Career Advisor: P. J. Kennelly (231-6315)
Undergraduate Coordinator: T. O. Sitz (231-6315)
The bachelor of science in biochemistry is designed to provide students with a thorough foundation in chemistry and biology and an appreciation of how these sciences are integrated. The plan of study prepares students for careers in medical, veterinary, agricultural, industrial biochemistry, or biotechnology. In addition, it provides the background for post-graduate studies in the life sciences or professional studies in medicine (including nursing), veterinary medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or clinical chemistry.
Two undergraduate programs are administered by the department, one in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (BCHM) and the other in the College of Arts and Sciences (BioC). Biochemistry majors must meet the core curriculum requirements of the college in which they are enrolled. These requirements differ between the colleges.
The departmental requirements for majors in either college are as follows: mathematics (9-12 credits), physics (8 credits), principles of biology (8 credits), genetics (3 credits), general microbiology (4 credits), general chemistry (8 credits), organic chemistry (8 credits), physical chemistry (6 credits), analytical chemistry (4 credits), introduction to biochemistry (1 credit), organic biochemistry (1 credit), general biochemistry (7 credits), and laboratory problems in biochemistry and molecular biology (6 credits). See Biochemistry listing in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences for a suggested course schedule.
To qualify for a major in biochemistry, the department requires that students maintain a minimum 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) for the hours passed in all required BCHM, Biol, and Chem courses. In addition, the department requires that a student earn a C- or better in all required biochemistry, biology, and chemistry courses.
The program of study allows time for qualified students to participate in undergraduate research (BCHM 4994). Qualified students are strongly encouraged to initiate research activity prior to the senior year. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for enrollment in BCHM 4994. Students participating in undergraduate research are encouraged to present a senior thesis.
Biochemistry majors may participate in the Cooperative Education Program that alternates academic study with employment experience. Additional information pertaining to the CO-OP program is included in the "Academics" chapter of this catalog. Summer internships with various businesses and governmental agencies are frequently available, particularly to rising seniors.
Upper-division students who qualify for the Honors Program may participate in the "in honors" degree program in biochemistry. The Honors Program and undergraduate research program include study and research with individual faculty members.
The department also offers graduate programs leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. (see Graduate Catalog).
The minimum number of credits required for a B.S. degree from the College of Arts and Sciences or Agriculture and Life Sciences is 120.
Biotechnology is the application of fundamental biochemical and molecular biological approaches to problems in agriculture, medicine, and environmental sciences. The faculty in biochemistry and in several other science departments have developed an interdisciplinary option for undergraduates. To complete the option, Biochemistry majors must also take BCHM 4784 (Biotech Applications) and will graduate with a degree in biochemistry with an option in biotechnology. The option will introduce information, concepts, and techniques that are shaping the future of science and our society.
The following required courses should be completed by the end of the spring semester of the junior year for satisfactory progress toward a bachelor's degree for biochemistry majors in both the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and in the College of Arts and Sciences.
BIOL 1105, 1106: Principles of Biology; BIOL 1115, 1116: Principles of Biology Lab; BIOL 2604: General Microbiology; BIOL 2614: General Microbiology Lab; BIOL 2004: Genetics; BCHM 2144: Organic Biochemistry; CHEM 1035, 1036: General Chemistry; CHEM 1045, 1046: General Chemistry Lab; CHEM 2535, 2536 or CHEM 2565, 2566: Organic Chemistry; CHEM 2545, 2546: Organic Chemistry Lab; PHYS 2205, 2206: General Physics; PHYS 2215, 2216: General Physics Lab.
| CHEM 3114, 3124: Analytical Chemistry for Life Sci. * | (4) |
| CHEM 2535-2536: Organic Chemistry | (3,3) |
| CHEM 2545-2546: Organic Chemistry Laboratory | (1,1) |
| BCHM 4115-4116: General Biochemistry | (4,3) |
| BCHM 4124: Lab. Problems in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | (6) |
| or | |
| BCHM 3124: Biochemical Techniques for Biotechnology and the Life Sciences | (3) |
| *May substitute CHEM 2114 (3) and CHEM 2124 (1). |
To qualify for a minor in biochemistry, the department requires that the student maintain a minimum 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) for the hours passed in all required BCHM and Chem courses. Furthermore, the department requires that a student earn a C- or better in the following courses: BCHM 4115-4116 (General Biochemistry), BCHM 4124 (Laboratory Problems in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) or BCHM 3124 (Biochemical Techniques for Biotechnology and the Life Sciences), and Chem 2535-2536 (Organic Chemistry).
The department supports students' interest in bioinformatics/genomics by providing instruction and laboratory experience in those areas. Students are advised of appropriate supporting courses in computer science that may be used toward a minor in Computer Science.
(See College of Agriculture and Life Sciences for description of Biochemistry courses.)
1014: INTRODUCTION TO BIOCHEMISTRY
2024: CONCEPTS OF BIOCHEMISTRY
2144: Organic Biochemistry
2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
2984: SPECIAL STUDY
3114: Biochemistry for Biotechnology and the Life Sciences
3124: Biochemical Techniques for Biotechnology and the Life Sciences
4034: Environmental Health Toxicology
4054: GENOMICS
4104: Bioinformatics
4115-4116: GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY
4124: LABORATORY PROBLEMS IN BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
4204: BIOCHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
4224: SPECTROSCOPIC METHODS OF BIOCHEMICAL ANALYSES
4754: Internship
4784: Biotechnology Applications
4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
4984: SPECIAL STUDY
4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Please see the Graduate Catalog for graduate course listings.
Virginia Tech -- Undergraduate Catalog, 2002-2004
Last update: August 2002
URL: http://www.vt.edu/academics/ugcat/ucd.html