Biochemistry BA

Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry
Biochemistry is an undergraduate major in the College of Arts & Sciences
that is supervised by the

Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
247 Basic Medical Sciences Building
Phone: 272-3333

Program Requirements

The Bachelors degree in biochemistry meets or exceeds all of the curricular recommendations suggested by both the American Chemical Society and the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. In addition, the program is consistent with current national recommendations for education practices in the 21 st century.

A total of 62 hours are required for the BA degree. No minor course of study is required for the biochemistry major.

Although the major in biochemistry is offered by the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is organizationally and physically part of the School of Medicine just north of the main campus. Some courses are given on the main campus, while more advanced courses and senior research are conducted in two modern, excellently equipped building in the Medical School complex.

Curricular Overview

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology education at the University of New Mexico is a small but comprehensive program in which instruction takes place in classes with relative few students in small learning communities. Where possible instruction is individualized and there is significant interaction between student and faculty. The program strives to make research-based, and inquiry-based learning the normal learning mode and encourages all students to become involved in the research and teaching opportunities available within the department. Each spring there is a capstone experience for students at the annual departmental retreat in which students present the results of their individual research projects.

Core Courses (These courses are identical for both the BA and BS degrees)

Calculus:	MATH 162-163	(or 180-181)
Physics:	PHYS 151–151L, 152–152L	(or 160-160L, 161-161L, 262)
Biology:	BIOL 201-202
Gen & Quant Chem:	CHEM 121L-122L, 253L	(or 131L-132L)
Organic Chem:	CHEM 301–302 and 303L–304L	(or 307-303L and 308-304L)

Biochemistry:	BIOCHM 445–446

Advanced Courses Requirements

	CHEM 315
	Nine (9) credit hours from biochemistry courses (above the 450 level including BIOCHM 448) or approved courses in related disciplines to a minimum of 62 credit hours. Note that research courses (BIOCHM 497,498,499) cannot be used to satisfy this requirement without prior approval.
	No minor study is required.

Students majoring in biochemistry are encouraged to seek academic advisement from the Department early in their college experience. In addition, to complete degree requirements within 4 years, biochemistry majors should plan on taking two science or math courses each semester beginning in their freshman year. The Department encourages all students to become involved in both the research and teaching opportunities available within the department. For more information about these opportunities or about the major in biochemistry, consult the Departmental WEB site: http://hsc.unm.edu/bmb

For more information contact:
William L. Anderson, Ph.D.
Director of Undergraduate Programs
Vice Chair, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
wanderson@salud.unm.edu

Document to download (click on the icon)

BA Program