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2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Biochemistry (B.S.)
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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:
The student will demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for the biochemistry profession.
The student will use their biochemistry knowledge to make sound decisions and solve problems in their discipline while demonstrating skills for life-long learning.
The student will exhibit high levels of personal integrity and professional ethics in their undergraduate careers.
The student will demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed to be responsible and productive in various community settings.
The student will demonstrate critical thinking skills through both qualitative and quantitative problem solving.
Program Delivery:
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.
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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 General Education: Credits 30
Effective Fall 2025, the General Education program at PFW requires 30 credits to be completed, such that students pass each course listed below with a grade of C- or better: - Category A. Foundational Intellectual Skills (Foundational Intellectual Skills Course Lists)
- One course in A1. Written Communication Cr. 3.
- One course in A2. Speaking and Listening Cr. 3.
- One course in A3. Quantitative Reasoning Cr. 3.
- Category B. Ways of Knowing (Ways of Knowing Course Lists)
- One course in B4. Scientific Ways of Knowing Cr. 3.
- One course in B5. Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing Cr. 3.
- One course in B6. Humanistic Ways of Knowing Cr. 3.
- One course in B7. Artistic Ways or Knowing Cr. 3.
- One course in B8. Interdisciplinary Ways of Knowing Cr. 3.
- Six additional credits from any Foundational Skills (A1-A3) or Ways of Knowing (B4-B8) categories
- At least one Ways of Knowing course that is designated as having a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and/or global awareness
Some programs recommend courses and/or require a specific course as part of the major that may also be used to fulfill General Education requirements. Please see below or your Academic Advisor for courses that fulfill both purposes. You can familiarize yourself with other program regulations at General Education Requirements . English Writing and Speaking: Credits 6
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. Core and Concentration (Major) Courses: Credits 47
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: Pre Medical Additional Courses: Credits 6
Pre Dental Additional Courses: Credits 15
General Electives
- Sufficient additional credits to bring the total to 120
Total Credits: 120 minimum
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, PHYS 17000 taken as First Year Seminar accepted
CHM 33300 required; CHM 43300, CHM 53300 accepted
CHM 33500 required; CHM 53500 accepted
CHM 53300 required; CHM 43300 accepted
CHM 53800 required; CHM 43800 accepted
COM 11400 required; HIST 12500 accepted
ENGL 23301 required; ENGL 20201, HIST 21700, ILCS 30000, POL 20700, WOST 23000 accepted
PHYS 22000 required; PHYS 21800, PHYS 15200 accepted
PHYS 22100 required; PHYS 21900, 25100 accepted |
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