Biochemistry-Health Professions Track

Embark on a rewarding journey towards a B.S. in Biochemistry-Health Professions Track, where the worlds of biochemistry and healthcare intersect. This program is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of biochemistry principles and the necessary preparation for various health professions.

As a student in the Biochemistry-Health Professions Track, you will delve into a rigorous curriculum that combines core biochemistry courses with specialized coursework tailored to your chosen health profession. Whether you aspire to become a medical doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or veterinarian, our program offers dedicated tracks to guide you on the path to success.

Explore foundational subjects such as molecular biology, cell biology, and organic chemistry, building a strong scientific framework. Develop essential biochemical techniques and gain hands-on experience through laboratory experiments, honing your analytical skills and research abilities. Dive into the intricacies of medical biochemistry, pharmacology, and anatomy and physiology, acquiring the knowledge necessary for a deep understanding of the human body's biochemical processes.

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Program Information

The B.S. in Biochemistry-Health Professions Track program covers all the coursework required for admission to most health-related postgraduate schools, including medicine, dentistry, optometry, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, and biotechnology.

Program Type

Major

Degree

Bachelor's

Academic Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Duration

4-year

Required Credit Hours

120

Hear From An Alum

A Picture of Emily Sipko

"The support I have received from my research mentor and the graduate students in my lab has given me confidence in my ability to succeed and inspired me to want to pursue higher education in the field."

Emily Sipko BS Biochemistry - Health Professions, '21

Prepared For Anything

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Throughout your journey, engage in biochemical research, investigating critical questions and contributing to advancements in the field. Analyze biochemical pathways and perform biochemical analyses, deepening your understanding of complex biological systems. Gain insight into the diverse career opportunities available in biochemistry, from research and academia to pharmaceuticals and healthcare industries.

Explore Research Opportunities

Graduate Education

With a focus on healthcare professions, our program prepares you for the rigorous demands of medical school, dental school, pharmacy school, or veterinary school. We provide comprehensive preparation tailored to each specific path, ensuring you acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to excel in your chosen profession.

Our dedicated faculty and advisors are committed to supporting your academic and professional development, guiding you towards a successful career in biochemistry and healthcare. We provide resources and mentorship to navigate the application process for medical school, dental school, pharmacy school, or veterinary school, ensuring you have a competitive edge.

Life After Duquesne

Prepare to make a meaningful impact on the healthcare landscape as you pursue a career in biochemistry. The B.S. in Biochemistry-Health Professions Track opens doors to diverse opportunities, empowering you to contribute to the well-being of others while advancing scientific knowledge and innovation.

Take the first step towards your career in biochemistry and healthcare. Join our program and unlock the endless possibilities that await you.

 

Suggested Course Sequence

To assist students in achieving their academic goals within the B.S. in Biochemistry Health Professions program, we recommend the following course sequence. It is important to note that BRDG courses can be completed in any order throughout the undergraduate curriculum, allowing for greater flexibility in scheduling. All prerequisites must be met with a C or higher.

Undergraduate research is highly encouraged. Our department recognizes the value of research and the significant contributions it can make to the scientific community.

Fall Semester (17 credits)
  • CHEM 151 Atomic & Molec Principles (4 credits)
  • CHEM 151L Intro to Chemistry Lab (1 credit)
  • BIOL 111 / 111L Biology I / Lab (4 credits)
  • BRDG 101 Writing and Analysis (3 credits)
  • MATH 115 Calculus I (4 credits)
  • CHEM 153 Career Op in Chem and Biochem I (1 credit)

Spring Semester (17 credits)
  • CHEM 152 Quantitative Analysis (4 credits)
  • CHEM 152L Quantitative Analysis Lab (1 credit)
  • BIOL 112 / 112L Biology II / Lab (4 credits)
  • BRDG 102 Writing and Literature (3 credits)
  • MATH 116 Calculus II (4 credits)
  • BRDG 100 Research & Info Skills (1 credit)
Fall Semester (16 credits)
  • CHEM 228 Structure, Mech & React (4 credits)
  • CHEM 228L Org Struct & Properties Lab (1 credit)
  • PHYS 211/R Gen Analy Phys I/Rec (3 credits)
  • PHYS 211L GAP I Lab (1 credit)
  • BIOL 212 Cell Molec Biol (4 credits)
  • EQ Essential Questions Seminar (3 credits)

