Biochemistry
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Biochemistry Degree Map
Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree.
Outcomes & Careers
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$114k
Biochemist
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a biochemist and biophysicist is $114,740.
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$82k
Chemist and Materials Scientist
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a chemist and material scientist is $81,810.
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$90k
Chemist
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a chemist is $90,530
As a biochemistry major, you’ll gain a rigorous foundation in biochemistry, chemistry, science and math. You’ll complete a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete this degree, including the general education requirements and at least 39 senior division hours. A minor is required.
“Critical Courses” are italicized and bolded . Dat a shows that students who have completed this course in the first two years and have earned the noted grade are most likely to complete this program of study
Required Courses:
- CH184 General Chemistry I Lab (1)
- CH185 General Chemistry I (3)
- CH186 General Chemistry II (3)
- CH187 General Chemistry II Lab (1)
- CH195 Chemistry Seminar I (1)
- CH271 Foundations of Analytical Chemistry (5)
- CH295 Chemistry Seminar 2 (2)
- CH306 Inorganic Chemistry (3)
- CH341 Found of Organic Chem (4)
- CH342 Organic Chemistry Lab I (1)
- CH360 Polymer Chemistry (1)
- CH495 Chemistry Seminar 3 (1)
- CH531 Found of Biochemistry (3)
Biochemistry Option Courses:
- BI173 Cell/Organismal Biology (4)
- BI245 Lab Methods in Biotechnology (3)
- BI283 Genetics (4)
- BI310 General Microbiology (4)
- CH343 Adv Organic Chem (3)
- CH344 Organic Chem Lab II (2)
- CH420 Forensic Chemistry (4)
- CH532 Advanced Biochemistry (2)
- CH575 Chemical Instrumentation (4)
- Choose 3-4 hours of BI, CH, or FS electives (300-500 level)
Choose one course:
- BI404 Cell Biology (3)
- FS552 Forensic Serology & DNA Analysis (2)
Choose one course:
- BI450 Investigative Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (3)
- CH533 Biochemistry Laboratory (2)
Choose one course:
- MA223 Elementary Probability and Statistics (3)
- MA423 Statistical Analysis for Forensic Science (3)
Additional Requirements:
- MA139 Applied Calculus (3)
AND - CS101 Introduction to Computer Programming (3)
OR - MA140 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (5)
- PH120 Introductory Physics I (5)
AND - PH121 Introductory Physics II (5)
OR - PH230 General Physics I (5)
AND - PH231 General Physics II (5)
- Social and Behavioral Sciences – 6 hours
- Constitution Requirement – 3 hours
- Written Communication – 6 hours
- Oral Communication – 3 hours
- Natural Sciences – 7 hours (from two disciplines, one to include a lab)
- Mathematics – 3 hours
- Humanities & Fine Arts – 9 hours (from at least two disciplines)
- Additional requirements – 5 hours (to include UI100 for native students)
- Civics examination
Freshman Year
Fall Semester (15 Hours)
- UI100 (1)
- EN100 (3)
- CH184/CH185 (4)
- CH195(1)
- General Education (3)
- General Education (3)
Spring Semester (14-16 Hours)
- BI173 (4)
- CH186 (3)
- CH187 (1)
- Mathematics course (3-5)
- General Education (3)
Milestone: Maintain 2.0 cumulative GPA
Sophomore Year
Fall Semester (17 Hours)
- BI283 (4)
- CH271/071 (5)
- CH341 (4)
- CH342 (1)
- General Education or CS101 (3)
Spring Semester (14 Hours)
- BI310 (4)
- CH295 (2)
- CH343 (3)
- CH344 (2)
- General Education (3)
Milestone: Maintain 2.0 cumulative GPA
(summer courses are encouraged to avoid 18 hour semesters)
Junior Year
Fall Semester (15 Hours)
- CH306 (3)
- CH360 (1)
- CH531 (3)
- PH120/020 or PH230/030 (5)
- General Education (3)
Spring Semester (16 Hours)
- BI245 (3)
- CH532 (2)
- PH121/021 or PH231/031 (5)
- MA223 or MA423 (3)
- General Education (3)
Milestone: maintain 2.0 cumulative GPA
Senior Year
Fall Semester (12-14 Hours)
- CH420 (4)
- CH533/BI450 (2-3)
- BI/CH/FS Elective (3-4)
- General Education (3)
Spring Semester (12-18 Hours)
- CH495 (1)
- CH575 (4)
- FS552 or BI404 (2-3)
- General Education (3)
- Elective (2-7)
Milestone: maintain 2.0 cumulative GPA
A “Milestone” signifies a significant stage for a student in the completion of a degree.
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Class of 2021, Biochemistry, ACS Certified Chemistry, Forensic
"In May 2021, I graduated from SEMO with a Bachelor of Science in three majors: ACS Certified Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Forensic Chemistry; as well as a minor in Biology. With the knowledge and skills I have acquired during my undergrad, I received offers of admission into Ph.D. programs at multiple universities and medical centers. Those that interviewed me were impressed with the course work, research, and work experiences I have gained while at SEMO. Another great opportunity found at SEMO that was highly praised in my graduate school interviews was my work experience as a teaching assistant for multiple semesters. I have currently accepted admission to the University of Georgia to begin their Ph.D. program in fall 2021, and my experiences at SEMO have served as a stepping-stone in reaching my educational goals."
Sydney Bedillion
Chemistry & Physics
The Will to Do
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Do tests, contribute to research, and connect with other students doing the same. -
Experimentation is not only welcome, it’s encouraged.
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Learn to see the world in a whole new way.
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Discover something new in our chemistry labs.
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Big ideas do not require a big classes, just great students.
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Become an expert in a science you love.
Department of Chemistry and Physics
One University Plaza, MS 6400
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701