Requirements

Structure of the Concentration

Concentrators major in either biology or chemistry and take additional courses to fulfill the concentration requirements. All students also complete a year-long independent research program.

General Requirements

  • Successful completion of the course requirements for the concentration. In addition to completing the requirements for a degree in Chemistry or Biology, these include one semester of Biol 161 with lab, both semesters of Biochemistry with lab, Chemical Thermodynamics, at least one semester of Physics, and an additional course in Biology with a lab that is biochemistry-oriented (please consult the concentration directors for approval).  Also note that Thermodynamics requires Calculus 2.
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all math and science courses, including labs. If you have your current academic transcript (available from STAR), you can use this on-line calculator to determine your current math and science GPA.
  • A full academic year of research, devoted to the completion of a thesis.
  • Fulfillment of the course requirements, including end of year presentations and seminars, set by the research advisor of my full-year research project. (Note that it is possible to fulfill the research requirement in an off-campus lab. If you elect this option, the Biochemistry committee member from your major department will serve as your on-campus research advisor.)
  • Participation in the year-end college-wide Academic Conference with fellow Biochemistry Concentrators, which will include an oral presentation of thesis work.
  • Submission of a brief research prospectus, signed by future research advisor and approved by the Biochemistry Concentration committee, submitted by May 1 of junior year.
  • Submission of a research-progress report, signed by advisor, by February 18 of senior year.
  • Submission of a bound thesis, including a thesis acceptance coversheet signed by research advisor (and a second reader at advisor's and student's discretion), to the Biochemistry committee before the last day of class during senior year. All concentrators must fulfill the requirements for their major (Biology or Chemistry).

Sample Schedules

Please note that these schedules are only advisory and the College catalogue is the definitive source for course requirements.

Biology Major

  

First Year
  • Biol 161 and 162
  • Calculus I and II
  • Atoms and Molecules
  • Organic I
  • Montserrat

Second Year
  • Genetics
  • Organic II
  • Equilibrium and Reactivity
  • Biol 163
  • 4 electives

Third Year
  • Biochemistry I and II WITH LAB
  • 2 Biology electives
  • General Physics I and II
  • 2 electives

Fourth Year
  • Chemical Thermodynamics
  • 2 Biology electives (including one that is molecular in nature WITH a lab)
  • Research
  • 4 electives

 

Chemistry Major

  

First Year
  • Calculus I and II
  • Atoms and Molecules
  • Organic I
  • Montserrat
  • 1 or 2 electives

Second Year
  • Organic II
  • Equilibrium and Reactivity
  • General Physics I and II
  • 4 electives

Third Year
  • Biochemistry I and II WITH LAB
  • Instrumental Chemistry and Analytical Methods
  • Quantum Mechanics and Applied Spectroscopy
  • Biol 161
  • 3 electives

Fourth Year
  • Chemical Thermodynamics
  • 1 Biology elective
  • Research
  • Inorganic
  • 1 Chemistry elective
  • 3 electives

Concentration Calendar

Date

Session Details

Tuesday,Jan. 31, 2023, 

3 p.m.  

Concentration information meeting for sophomores. Current students should attend if interested in answering questions from prospective students.

Friday, Feb. 10

Class of 2023: One-page research progress reports are due on Canvas.

Friday, Feb. 17

Class of 2025: Applications due for admission to the concentration on Canvas.

Wednesday, April 26

Biochemistry Concentration Senior Presentations at the Academic Conference

Friday, May 5

Class of 2024: Research proposals for senior-year thesis projects are due on Canvas.

Wednesday, May 17

Class of 2023: Final thesis including Thesis Acceptance Form is due on Canvas.

Application Process

Students interested in the concentration must apply during the spring semester of their second year, and have declared a major in biology or chemistry.

A meeting is held each spring for interested first- and second-year students.  Applications to the Concentration are processed through the program's Canvas page.  There, you can download the application instructions and the Excel template for GPA calculations. Applications for 2023 can be submitted via Canvas and are due Feb. 17th at 3 p.m.

Please email Prof Mills to be added to the Canvas page.