Spring Semester (16 credits)
  • CHEM 229 Reacts, Synths & Spectroscopy (4 credits)
  • CHEM 229L Organic Synthesis Lab (1 credit)
  • PHYS 212/R Gen Analy Phys II/Rec (3 credits)
  • PHYS 212L GAP II Lab  (1 credit)
  • ENGL 302W Scientific Writing (3 credits)
  • CHEM 154 Career Op in Chem and Biochem II (1 credit)
  • Biochem/Chem/Math/Biol Elective (3 credits)
Fall Semester (16 credits)
  • CHEM 340 Instrumental Analysis (3 credits)
  • CHEM 419 Adv Biochemistry I (3 credits)
  • CHEM 305L/R Adv Lab Skills/R (1 credit)
  • MATH 225 Intro to Biostatistics (3 credits)
  • PSYC 101 Intro to Psychology (3 credits)
  • Biochem/Chem/Math/Biol Elective (3 credits)

Spring Semester (13 credits)
  • CHEM 329 Thermodynamics (3 credits)
  • CHEM 436 Adv Biochemistry Il (3 credits)
  • CHEM 537 Biomed Applications in Biochemistry (3 credits)
  • SPRG 108 Service Learning in Science (0-1 credits)
  • SOCI 101 Survey of Sociology (3 credits)
  • CHEM 155 Career Op in Chem and Biochem III (1 credit)
Fall Semester (13 credits)
  • CHEM 426L/R Adv Exp Tech/Applct (4 credits)
  • Biochemistry/Chemistry Elective (3 credits)
  • General Elective (Theology) (3 credits)
  • BRDG 105 Intro to Ethical Reasoning (3 credits)

Spring Semester (12 credits)
  • Bridges Course - Ethical Reasoning (3 credits)
  • Bridges Course - Critical Think & Prob Solv (3 credits)
  • General Elective (Philosophy) (3 credits)
  • Bridges Course - Cultural Fluency (3 credits)

Elective Offerings

Students must take three advanced electives. One elective must be a biochemistry or chemistry elective. The remaining two electives may be chemistry, biochemistry, biology, and/or math electives from the approved lists. Various mandatory and elective courses in this curriculum can be used toward fulfilling minor(s) (e.g. math, biology, psychology).

  • CHEM 508 Biomolecular Structure and Function
  • CHEM 527 Biophysical & Biochem Char of Macro
  • CHEM 529 Enzyme Kinetics and Mechanisms
  • CHEM 541 Structural Proteomics
  • CHEM 543 Protein Nucleic Acid Interactions
  • BIOL 315 Human Physiology
  • BIOL 319 General Microbiology
  • BIOL 332 Virology
  • BIOL 424 Immunology
  • BIOL 460 Endocrinology
  • BIOL 468 Human Genetics
  • BIOL 475 Neurobiology
  • CHEM 312 Inorganic Chemistry
  • CHEM 452 Environmental Chemistry
  • CHEM 503 Advanced Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM 519 Advanced Biochemistry I
  • CHEM 526 Organotransition Metal Chemistry
  • CHEM 528 Polymer Chemistry
  • CHEM 540 Molecular Visualization and Sim Methods
  • CHEM 544 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
  • CHEM 547 Reaction Mechanisms
  • CHEM 549 Single Crystal X-ray Crystallography
  • CHEM 565 Advanced Instrumental Analysis
  • CHEM 566 Mass Spectrometry Instrumental Analysis
  • CHEM 567 Statistical Thermodynamics
  • CHEM 590 Green Chemistry
  • CHEM 598 Special Topics
  • MATH 215 Calculus lll
  • MATH 310 Linear Algebra
  • MATH 314 Differential Equations
  • MATH 335 Biostatistics Il