Biochemistry [BCH] (Major)
A major in biochemistry provides a strong foundation for post-graduate study in the field, and prepares students for health-science related careers including medicine, dentistry, allied health and pharmacy. Students with biochemistry degrees also go onto careers in business, forensics, and the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. For more information about this program, contact the Chemistry Department.
Career Potential
- Industrial chemist
- Health professions
- Research scientist
- Consultant
- Law enforcement
- Patent attorney
- State and federal agency scientist and policymaker
- BIO 201 - Biological Sciences I (4 cr. hr.)
- BIO 202 - Biological Sciences II (4 cr. hr.)
- BIO 210 - Cellular Biology (4 cr. hr.)
- BIO 312 - Genetics (4 cr. hr.)
- CHE 221 - General Chemistry I (4 cr. hr.)
- CHE 222 - General Chemistry II (4 cr. hr.)
- CHE 301 - Organic Chemistry I (4 cr. hr.)
- CHE 302 - Organic Chemistry II (3 cr. hr.)
- CHE 304 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (1 cr. hr.)
- CHE 361 - Introduction to Research in Chemistry and Biochemistry (1 cr. hr.)
- CHE 431 - Physical Chemistry I (3 cr. hr.)
- CHE 451 - Introductory Biochemistry I (3 cr. hr.)
- CHE 452 - Biochemistry II (3 cr. hr.)
- CHE 453 - Introductory Biochemistry Lab II (1 cr. hr.)
- CHE 461 - Senior Seminar in Chemistry and Biochemistry (1 cr. hr.)
- CHE 477 - Advanced Laboratory I (3 cr. hr.)
- CHE 432 - Physical Chemistry II (3 cr. hr.) or
- BIO 521 - Molecular Biology (4 cr. hr.)
- MAT 121 - Calculus A (3 cr. hr.) and
- MAT 122 - Calculus B (3 cr. hr.)
or - MAT 135 - Calculus I (4 cr. hr.) and
- MAT 236 - Calculus II (4 cr. hr.)
- PHY 201 - Principles of Physics I (4 cr. hr.)
- PHY 202 - Principles of Physics II (4 cr. hr.)
Example of the Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry over Four Years
First Year
Fall Total credit hours: 15-16
- GE course
- CHE 221 - General Chemistry I (4 cr. hr.)
- CHE 224 - Problem-Solving in General Chemistry I (1 cr. hr.)
- COR 101 - The Cortland Experience: A First Year Seminar (1 cr. hr.)
- CPN 100 - Writing Studies I (3 cr. hr.) or
- CPN 102 - Writing Studies in the Community I (4 cr. hr.)
- MAT 121 - Calculus A (3 cr. hr.)
Spring Total credit hours: 15-16
- BIO 201 - Biological Sciences I (4 cr. hr.)
- CHE 222 - General Chemistry II (4 cr. hr.)
- CHE 225 - Problem-Solving in General Chemistry II (1 cr. hr.)
- CPN 101 - Writing Studies II (3 cr. hr.) or
- CPN 103 - Writing Studies in the Community II (4 cr. hr.)
MAT 122 - Calculus B (3 cr. hr.)
Fall Total credit hours: 16
- Two GE courses
- BIO 202 - Biological Sciences II (4 cr. hr.)
- CHE 301 - Organic Chemistry I (4 cr. hr.)
- CHE 305 - Problem-Solving in Organic Chemistry I (1 cr. hr.)
- CHE 361 - Introduction to Research in Chemistry and Biochemistry (1 cr. hr.)
- GE course
- BIO 210 - Cellular Biology (4 cr. hr.)
- CHE 302 - Organic Chemistry II (3 cr. hr.)
- CHE 304 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (1 cr. hr.)
- CHE 306 - Problem-Solving in Organic Chemistry II (1 cr. hr.)
- PHY 201 - Principles of Physics I (4 cr. hr.)
Fall Total credit hours: 13
- GE course
- Elective course
- CHE 451 - Introductory Biochemistry I (3 cr. hr.)
- PHY 202 - Principles of Physics II (4 cr. hr.)
- GE course
- Foreign Language course
- Writing Intensive course
- BIO 312 - Genetics (4 cr. hr.)
- CHE 310 - Foundations of Analytical Chemistry (4 cr. hr.)
Fall Total credit hours: 17
- GE course
- Elective course
- BIO 521 - Molecular Biology (4 cr. hr.)
- CHE 431 - Physical Chemistry I (3 cr. hr.)
- CHE 461 - Senior Seminar in Chemistry and Biochemistry (1 cr. hr.)
- CHE 477 - Advanced Laboratory I (3 cr. hr.)
- GE course
- Elective courses
- CHE 452 - Biochemistry II (3 cr. hr.)
- CHE 453 - Introductory Biochemistry Lab II (1 cr. hr.)
