Biochemistry
The BS degree in biochemistry comprises chemistry and biology studies. Our program prepares students for careers in health care and pharmaceuticals, or advanced study in science and medicine.
Biochemistry Program Overview
Are you preparing for medical or dental school, considering graduate study, or seeking a career in industry?
A Bachelor of Science (BS) in biochemistry opens doors to diverse fields, including medicine, pharmacology, drug discovery, biotechnology, agricultural research and genetic engineering. As a core discipline, biochemistry underpins advances in health, biotechnology and agriculture. ECU's program blends biology, chemistry, math and physics to provide students with a strong foundation for professional school, graduate study or immediate entry into the workforce.
With the choice of two concentrations, our majors gain hands-on experience through independent research with faculty in biology, chemistry and medicine. Many present their work at regional and national conferences, showcasing skills that set them apart. A large number of students graduate with a double major in biochemistry (BS) and chemistry (BA), giving them an added competitive edge.
Our graduates are well prepared - and highly employable.
ECU Advantage
Our faculty are recognized at ECU, across the UNC System and nationally for their excellence - earning awards, securing competitive grants, and publishing in leading international journals. They share an enthusiasm for discovery, a commitment to community and a passion for teaching.
ECU's BS in biochemistry is one of only 120 programs in the nation - and one of four in North Carolina - accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). This accreditation affirms that our program meets the highest standards of excellence, providing a curriculum that emphasizes core concepts, critical thinking, and the skills essential for careers in biochemistry and molecular biology.
Graduates of our program are highly competitive and regularly gain admission to top graduate and professional schools across the country.
What You Will Study
Program Coordinator: Grace Chen (2515 Life Sciences and Biotechnology Building; 252-328-9769; chenf21@ecu.edu) Chemistry Concentration Program Coordinator: Lisa Bennett (416 Science and Technology Building; 252-328-9727; bennettl@ecu.edu)
The purpose of the Biochemistry, BS program is to prepare our students with the knowledge and confidence to apply the scientific method in biochemical research; train our students to communicate scientific discoveries in standard scientific formats; educate our students so they understand, and are able to apply, foundational biochemical concepts necessary for graduate education or a career in the biochemical sciences.
The degree requires a minimum of 120 s.h. as follows:
Core Requirements:
1. General education requirements including those listed below - 40 s.h.
(For information about courses that carry general education credit view the General Education Program section.)
- CHEM 1150 - General Chemistry I
- CHEM 1151 - General Chemistry Laboratory I
- MATH 1065 - College Algebra or approved general education calculus course
2. Core - 32 s.h.
(Students are required to take BIOL and CHEM core courses.)
Biology (15 s.h.)
- BIOL 1100 - Principles of Biology I
- BIOL 1101 - Principles of Biology Laboratory I
- BIOL 1200 - Principles of Biology II
- BIOL 1201 - Principles of Biology Laboratory II
- BIOL 4880 - Principles of Biochemistry I
- BIOL 4890 - Principles of Biochemistry II
- BIOL 4891 - Principles of Biochemistry Laboratory
Chemistry (17 s.h.)
- CHEM 1160 - General Chemistry II
- CHEM 1161 - General Chemistry Laboratory II
- CHEM 3250 - Quantitative and Instrumental Analysis
- CHEM 3251 - Quantitative and Instrumental Analysis Laboratory
- CHEM 2750 - Organic Chemistry I
- CHEM 2753 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
- CHEM 2760 - Organic Chemistry II
- CHEM 2763 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
3. Cognates - 25 s.h.
- MATH 1083 - Precalculus
- MATH 2171 - Calculus I
- MATH 2172 - Calculus II
- MATH 2173 - Calculus III
- PHYS 1251 - General Physics Laboratory I
- PHYS 1261 - General Physics Laboratory II
- PHYS 2350 - University Physics I
- PHYS 2360 - University Physics II
4. Concentrations - 20-22 s.h.
(Choose one of the following.)
Biology (22 s.h.)
Required courses - 6 s.h.
- BIOL 2300 - Principles of Genetics
- BIOL 3260 - Cell and Developmental Biology
Electives - 16 s.h.
(Choose from the following.)
- BIOL 1120 - Careers in Biology
- BIOL 2100 - Biotechnology I
- BIOL 2101 - Biotechnology Laboratory I
- BIOL 2800 - Biological Instruction
- BIOL 3110 - Biotechnology II
- BIOL 3220 - Microbiology
- BIOL 3221 - Microbiology Laboratory
- BIOL 3310 - Cellular Physiology
- BIOL 3311 - Cellular Physiology Discussion
- BIOL 3820 - Plant Biotechnology
- BIOL 4030 - Principles of Toxicology
- BIOL 4230 - Concepts in Cell Biology
- BIOL 4260 - Cell Biology
- BIOL 4420 - Microbial Biotechnology
- BIOL 4490 - Applied Cell Biology
- BIOL 4491 - Applied Cell Biology Laboratory
- BIOL 4650 - Biology of Cancer
- BIOL 4830 - Topics in Biochemistry
- BIOL 4860 - Research Experience in Cell Biology
- BIOL 4991 - Internship
- BIOL 5870 - Molecular Biology of the Gene
- BIOL 5900 - Biotechniques
- BIOL 5901 - Biotechniques Laboratory
- CHEM 4522 - Pharmaceutical Industry Regulations: Good Manufacturing Practices
- CHEM 4523 - Pharmaceutical Industry Skills Laboratory
- MATH 3331 - Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations
- Research hours
Chemistry (20 s.h.)
Required courses - 10 s.h.
- CHEM 3950 - Physical Chemistry I
- CHEM 3951 - Physical Chemistry I Laboratory
- CHEM 3960 - Physical Chemistry II
- CHEM 3961 - Physical Chemistry II Laboratory
Electives - 10 s.h.
(Choose from the following.)
- BIOL 2300 - Principles of Genetics
- BIOL 4830 - Topics in Biochemistry
- CHEM 2301 - Chemistry Instruction
- CHEM 3450 - Elementary Inorganic Chemistry
- CHEM 3451 - Elementary Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
- CHEM 4350 - Instrumental Analysis
- CHEM 4351 - Instrumental Analysis Laboratory
- CHEM 4522 - Pharmaceutical Industry Regulations: Good Manufacturing Practices
- CHEM 4523 - Pharmaceutical Industry Skills Laboratory
- CHEM 4550 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
- CHEM 5760 - Organic Structure Elucidation
- MATH 3331 - Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations
- 3 hours of research in biology or chemistry
5. Electives to complete requirements for graduation
For more information about this degree visit the university's academic catalogs.
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