Oct 13, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Biochemistry (B.S.)


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Program: B.S.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry  
College of Science

Science Building 496 ~ 260-481-6289


The Bachelor of Science major program in biochemistry is an excellent choice for pursuing premedical, predental, and other preprofessional interests. With carefully chosen electives and possible opportunities for further education, this program allows you to combine chemistry with other fields of study in support of career paths such as biochemist, forensic chemist, biomedical or healthcare scientist, analytical chemist, pharmacologist, nutritionist or toxicologist, dentist, pharmacist, and medical doctor/physician.

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 Science.  See Program Requirements below for a link to the Secondary Education - Second Degree 4-Year Plan.


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:

  • Declare this major within the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
  • Check with a department advisor if considering concurrently majoring in both the Biochemistry and Chemistry programs

General Requirements:


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

College Scorecard


The U.S. Department of Education has created a scorecard for each university and its programs.  The scorecard shows data for the university such as graduation rate, average annual cost, and median earnings.  Then, when certain minimum standards have been met, data are available for a specific program.  That data could include median earnings, median total debt, and number of graduates. The link below will help you learn more:

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?151102-Purdue-University-Fort-Wayne&fos_code=2602&fos_credential=3

Program Requirements:


Biochemistry BS 4-Year Plan:  

  • All major dept courses taken at the 1000+ level need a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
  • If you are interested in medical school, it is recommended that you take PSY 12000 and SOC 16101.  If you are interested in dental school, it is recommended that you take PSY 12000, BIOL 21900, BIOL 40600, and BIOL 40900.  Check with  your advisor as these courses may also count as either General Education or elective courses.
  • New CHM courses approved and added to the curriculum in future Catalogs may satisfy major requirements.
  • Transfer students with 60+ credits are not required to take the Freshman Success seminar if they haven’t previously taken such a course.

Biochemistry with Secondary Education 4-Year Plan:  

Biochemistry (B.S.) Articulation with Ivy Tech Community College, Requirements & 2-Yr Plan  

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.

Supporting Courses:


English Writing and Speaking: Credits 6


  • ENGL 23301 (or a college-approved equivalent: ENGL 20201, HIST 21700, ILCS 30000, POL 20700, or WOST 23000).  This course is in addition to the General Education writing course (ENGL 13100 or equivalent).
  • COM 11400 (or the college-approved equivalent: HIST 12500).

Both courses require a grade of C- or better

Language: Credits 6


Two courses at the first-year level in a single International Language or in American Sign Language (or demonstrate equivalent proficiency).  

Note:  if you begin these courses at PFW at the second-semester level or higher, you and your advisor are eligible to apply for special course credits after successful completion of the course into which you placed.  Non-native English speaking students and those with other language transfer credits should contact the College’s Student Success Center.

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 ensuring that you satisfy all graduation requirements specified for each selected program.  Thus, it is essential that you develop a thorough understanding of the required courses, academic policies, and procedures governing your academic career.  If you cannot complete all program requirements by your stated graduation date but fail to remove those from your plan of study, the Registrar’s Office in consultation with your academic advisor will remove unmet pursuits from your plan of study. Changing curricular records during the graduation term of application may affect state or federal financial aid awards. 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. 

Additional Course Use


Courses listed below may also be considered in meeting specific degree requirements.

MA 15400 required, MA 15900 accepted

MA 22900 required, MA 16500 accepted

MA 23000 required, MA 16600 accepted

CHM 19400 required, BIOL 12000 and PHYS 17000 taken as First Year Seminar accepted

CHM 33300 required, CHM 43300 and CHM 53300 accepted

CHM 33500 required, CHM 53500 accepted

CHM 53300 required, CHM 43300 accepted

CHM 53800 required, CHM 43800 accepted

PHYS 22000 required, PHYS 21800 and PHYS 15200 accepted

PHYS 22100 required, PHYS 21900 and 25100 accepted

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