Website: Biochemistry

Students in the interdisciplinary field of biochemistry explore life’s molecular building blocks and the intersections of biology and chemistry. Majors complete six required courses in biology and chemistry, then choose electives from such courses as cell biology, organic chemistry, thermodynamics and kinetics, genetics, immunology, microbiology, environmental physiology and biochemistry of animals, inorganic chemistry, chemical analysis, and advanced biochemistry.

Science students pursue their work in Spencer Hall, Sewanee’s LEED-certified $22 million science facility.

The interdisciplinary major in Biochemistry is administered by the Departments of Biology and Chemistry.

Requirements for the Major in Biochemistry

The major requires successful completion of the following:

Honors

In order to receive honors in the biochemistry program, a student must have a 3.20 or higher GPA in the major courses and must complete a research project that the biochemistry committee considers worthy of honors. The research project may be done as part of a course (usually BIOL 444 or CHEM 494), or it may be done in the context of a summer research program at University of the South or at another institution. The honors project must involve some original work. A formal written report and seminar presentation on the research are required. Students must inform the biochemistry committee of their intention to seek honors no later than October 1 of their senior year.

Requirements for the Minor in Biochemistry

The minor requires successful completion of the following: