Biochemistry (B.S.)

Biochemistry (B.S.)
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Rigorous academics and highly accessible faculty prepare students for a variety of career options.

Students working under the hood

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.

Contact

Program Coordinator of Biochemistry, Chemistry, & Forensic Science
Professor
Phone: (603) 535-3243
Office: Exploration & Discovery, Boyd Science Center Rm 102, MSC 48, Plymouth, NH 03264

Academic Operations Manager
Phone: (603) 535-2325
Office: Exploration & Discovery, Boyd Science Center Rm 122, MSC 48, Plymouth, NH 03264

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Curriculum & Requirements

Course Title Credits
Major Requirements
CH 1200Majoring and Working in Chemistry1
CH 1050Laboratory Safety1
CH 2335General Chemistry I (QRCO)4
CH 2255Techniques in Laboratory3
CH 2340General Chemistry II4
CH 3030Biochemistry I4
CH 3370Organic Chemistry I4
CH 3380Organic Chemistry II4
CH 3410Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Kinetics (WRCO)4
CH 4025Biochemistry II4
CH 4400Senior Seminar1
BI 1110Biological Science I (TECO)4
BI 1120Biological Science II4
Bio Molecular Elective
BI 3060Genetics4
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 46006-8
CH 4531
Senior Research
CH 4600
Internship
CH 3465
Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy
CH 3650
Environmental Chemistry
General Education
EN 1400Composition4
IS 1115Tackling a Wicked Problem4
CTDICreative Thought Direction3-4
PPDIPast and Present Direction3-4
SSDISelf and Society Direction3-4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 14-8
DICODiversity Connection3-4
GACOGlobal Awareness Connection3-4
WECOWellness Connection3-4
IS 4220Signature Project (INCO,INCP) (INCP)4
Electives10-14
Total Credits120
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).

Plan of Study Grid
Year OneCredits
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
CTDICreative Thought Direction 3-4
 Credits32-33
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
PPDIPast and Present Direction 3-4
SSDISelf and Society Direction 3-4
 Credits28-32
Year Three
CH 3030 Biochemistry I 4
CH 4025 Biochemistry II 4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 1 4-8
DICODiversity Connection 3-4
GACOGlobal Awareness Connection 3-4
 Credits18-24
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
 Credits14-16
Year Four
IS 4220 Signature Project (INCO,INCP) 4
CH 4400 Senior Seminar 1
WECOWellness Connection 3-4
Electives 6-18
 Credits14-27
 Total Credits120
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

  • 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 Career Services in the Global Education Office.
 
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
Explore Program Details

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

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