Biochemistry (BS)

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7. One unit of a 300- or 400-level CHEM or BIOL elective (course may not be used to satisfy this requirement).

Requirements for the Major in Biochemistry (BS) with ACS Certification
1. Complete the requirements for Major in Biochemistry (BS)
2. A minimum of 150 hours of chemical research, which can be achieved with 1 total unit of course, course, or course.

Notes for the major and minor

1. The student must earn a grade of C or higher in all courses for the major or minor.
2. The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department reserves the right to determine a time limit, on an individual basis, for the acceptability of courses into a major or minor program.
3. Majors in Biochemistry are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research in the Chemistry or Biology Departments.
4. Biochemistry majors may not earn additional majors in Chemistry or in Molecular and Cellular Biology.
5. BS Chemistry majors may not use course to fulfill the chemistry elective requirement.

General Requirements for the Major or Minor

General university degree requirements stipulate that 1) at least four units of the major or three units of the minor be taken in residence at Puget Sound; 2) students earn at least a cumulative GPA of 2.0 in courses taken for the major or the minor; and 3) all courses taken for a major or minor must be taken for graded credit. Any exceptions to these stipulations are indicated in the major and minor degree requirements listed below.

Requirements for the Major

The Chemistry and Biochemistry degrees offered at Puget Sound have much in common. Both are rooted in fundamentals of chemistry that include chemical thermodynamics and atomic structure, chemical analysis, organic chemistry, and laboratory techniques. Both degrees provide students the opportunity to study advanced topics in chemistry. The Biochemistry degree emphasizes the chemical basis of biological systems, with students developing skills in interdisciplinary inquiry that include cell biology, genetics, and biochemical laboratory techniques. In contrast, the Chemistry degree places more emphasis on advanced instrumental analysis, quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, and inorganic chemistry.
As a department that is certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS), we also offer the option to receive an ACS certified degree (with additional requirements) for two degrees, Chemistry (BS) and Biochemistry.