Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Biochemistry B.S.


Program: B.S.
Department of Chemistry  
College of Arts and Sciences

Science Building 496 ~ 260-481-6289


The Bachelor of Science with a major in biochemistry program is appropriate for premedical and predental students and as preparation for other careers. With appropriate electives and further education, this program allows you to combine chemistry with other fields of study that support careers such as geochemist, computer scientist, biologist, science librarian, science writer, chemical salesperson, patent attorney, industrial chemist, or environmental chemist.

For details on pursuing a secondary education second degree (BSEd) to teach Biochemistry in middle school/high school, click on the links to the Secondary Education - Second Degree  Program and the School of Education  page in this catalog.  Note:  The BSEd as a second degree in these programs cannot be earned without completion of the bachelor’s degree in the content area from the College of Arts and Sciences.


Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Acquisition of Knowledge

The student will demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for the biochemistry profession.

  • Application of Knowledge

The student will use their biochemistry knowledge to make sound decisions and solve problems in their discipline while demonstrating skills for life-long learning.

  • Personal and Professional Values

The student will exhibit high levels of personal integrity and professional ethics in their undergraduate careers.

  • A Sense of Community

The student will demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed to be responsible and productive in various community settings. 

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

The student will demonstrate critical thinking skills through both qualitative and quantitative problem solving.

  • Communication

         The student will demonstrate effective oral and written communication of biochemical principles.

Program Delivery:

  • This program is available on-campus

Declaring this Major:

General Requirements:

Program Requirements:

  • A GPA of 2.00 or higher for all major department courses taken and all CHM courses numbered 300xx and above.


To earn a B.S. with a major in Biochemistry, you must fulfill the following requirements in addition to the General Requirements noted above.

PFW General Education Requirements: Credits 33


  • Click on the Purdue Fort Wayne General Education Requirements link above for details.
  • Some majors may require particular General Education courses as specified in their program description.  Up to six credits of approved General Education courses satisfying requirements in Areas A and B, and three credits satisfying requirements in Area C, may originate in the major.  A grade of C- or higher in each course, and an overall GPA of 2.0 is required to satisfy the Purdue Fort Wayne General Education Requirements.

College of Arts and Sciences Requirements


  • Click on the Purdue Fort Wayne College Requirements link above.  Go to Arts and Sciences Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree

English Writing and Speaking: Credits 6


  • See Part A in Arts and Sciences Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree for Speaking requirement

International Language: Credits 8


  • See Part B in Arts and Sciences Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree

Supporting Courses


Recommended Courses


Students interested in attending medical or dental school should take, at least, the following courses in addition to the B.S. Biochemistry degree requirements:

General Electives


  • Sufficient additional credits to bring the total to 120

Total Credits: 120


Student Responsibility


You are responsible for satisfying the graduation requirements specified for your selected program.  Thus, it is essential that you develop a thorough understanding of the required courses, academic policies and procedures governing your academic career.  All requests for exceptions to specific requirements must be made in writing and may be granted only by written approval from the appropriate chair or dean.