Typical Four-year Outline: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology—Chemistry BS

The typical four-year outline for Michigan Tech's Biochemistry and Molecular Biology bachelor's degree provides a semester-by-semester guide to core courses, labs, and requirements.

The Interactive Degree Audit is the official method for tracking the completion of your specific degree requirements. Please be aware that there are multiple ways for students to progress through this major. This is just one sample and adjustments may be required due to curriculum changes. Students should work with their advisor to develop their individual plan. A full list of undergraduate course descriptions is available.

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First Year

Fall Semester
Course Credit
BL 1400 Principles of Biology 3
BL 1410 Principles of Biology Lab 1
CH 1134 Professional Develpment for Chemists  1
CH 1150 University Chemistry I And 3
CH 1151 University Chemistry Lab I And 1
CH 1153 University Chemistry I Recitation 1
MA 1160 Calculus with Technology I 4
UN 1015 Composition (or Foundations of the Human World course) 3
Total 17
Spring Semester
Course Credit
BL 2200 Genetics 3
CH 1160 University Chemistry II And 3
CH 1161 University Chemistry Lab IIAnd 1
CH 1163 University Chemistry II Recitation 1
MA 2160 Calculus with Technology II 4
PH 1100 Physics by Inquiry 1
UN 1015 Composition (or Foundations of the Human World course) 3
Well-Being and Success 1
Total 17

Second Year

Fall Semester
Course Credit
BL 3300 Genomics 3
CH 2430 Mechanistic Organic Chemistry 3
CH 2411 Organic Chemistry Lab I 1
MA 2321 Elementary Linear Algebra AND MA 3521 Elementary Differential Equations   4
PH 2100 University Physics I 3
Intercultural Competency OR Arts and Culture course 3
Total 17
Spring Semester
Course Credit
CH 2440 Synthetic Organic Chemistry 3
CH 2421 Organic Chemistry Lab II 2
CH 2710 Introduction to Computational Chemistry   3
PH 1200 Physics by Inquiry II 1
PH 2200 University Physics II – E and M 3
Intercultural Competency OR Arts and Culture course 3
Well-Being and Success 1
Total 16

Third Year

Fall Semester
Course Credit
CH 3124 Communication for the Chemical Sciences 3
CH 3510 Physical Chemistry I 3
CH 3511 Physical Chemistry Lab I 2
CH 4710 Biomolecular Chemistry I   3
CH 4220 Bioanalytical ChemistryI 3
CH 4221 Bioanalytical Chemistry I Lab 2
Total 16
Spring Semester
Course Credit
CH 3540 Biophysical Chemistry 3
CH 3541 Biophysical Chemistry Lab 2
CH 4720 Biomolecular Chemistry II 3
SHAPE course 3
Essential Education Experience 3
Well-Being and Success 1
Total 15

Fourth Year

Spring Semester
Course Credit
CH 4721 Research Methods in Biomolecular Chemistry 3
CH 4995 Undergraduate Research in Biochemistry 3
Free Electives 8
Total 14

Grand Total = 128 Credits

Concentration Requirements

  • 6 credits of CH 4995 or BL 4840 and 3 credits of CH or BL 3000–4000 course(s).

Co-Curricular Activities

  • 3 units of co-curricular activities are required (PE courses are taught in 0.5 unit classes. Thus, 6 of these are needed for 3 units).
  • It is highly recommended that students take at least one PE class during each semester of their first year, if possible.

Essential Education Requirements (24 total credits)

Required courses are:

  • Essential Ed Seminar (UN 1013 or UN 2013, 1 credit),
  • Composition (UN 1015-3 credits),
  • a Natural and Physical Science course (3 credits),
  • a Communication Intensive course (3 credits),
  • an Arts and Culture course (3 credits),
  • an Intercultural Competency course (3 credits),
  • an Essential Education Experience course (3 credits),
  • and 3 credits of Activities for Well-being and Success.

For specific courses, reference Essential Education on the Registrar's website.

Additional Notes

  • Prerequisite (pre-req) course must be successfully completed PRIOR to taking the subsequent course.
    • Concurrent Prerequisites (concurrent noted by (C) or ©) may be taken at the same time, although it is not necessary if the prerequisite course is completed first.
      • Required Corequisite (co-req) courses that MUST be taken together in the same semester.
      • Class Standing: So (Sophomore Standing earned 30 credits) Jr (Junior Standing earned 60 credits), Sr (Senior Standing earned 90 credits)
      • Semester Offered: Noted under electives with F (Fall), Sp (Spring), Su (Summer) or On Demand (no anticipated offering but may show in the schedule, consult with your advisor)
  • Math: Students are placed into an initial math course based on ACT/SAT math score, the online ALEKS assessment, or a math placement exam score for credit (AP, IB, CLEP).
  • Transfer, Advanced Placement, or study abroad courses are not included in credit hours used for GPA calculations. Transfer credit is awarded for Michigan Tech equivalent coursework only if a grade of ‘C’ or better (2.00/4.00) or equivalent is earned at a transfer institution. Study abroad credit will be awarded based on passing a course according to equivalent international standards. Advanced Placement credit is awarded according to published AP Exam score standards (also IB and CLEP).

This degree plan is not an official list of degree requirements. Adjustments may be required due to curriculum changes.

Revised Spring 2023 for 2023-2024 academic year.