Offered in: Chicago | Schaumburg

The BS degree in Biochemistry provides thorough training in the fundamental principles and experimental techniques of chemistry and biology as they apply to biological systems and emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of these sciences. This program prepares students for various careers, including biological, chemical, or biochemical research, secondary education teaching, or employment in the health sciences, government, or industry. The Biochemistry major may lead to interdisciplinary sciences such as biotechnology, forensics, environmental science, or pharmacology. It is well suited to the needs of students interested in pre-health professional programs, including pre-medical, pre-veterinary, and pre-pharmacy.

Biochemistry majors interested in teaching science at the elementary or secondary level should meet with an advisor early in their program to plan an appropriate course sequence. Biochemistry majors with strong academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply to the Roosevelt Honors Program.

Standards

All courses applying to the biochemistry major, including required supporting courses, must be passed with a C- or higher grade and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.

Requirements

• Courses applying to the Biochemistry major, including required supporting courses, must be taken on a letter-grade basis.
• At least 25 credit hours of the required Biochemistry, Chemistry, and/or Biology courses must be completed at Roosevelt University.
• All Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Biology courses must be taken within eight years of graduation to be accepted for credit without examination.

• Entering students with a score of at least 4 on the AP chemistry exam receive 3 credit hours of CHEM 1xx AP Chemistry credit and are waived from CHEM 201 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I.  Students with a 3 on the AP chemistry exam receive 3 credit hours of CHEM 1xx AP Chemistry credit and satisfy the physical science general education lecture requirement.

• Biochemistry majors may not minor in either Biology or Chemistry. A mathematics minor is encouraged, but no minor is required

CORE Requirements (General Education)

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Higher level of Math may be required by major

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Coursework must come from outside of students' major discipline

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A maximum of 9 credits can be applied from a single discipline towards humanities and social science requirements

These quantitative requirements also apply to degrees.

• Students must earn a minimum of 120 semester hours.
• Students may apply no more than 60 credit hours of 100-level courses toward the degree.
• Students must apply no fewer than 60 credit hours of 200- and 300-level courses toward the degree.
• Students must have at least 18 credit hours (of the 60 credit hours above) at the 300 level.
• Students may transfer in no more than 70 credit hours from community colleges.
• Students earning less than 60 total hours in residence must take their final 30 hours at Roosevelt University. Note that some majors have additional requirements for RU hours.
• Students must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher to graduate. Note that some majors have additional GPA requirements.
• Students may apply no more than 51 hours in the major (BA) or 57 hours in the major (BS)

Your degree map is a general guide suggesting courses to complete each term on the academic pathway to your degree. It is based on the most current scheduling information from your academic program. Your program’s degree map is reviewed annually and updated as schedules change (although you retain the same course requirements as long as you are continuously enrolled in your degree program).

Always work closely with your academic advisor to understand curriculum requirements and scheduling, as each student’s academic plan can look slightly different.

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Or any other course at the 300 level within the discipline except BIOL 301 CELLULAR &MOLECULAR BIOLOGY.

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Experiential Learning class must be 200/300 level. Satisfies CORE Experiential Learning requirement. EXL courses can satisfy major requirements/electives or CORE requirement.