
| 1013-737 | Advanced Organic Chemistry | 4 |
| 1014-741 or 1014-743 | Advanced Physical Chemistry | 4 |
| Chemistry Electives§ | ||
| 1010-879 | Research and Thesis Guidance†† | |
| Total Quarter Credit Hours | 225 | |
* Please see Liberal Arts General Education Requirements for more information. ACS certification recommends a foreign language (preferably German).
† Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
§ A minimum of 36 hours of 700-level or higher chemistry courses is required to graduate with a BS and MS degree.
** Two upper-division biology electives with laboratory. Biology electives may be Cell Biology (1001-311), Molecular Biology (1001-350), Genetics (1001-421), or Genetic Engineering (1001-450).
†† A student will be required to have 9 to 16 hours of Research and Thesis Guidance (1010-879).