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Dec 23, 2024
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2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]
Biochemistry (B.S.)
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 Return to: Academic Programs - Majors, Minors, Certificates
Program Coordinator/Contact
Douglas Raynie, Department Head
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Avera Health and Science Center 131, Box 2202
605-688-5151
Program Information
One of the fastest growing scientific disciplines is also one of the youngest – biochemistry. Biochemistry is the application of atomic and molecular principles to the function of plant and animal life processes. This multifaceted science includes the study of all life forms and depends on basic concepts derived from chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics. Training in biochemistry at the undergraduate level positions students well for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, government laboratories, and is very appropriate as a pre-professional course of study. The B.S. in Biochemistry curriculum at SDSU builds upon a solid foundation in chemistry, and incorporates selected aspects of biology, physics, and mathematics to complete the undergraduate degree. In addition to completing the degree requirements listed below, biochemistry students engage in undergraduate research with faculty members in the department.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will understand the basic concepts fundamental to chemistry.
- Students will be properly prepared for laboratory investigations.
- Students will understand the nature of biological energy.
- Students will understand catalysis.
- Students will be able to describe energetic coupling of chemical processes in metabolic pathways.
- Students will be able to describe biological macromolecules.
- Students will describe the factors which determine the structure of biological macromolecules.
- Students will be able to relate structure and function.
- Students will be able to describe macromolecular interactions.
- Students will understand that macromolecular structure is dynamic.
- Students will be able to discuss regulation of the biological activity of macromolecules.
- Students will be able to relate the structure (and hence function) with the foundational principles of chemistry and physics.
- Students will be able to use a variety of experimental and computational approaches to observe and quantitatively measure the structure, dynamics and function of biological macromolecules. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving)
- Students will be able to describe the genome.
- Students will be able to discuss the relationship between nucleotide sequence and biological function.
- Students will be able to explain gene transmission from one generation to the next.
- Students will be able to describe genome maintenance.
- Students will understand the scientific process. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
- Students will be able to assess, comprehend, and communicate science. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
- Students will be able to rely on collaboration, effective teamwork, safety, and ethical practices. (Cross-curricular Skill: Teamwork; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
- Students will be able to describe the biological need for homeostasis.
- Students will be able to link steady state processes and homeostasis.
- Students will be able quantify homeostasis.
- Students will be able to describe control mechanisms.
- Students will be able to describe cellular and organismal homeostasis.
- Students will be able to synthesize the curricular knowledge and skills in a capstone (research) experience. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Information Literacy)
Academic Requirements
A grade of “C” or better is required in all courses required for the major.
Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure
The B.S. in Biochemistry is accredited by the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), whose certification serves as recognition of a high quality and rigorous curriculum.
Course Delivery Format
Courses offered in the Biochemistry curriculum are taught in a variety of formats which address student learning outcomes. Didactic (lecture) methods ensure the development of foundational knowledge of chemistry. Practical (laboratory) methods ensure the development of laboratory skills and training; A combination of didactic and practical methods ensure the successful completion of the undergraduate research project.
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Requirements for Biochemistry Major: 120 Credits
Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences
System General Education Requirements
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Requirements
Bachelor of Science Requirements: 13+
- Natural Sciences Credits: 10+
- Any two lab sciences.
- Coursework must include 2 prefixes.
- MATH and STAT courses do not count toward the science requirement.
- AHSS 111 - Introduction to Global Citizenship and Diversity Credits: 3
- One declared minor outside of the major prefix OR a second major OR a teaching specialization. The minor may be a traditional minor within one department or it may be interdisciplinary involving more than one department. The minor can be in a different college. The minor must be declared no later than the student’s third semester of enrollment.
- Capstone course in the major discipline
- Upper division coursework Credits: 33
System General Education and/or major coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements. Consult program advisor for details.
Advanced Biology Electives
Students should consult their academic advisor to select courses from the following list based on individual interest. Credits: 9
Advanced Chemistry Electives
Students should consult their academic advisor to select courses from the following list based on individual interest. Credits: 9
Electives
Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.
Total Required Credits: 120
Notes
CHEM 498 - Undergraduate Research/Scholarship (COM) - The required undergraduate research project must be in biochemistry and for a minimum of four credits. The research credits are to be completed over the course of at least two semesters. CHEM 498 credit is given for the research that is completed during the semester or summer. CHEM 490 is reserved for completing a written paper of the research project and presenting the paper to the department in the semester after the project is completed. Students are still encouraged to present their research at a regional or national meeting. Refer to the department for information about additional summer research experiences.
Summary of Program Requirements
Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences
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| System General Education Requirements |
33 Credit Hours |
| Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Requirements* |
13+ Credit Hours |
| Major Requirements |
44 Credit Hours |
| Supporting Coursework |
15 Credit Hours |
| Electives** |
25 Credit Hours |
*System General Education Requirements, Major Requirements, and Supporting Coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements.
**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.
Academic Advising Guide Sheet
The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.
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Return to: Academic Programs - Majors, Minors, Certificates
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