2023-2024 Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2023-2024 Catalog

Biochemistry, BA


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The BA in Biochemistry program is suitable for students wishing to complete a major in biochemistry that requires fewer credit hours in biochemistry than does the biochemistry BS degree.The BA in Biochemistry with the general option is designed for students who wish to major in biochemistry, but is limited to fewer credit hours in biochemistry than the BS in Biochemistry. Students may be interested in a more general degree or may be pre-professional students who will elect significant course work from another department. BA students may go on to graduate school in the biochemical sciences by taking additional courses in biochemistry or related disciplines.

Students who wish to work as biochemists or to pursue graduate studies in biochemistry should consider on of the other program options (either the BS or the BA) in biochemistry rather than the Pre-Med or Secondary Education options.

General Information

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biochemistry requires the following:

  • A minimum of 52 credit hours of CHEM course work. At least 16 of those hours must be upper division (courses numbered 3000 or higher).
  • 17 additional hours of auxiliary course work.
  • A grade of C or better in all CHEM and auxiliary course work.
  • A minimum 2.0 GPA must be maintained in all CHEM course work.
  • No more than 60 credit hours of CHEM course work may apply to the bachelor’s degree.

Additional course work is required to complete the Biochemistry, BA degree. Please see the advising guide on the Academic Advising website for more information.

Biochemistry Major Options

The following options, or tracks, may be added to the Biochemistry major. Options may have different course, grade, GPA, or hour requirements.  See below for more information.

  • Pre-Med
  • Secondary Education - UCCSTeach

Course Requirements


Pre-Med Option


Admission to medical school is a difficult and highly competitive process. Additionally, medical schools are looking for candidates who not only excel academically, but who also demonstrate high-level interpersonal skills and have a good grasp of current issues in science and medicine. The BA in Biochemistry pre-med option has been designed specifically and carefully for students who are interested in a career in medicine. This option satisfies the latest course requirements of most medical schools, provides the breadth of classes needed to prepare students for the MCAT, and allows candidates to develop strengths in critical thinking and communication that lead to success. This option is also appropriate for students interested in other health-related careers.

Biochemistry Electives


Complete 6 hours of upper-division (3000 + level) Chemistry Electives. Up to 6 hours may be from CHEM 4904 or 4905.

Secondary Education Option


The BA in Biochemistry with the secondary education option is designed for students wishing to be high school chemistry teachers. This program has very specific requirements and little room for elective courses that will not count towards graduation. It is important to consult with advisors from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the College of Education.

For more information on the requirements for the Initial Secondary Licensure, see the Secondary Initial License Certificate .

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