The Biochemistry program includes innovative activity-based learning in small classroom settings. Faculty teach all our lab classes, not graduate students. Chemistry lab sections range from 10 to approximately 20 students in upper level courses. Integration of chemistry majors within the program provides opportunities for students to work closely with faculty and staff as teaching assistants, tutors, and laboratory preparers.
This exciting program is housed in the Boyd Science Center which includes state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms. A chemistry student center is available for tutoring and student interaction.
The BS in Biochemistry follows guidelines established by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). With a focus on the chemical processes within living systems, biochemists use chemical knowledge and techniques to understand and address biological problems. The curriculum is designed to allow students flexibility to pursue different emphases in the field. The program includes an undergraduate research experience and prepares students for admission to graduate and professional schools, particularly in the medical field, as well as employment as professional chemists in the rapidly growing fields of biochemistry and biotechnology. This degree is housed in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Program.
Curriculum & Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| CH 1200 | Majoring and Working in Chemistry | 1 |
| CH 1050 | Laboratory Safety | 1 |
| CH 2335 | General Chemistry I (QRCO) | 4 |
| CH 2255 | Techniques in Laboratory | 3 |
| CH 2340 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| CH 3030 | Biochemistry I | 4 |
| CH 3370 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CH 3380 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| CH 3410 | Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Kinetics (WRCO) | 4 |
| CH 4025 | Biochemistry II | 4 |
| CH 4400 | Senior Seminar | 1 |
| BI 1110 | Biological Science I (TECO) | 4 |
| BI 1120 | Biological Science II | 4 |
| Bio Molecular Elective | ||
| BI 3060 | Genetics | 4 |
| or BI 4188 | Molecular Biology | |
| Calculus | ||
| MA 2550 & MA 2560 | Calculus I (QRCO) and Calculus II (QRCO) | 8 |
| Physics | ||
| Complete one sequence from the following: | 8 | |
PH 2210 & PH 2220 & PH 2430 & PH 2440 | Physics I and Physics II and Physics Laboratory I and Physics Laboratory II | |
PH 2410 & PH 2420 & PH 2430 & PH 2440 | University Physics I and University Physics II and Physics Laboratory I and Physics Laboratory II | |
| Upper-division Electives | ||
| Complete two 3000/4000 level courses from Biology or Chemistry or Computer Science or Mathematics e.g. CH 3465, CH 3600, CH 4531, CH 4600 | 6-8 | |
CH 4531 | Senior Research | |
CH 4600 | Internship | |
CH 3465 | Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy | |
CH 3650 | Environmental Chemistry | |
| General Education | ||
| EN 1400 | Composition | 4 |
| IS 1115 | Tackling a Wicked Problem | 4 |
| CTDI | Creative Thought Direction | 3-4 |
| PPDI | Past and Present Direction | 3-4 |
| SSDI | Self and Society Direction | 3-4 |
| Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 1 | 4-8 | |
| DICO | Diversity Connection | 3-4 |
| GACO | Global Awareness Connection | 3-4 |
| WECO | Wellness Connection | 3-4 |
| IS 4220 | Signature Project (INCO,INCP) (INCP) | 4 |
| Electives | 10-14 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
Directions should total 16-17 credits because SIDI is waived for BS Biochemistry.
Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.
To complete the bachelor’s degree in 4 years, you must successfully complete a minimum of 15 credits each semester or have a plan to make up credits over the course of the 4 years. For example, if you take 14 credits one semester, you need to take 16 credits in another semester. Credits completed must count toward your program requirements (major, option, minor, certificate, general education or free electives).
