Biochemistry

Graduates with a degree in biochemistry will be well prepared for employment, graduate study in biochemistry or other chemistry-related fields, or professional school. Biochemists are employed in research, quality control, design, sales and management. Many graduates pursue masters and doctoral degrees in biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, and in other life science fields. A biochemistry degree is excellent preparation for medical school and related fields, and also for careers in business, law or education.

The curriculum at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology provides a rigorous introduction to all subdisciplines of chemistry along with biochemistry and applied biology. Students have access to modern instrumentation along with a well-equipped biochemistry lab. Rose-Hulman students are introduced to modern computational methods beginning in the sophomore year. There are many opportunities for research or other individual projects, and students are encouraged to present their results at regional and national chemistry conferences. Close interaction with engineering departments provides students with a point of view not available at most other undergraduate institutions.

Student Outcomes

Student Outcomes are statements that describe what students are expected to have by the time of graduation.

  1. An ability to design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze and interpret data.
  2. An ability to recognize the professional and ethical responsibilities of a biochemist.
  3. An ability to communicate effectively in presentations and reports.
  4. An ability to use the scientific method to investigate biochemical systems.
  5. An ability to conduct biochemistry in both academic and industrial settings.

List of Required Chemistry Courses

Course   Numbers   Credits
General Chemistry   111, 113, 115   12
Organic Chemistry   251, 252, 253   12
Analytical Chemistry   225, 326, 327   12
Physical Chemistry   361, 362, 363   12
Inorganic Chemistry   441   4
Biochemistry   330, 331, 430, 433   13
Research   291, 395, 490, 491, 495, 496, 497   11
Career Preparation   200   1
Electives       11
Total       88

Summary of minimum graduation requirements:

Course or areas   Required   Elective   Total
Chemistry   77   11   88
Physics   12   0   12
Mathematics   23   0   23
Biology   16   0   16
Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts   4   32   36
Electives   0   16   16
College and Life Skills   1   0   1
Total   133   59   192

Plan of Study

Freshman Open Close
Sophomore Open Close
Junior Open Close
Senior Open Close

Total credits required: 192

NOTES

Two degree or double major programs in biochemistry and either chemistry or biochemistry and molecular biology is not allowed.

*Subject to approval, CHEM 112 may be substituted for CHEM 111 and CHEM 113.

**CHE 303, CHE 304 and CHEM 360 may be substituted for CHEM 361 and CHEM 362.

^Students must complete at least 3 credits of CHEM 490 prior to the Spring quarter of their senior year.
Students may count up to 8 credits of research toward their electives, of which no more than 2 credits can come from CHEM 290.

##Research and independent study do not meet this requirement.

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