The chemistry of biomolecules is the essence of biochemistry: a study of the structure, function, and role in biology of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. The biochemistry curriculum at Hillsdale College seeks to provide students with a strong background in chemistry and the cellular/molecular branch of biology. This curriculum provides the foundation necessary to understand the important advances that have occurred at the interface of chemistry and biology.
The biochemistry major at Hillsdale is designed to prepare students for careers in biochemical and biotechnical research, graduate study in biochemistry, and for further education in professional schools of medicine, dentistry, and allied health fields. The courses for the major draw from both the Chemistry and Biology Departments. The required courses follow the recommendations of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Requirements
Note: This represents a general overview of the major and minor. For more information, please consult the current college catalog, or contact the department.
Biochemistry Major
Requirements for a major in biochemistry include the following mandatory courses:
- Chemistry 303: Organic Chemistry I
- Chemistry 304: Organic Chemistry II
- Chemistry 415: Analytical Chemistry
- Chemistry 452: Biochemistry
- Chemistry 453: Advanced Biochemistry
- Chemistry 454: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry
- Chemistry 470: Junior Seminar
- Chemistry 475: Junior Seminar
- Chemistry 501: Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences
- Chemistry 570: Senior Seminar
In addition, students must take at least two of the following courses:
- Biology 302: Developmental Biology
- Biology 306: Plant Physiology
- Biology 309: Genetics
- Biology 320: Advanced Cell Biology
- Biology 360: Microbiology
- Biology 430: Molecular Biology
Students must also complete the following cognates:
- Biology 200: Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Mathematics 220: Calculus II
- Physics 101: College Physics I
- Physics 102: College Physics II
Chemistry 570 and 590 require completion of a guided laboratory research project (completed no later than fall of the senior year) and a written report. All biochemistry majors must also pass a standardized comprehensive biochemistry examination prior to graduation.
ACS-Certified Biochemistry Major
Requirements for an ACS-certified biochemistry degree include all of those for a Biochemistry major with the addition of Chemistry 406 and one of the following advanced courses:
- Chemistry 403: Advanced Organic Chemistry
- Chemistry 419: Analytical Separation Science
- Chemistry 503: Physical Chemistry II
- Chemistry 504: Advanced Topics in Physical Chemistry
- Chemistry 522: Instrumental Methods of Analysis
In addition, students are required to do a more extensive research project culminating in a senior presentation and thesis, which requires completion of Chemistry 575. Students should confer with the department chair or biochemistry faculty to ensure that sufficient laboratory hours are completed for the ACS certification.
Biochemistry Minor
A minor in biochemistry consists of the following courses:
- Chemistry 201: General Chemistry I
- Chemistry 202: General Chemistry II
- Chemistry 303: Organic Chemistry I
- Chemistry 304: Organic Chemistry II
- Chemistry 452: Biochemistry
- Chemistry 453: Advanced Biochemistry
- Chemistry 454: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry