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Undergraduate Program in Biochemistry
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Graduation Requirements for the Major

1) Degree: Bachelor of Science

All students must complete the SEBS core requirements. Please see the SEBS Core website for additional details.      

2) Proficiency in Biochemistry (94 credits)

The major in Integrated Biochemistry consists of the six parts A through F listed immediately below. They are described briefly here; the specific requirements are listed below.

Biochemistry Tracks  

 A. Life and Physical Sciences Core: 

 These courses prepare students to enter the major. These courses are normally completed in the first two years of college.

 B. Quantitative Methods:

 Quantitative reasoning, computational facility and a grasp of the calculus are essential skills for people to be well educated in the molecular biosciences. As with the Life and Physical Sciences Core, students should normally complete this requirement within the first two years of college.

 C. Biochemistry Core:

 This set of courses is required of all majors and prepares the student for both advanced course work and for research experience.

 D. Professional Ethics:

 Ethical conduct has at least two components: general ethical behavior and the ethical implications for society at large as a consequence of advances in Biochemistry. Although Contemporary Issues in Biochemistry will meet the formal requirement, all courses within the major will include ethical components and examples. In addition, all students in the major and in any of our courses will be required to adhere to a strict honor code.

 E. Major-Related Experience Based Education:

 It is important that students be able to apply their knowledge of biochemistry in a professional setting. Therefore, all students arerequired to take 6 cr. of Experienced based Education. The School of Environmental and Biological Scienices requires 3 cr. for graduation; therefore, Biochemistry Majors take an additional 3 cr. This can be accomplished through working in an academic laboratory at Rutgers, either at SEBS or the other campuses. This requirement can also be met through the George H. Cook Honors program, the General Honors Program, the Aresty Program, summer research opportunities (such as RISE or SURF )or through experience through the Student Professional Internship Network (SPIN). We recommend reaching out to your Major Advisor early to discuss ways to fulfill this requirement.

 F. General Biochemistry Options:

 • Biochemistry of Microbial Systems

 This option blends biochemistry with microbiology, allowing students to become proficient in the biochemistry of microbial organisms and systems. This will include aspects of clinical microbiology and infection, as well as environmental microbiology. Microbial infections of higher organisms are of continuing importance in human and animal heath. Microorganisms also have profound environmental implications. Microbial systems detoxify toxic substances and contribute to nutrient cycling in the ecosphere. Another area of study is the use of microbial organisms to synthesize useful materials and to convert biomass to fuels. 

• Biochemical Toxicology

 This option will allow the student to gain specific understanding of the study of toxic compounds. Toxicology is of critical importance in food and nutrition, the environment and in pharmacological science. Understanding the biochemical effects allows one to design appropriate treatments of illness, and to learn what exposures must be avoided. An equally important second purpose, the study of how biochemical systems are made to go awry by toxic substances, illuminates normal functioning and development of organisms. This understanding applies equally to all animals, including humans, as well as to plants and microorganisms. It applies also to ecological communities of organisms, as toxic substances alter the interactions within ecosystems.

 • Biochemistry of Plant Systems 

Plants are not only at the root of the human and animal food chains, they are one of the dominant components of the planet's ecosphere. Understanding their biochemistry is a large and growing area of basic and applied research and public policy development. 

• Protein and Structural Biochemistry

Detailed Requirements

 Biology Courses:

 01:119:115/116 & 117 General Biology I and II (4,4,2)

 Chemistry Courses 

 Physics Courses 

Genetic Courses 

 Biochemistry Core 

 Biochemical Technology/Techniques 

Two of the following courses:

 Quantitative Methods:

 Research Experience:

 The curriculum is designed to provide students with the basics of laboratory experimentation enhanced by independent research or other experienced based education options. Students will need 6 cr of Experienced Based Education to fulfill 3 cr. for their SEBS requirements, and 3 for their major. Research in Biochemistry (11:115:493/494) can be used to fulfill this requirement, however, this requirement can also be met through the George H. Cook Honors program, the General Honors Program, the Aresty Program, summer research opportunities (such as RISE or SURF )or through experience through the Student Professional Internship Network (SPIN).

 Biochemistry General Options:

 Requires four classes from the specific lists below. Biochemistry electives, including Option requirements, must equal at least 12 credits; at least one course with a laboratory (indicated by an *).

 The bold faced course(s) in each option is(are) required.

 Biochemistry of Microbial Systems 

 Biochemical Toxicology 

Biochemistry of Plant Systems

 Protein and Structural Biochemistry 

General Option

      •  Twelve credits of any combination of course from the lists above.