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University of Pittsburgh    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
 
  Mar 29, 2024
 
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Biochemistry, BS


Biochemistry is the study of how molecules in organisms work and interact at a chemical and physical level. Biochemistry can be used to study the underpinnings of processes in a wide range of disciplines, including cell biology, developmental biology, and molecular biology. Biochemical and molecular developments have revolutionized biological research, fueling the explosive growth in the biotechnology industry and rapid increase of molecular medicine.

The Biochemistry Major provides a strong background for many science careers, incorporating the requirements for admission to medical, dental, and other health professional schools and to graduate schools in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, and related disciplines. Positions for biochemists at the BS, MS, and PhD levels are available in the biotechnology industries as well as in universities, medical schools, hospitals, government laboratories, research institutes, and public health institutions.

Requirements for the Biochemistry Major are described below.

Biological Sciences courses


Majors must complete a minimum of 32 credits of Biological Sciences coursework as described below.

Biochemistry elective courses


Choose two lecture courses and one lab course from the following lists.

Grade requirements


  • Each required BIOSC course for the major must be completed with a grade of C or better.
  • The elective courses for the major must also be completed with a grade of C or better.
  • A minimum GPA of 2.0 in all departmental courses taken is required for graduation. If a C- or lower is earned in an elective course for the major but is not repeated, the course will be used to calculate the departmental GPA but will not be counted toward the 32 credits required for the major.
  • Students must also earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the co-requisite courses. A passing grade of C- or lower in a co-requisite course can be accepted if balanced by a higher grade in another co-requisite course so that the co-requisite GPA is 2.0 or higher. Exceptions: CHEM 0110 and CHEM 0120 have to be C or better to declare the major; PHYS 0110/0174 has to be C or better to enroll in PHYS 0111/0175; MATH 0220 has to be C or better to enroll in MATH 0230.
  • Only one BIOSC course may be taken on a Satisfactory/No Credit (S/NC) basis.

David C. Frederick Honors College equivalent courses may be substituted for required or elective courses.

120 Credits




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