Biochemistry
Program Description
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry embraces and supports the overall mission of La Salle University. We strive to create and maintain a nurturing, supportive environment for both students and faculty as we advance our understanding of biochemistry and its application to the world around us. Our goal is to establish a community of curious and knowledgeable active learners. Implicit in the mission is a profound respect for the individual learner and an emphasis on the ethical responsibility of scientific inquiry towards the broader local, national and global communities.
Why take this major?
Our graduates have attended some of the best graduate schools in the country including Princeton, Harvard, Berkeley, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, and Caltech. Many of our students have become physicians, laywers, or teachers, while other graduates have obtained lucrative employment in the biochemical industry.
No matter what their chosen career path, our graduates excel because our department trains them in the critical thinking and problem solving. As a liberal arts university, La Salle has a curriculum that offers a solid background in the fundamentals of chemical and biochemical sciences coupled with a broad-based education. Students are made aware of the interconnections of biochemistry with the other sciences and also with the social sciences, business, and the humanities. With such an education, our graduates leave La Salle as dynamic, adaptable, and prepared individuals ready for almost anything they will face in the future.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will execute biochemical experimental laboratory techniques.
- Students will communicate scientific ideas and research both orally and in writing to both general and scientific audiences.
- Students will persist, think critically, and problem solve in tackling complex scientific problems.
- Students will explain the importance of biochemistry in addressing societal issues.
- Students will explain, visualize, and interpret biochemistry at a macroscopic or (molecular) microscopic level.
Program Contact Information
William Price
Chair
Holroyd Hall 345
price@lasalle.edu
(215) 951-1261
Degree Earned
B.S.
Number of Courses Required for Graduation
Major: 19 Courses: 9-11 Chemistry, 3-5 Biology, 2 Math, 2 Physics, 1 Computer Science
Total: 38
Number of Credits Required for Graduation
Major: 73
Total: minimum of 130
GPA Required for Graduation
Major: 2.0
Cumulative: 2.0
Progress Chart
Level One - Core Courses
12 courses and 2 modules required
Universal Required Courses (4 Courses)
Students must complete the following 4 courses.
ILO 8.1: Written Communication
ENG 110 - College Writing I: Persuasion
ILO 5.1: Information Literacy
ENG 210 - College Writing II: Research
ILO 1.1: Understanding Diverse Perspectives
FYS 130 - First-Year Academic Seminar **
NOTE. The following students use Level 2 Capstone Experience in Major instead of FYS 130: Honors, BUSCA, Core-to-Core, Transfer, and Non-Traditional/Evening.
ILO 2.1: Reflective Thinking and Valuing
REL 100 - Religion Matters
Elective Core Courses (4 Courses)
Students must complete 1 course in each of the following 4 ILOs.
ILO 3.1a: Scientific Reasoning
CHM 111 General Chemistry I
ILO 3.1b: Quantitative Reasoning
MTH 120 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
ILO 6.1: Technological Competency
CSC 152 Introduction to Computing: Mathematics/Science Applications
ILO 8.1a/12.1: Oral Communication/ Collaborative Engagement
Choose course within ILO
Distinct Discipline Core Courses (4 Courses)
Students must complete 1 course in each of the following 4 ILOs. Each course must be from a different discipline. (A "discipline" is represented by the 3- or 4-letter prefix attached to each course.)
ILO 4.1: Critical Analysis and Reasoning
Choose course within ILO
ILO 9.1: Creative and Artistic Expression
Choose course within ILO
ILO 10.1: Ethical Understanding and Reasoning
Choose course within ILO
ILO 11.1: Cultural and Global Awareness and Sensitivity
Choose course within ILO
Universal Required Modules (2 Courses)
Students must complete the following 2 non-credit modules.
The Modules are not required for Transfer Students, Core-to-Core Students, or BUSCA Students. BUSCA students are required to take modules if/when they pursue a bachelor’s degree.
ILO 7.1a
Health Literacy Module
ILO 7.1b
Financial Literacy Module
Major Requirements
Major requirements include 4 Level Two ILO requirements, fulfilled through the major.
Students in this major must complete 38 courses in total in order to graduate. 19 Courses: 9-11 Chemistry, 3-5 Biology, 2 Math, 2 Physics, 1 Computer Science courses will be from this major program.
Level Two (4 Courses)
Students must complete 1 course/learning experience in each of the 4 commitments.
ILO 2.2: Broader Identity (Capstone Course/Experience)
Fulfilled within major
Choose one ILO from 3.2a, 3.2b, 4.2, 5.2, 6.2, 7.2a, or 7.2b: Expanded Literacies
Fulfilled within major
ILO 8.2b: Effective Expression (Writing-Intensive Course)
Fulfilled within major
Choose on ILO from 10.2, 11.2, or 12.2: Active Responsibility
Fulfilled within major
All Other Required Courses
BIO 210 - Cellular Biology and Genetics
BIO 402 - Cell Biology
BIO 413 - Molecular Biology
CHM 111 - General Chemistry I
CHM 112 - General Chemistry II
CHM 201 - Organic Chemistry I
CHM 202 - Organic Chemistry II
CHM 212 - Quantitative Analysis
CHM 331 - Thermodynamics & Kinetics
CHM 411 - Biochemistry I
CHM 412 - Biochemistry II
CHM 499 - Capstone
CSC 152 - Introduction to Computing: Mathematics/Science Applications
MTH 120 - Calculus I
MTH 121 - Calculus II
PHY 105 - General Physics I
PHY 106 - General Physics II
Two Elective courses from the list below:
For students double majoring in Biology and Biochemistry, the two electives must be Chemistry courses.
For students double majoring in Chemistry and Biochemistry, the two electives must be Biology courses.
BIO 306 - Neurobiology
BIO 310 - Genetics
BIO 430 - Biology of Cancer
CHM 311 - Instrumental Chemistry
CHM 320 - Organic Laboratory Methods
CHM 332 - Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy
CHM 403 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
Free Electives
In addition to the requirements listed above, students must take enough courses to the fulfill graduation credit requirements for their School and major.
Dual Major Requirements
Biology majors wishing to double major with Biochemistry need to take two Chemistry courses as their electives.
Chemistry majors wishing to double major with Biochemistry need to take two Biology courses as their electives.
Recommended Course Sequence
Freshman Year:
Fall: CHM 111, MTH 120
Spring: CHM 112, MTH 221, CSC 152
Sophomore Year:
Fall: CHM 201, PHY 105
Spring: CHM 202, PHY 106, BIO 210
Junior Year:
Fall: BIO 402, Elective
Spring: CHM 212, CHM 331, BIO 413
Senior Year:
Fall: CHM 411, Elective
Spring: CHM 412, CHM 499
Course Descriptions
All course descriptions may be found in the main menu under Undergraduate > Courses: A-Z.