| Year One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| EN 1400 | Composition | 4 |
| IS 1115 | Tackling a Wicked Problem | 4 |
| CH 1200 | Majoring and Working in Chemistry | 1 |
| CH 1050 | Laboratory Safety | 1 |
| CH 2255 | Techniques in Laboratory | 3 |
| CH 2335 | General Chemistry I (QRCO) | 4 |
| CH 2340 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| MA 2550 & MA 2560 |
Calculus I (QRCO) and Calculus II (QRCO) |
8 |
| CTDI | Creative Thought Direction | 3-4 |
| Credits | 32-33 | |
| Year Two | ||
| CH 3370 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CH 3380 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| BI 1110 | Biological Science I (TECO) | 4 |
| BI 1120 | Biological Science II | 4 |
| Complete a Physics Sequence from the following: | 6-8 | |
PH 2210 & PH 2220 & PH 2430 & PH 2440 |
Physics I and Physics II and Physics Laboratory I and Physics Laboratory II |
|
PH 2410 & PH 2420 & PH 2430 & PH 2440 |
University Physics I and University Physics II and Physics Laboratory I and Physics Laboratory II |
|
| PPDI | Past and Present Direction | 3-4 |
| SSDI | Self and Society Direction | 3-4 |
| Credits | 28-32 | |
| Year Three | ||
| CH 3030 | Biochemistry I | 4 |
| CH 4025 | Biochemistry II | 4 |
| Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 1 | 4-8 | |
| DICO | Diversity Connection | 3-4 |
| GACO | Global Awareness Connection | 3-4 |
| Credits | 18-24 | |
| Years Three and Four | ||
| CH 3410 | Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Kinetics (WRCO) | 4 |
| Complete one Bio Molecular Elective from the following: | 4 | |
BI 3060 or BI 4188 |
Genetics or Molecular Biology |
|
| Complete two Upper-division Electives from the following: 2 | 6-8 | |
CH 4531 |
Senior Research | |
CH 4600 |
Internship | |
CH 3465 |
Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy | |
CH 3550 |
Instrumental Analysis (TECO,WRCO) | |
BI 3000/4000 level Biology course |
||
| Credits | 14-16 | |
| Year Four | ||
| IS 4220 | Signature Project (INCO,INCP) | 4 |
| CH 4400 | Senior Seminar | 1 |
| WECO | Wellness Connection | 3-4 |
| Electives | 6-18 | |
| Credits | 14-27 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
Directions should total 16-17 because SIDI is waived for BS Biochemistry.
- 2
Complete two 3000/4000 level courses from Biology or Chemistry or Computer Science or Mathematics
Explore Program Details
- Content Knowledge: Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental biochemistry principles, including topics specific to chemistry and biochemistry.
- Problem Solving Skills: Design, carry out, and record the results of chemical and biochemical experiments using classical techniques, modern instruments, and/or computers, then analyze those results to draw reasonable, accurate conclusions.
- Chemical Literature Skills: Employ modern library search tools to locate and retrieve scientific information about a technique, or topic relating to biochemistry.
- Laboratory Safety Skills: Observe safe practices in the laboratory, follow proper procedures and regulations for safe use and disposal of chemicals, and respond to emergencies in the laboratory.
- Communication Skills: Communicate biochemical concepts and experimental results through effective written and oral communication.
- Team Skills: Work collaboratively with members of a team in classroom and/or laboratory activities.
A biochemistry degree from Plymouth State prepares students for a wide variety of career options in each profession. Plymouth State University focuses on several concentrations within the program:
- Biochemistry: Biochemistry majors study the nature of all living things, develop new products and processes, or monitor processes involved in making various products. Biochemists typically work for private businesses, government agencies, or educational institutions.
For more information, visit the Academic and Career Advising Center.
Sample Job Titles
- Air Quality Engineer
- Biochemist
- College Professor
- Environmental Consultant
- Health Care Administrator
- Instrumentation Specialist
- Microbiologist
- Pharmacologist
- Physicist
- Research Chemist
- Risk Manager
- Technical Writer
See the U.S. Department of Labor Outlook for a complete list.
Useful Skills for Jobs in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Fields
- Ability to analyze cause and effects
- Proficiency in analytical reasoning
- Strong mathematical background
- Ability to organize and memorize detailed information
- Strong organization skills
The University’s proximity to the lakes, rivers and mountains of New Hampshire gives students access to a unique natural laboratory. Small class sizes mean a favorable student to faculty ratio, with faculty focused on undergraduate education. Resources in the department include dedicated space for undergraduate research and multimedia technology resources.
Instrumentation
- Oxford Instruments Cryogen-Free Benchtop NMR Analyser-Pulsar
- Shimadzu MALDI-TOF
- Dionex HPLC with autosampler and multi-angle light scattering laser
- Varian Flame AA
- PerkinElmer FT-IR with ATR
- Agilent GC-MS
- Thermal cyclers
- Polarography
- Shimadzu UV/VIS
- Fluorometer
- 2D electrophoresis
- Low-pressure chromatography system
- Digital imaging and analysis software
- Speed-vac
- Centrifuge
- -80 freezer
- Sonicator
Plymouth State abides by the highest safety protocols. Our chemistry, biochemistry, and all biology majors must take a lab safety class with in depth information to guide their future research.
CH 1050 Laboratory Safety 1 credit
Principles of safety in chemistry, biology and physics lab field settings. Procedures of accident prevention, chemical storage and treatment of fires and spills. Designed for science majors and particularly science teachers. Open only to science and education majors.
from the 2018-19 Course Catalog
Accident Report
Safety Incidents can be reported
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