Biochemistry, BA
Contemporary biological sciences are based on principles of chemistry and physics. The importance of this relationship is the basis of the Penn Biochemistry major, which prepares students for advanced study in areas as diverse as biophysics, biotechnology, cell biology, genetic engineering, genomics, molecular biology, molecular genetics, nanotechnology, neurobiology, structural biology, systems biology, and biochemistry. The major provides the basic science background for graduate and health professional schools and for prospective science teachers.
The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 36. Double majors may need more course units.
For more information: https://biochemistry.sas.upenn.edu
For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| College General Education Requirements and Free Electives | ||
| Foundational Approaches + Sectors + Free Electives | 18 | |
| Calculus Requirement + | ||
| MATH 1400 | Calculus, Part I | 1 |
| or MATH 1610 | Honors Calculus | |
| MATH 1410 | Calculus, Part II | 1 |
| or MATH 2600 | Honors Calculus, Part II | |
| Chemistry Requirement | ||
| General Chemistry: | ||
| CHEM 1012 | General Chemistry I * | 1 |
| or CHEM 1151 | Honors Chemistry I | |
| or CHEM 1011 | Introduction to General Chemistry I | |
| CHEM 1022 | General Chemistry II * | 1 |
| or CHEM 1161 | Honors Chemistry II | |
| or CHEM 1021 | Introduction to General Chemistry II | |
| General Chemistry Laboratories: | ||
| CHEM 1101 & CHEM 1102 | General Chemistry Laboratory I and General Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| Organic Chemistry Requirement | ||
| CHEM 2411 | Principles of Organic Chemistry I with Laboratory | 1.5 |
| CHEM 2421 | Principles of Organic Chemistry II with Laboratory | 1.5 |
| Physical Chemistry Requirements | ||
| CHEM 2210 | Physical Chemistry I (Fall Only) | 1 |
| CHEM 2220 | Physical Chemistry II (Spring Only) | 1 |
| Biological Chemistry Requirements | ||
| CHEM 2510 | Principles of Biological Chemistry 1 | 1 |
| CHEM 5510 | Biological Chemistry I (Fall Only) | 1 |
| CHEM 5520 | Biological Chemistry II (Spring Only) | 1 |
| Physics Requirement | ||
| PHYS 0150 | Principles of Physics I: Mechanics and Wave Motion | 1.5 |
| or PHYS 0170 | Honors Physics I: Mechanics and Wave Motion | |
| PHYS 0151 | Principles of Physics II: Electromagnetism and Radiation | 1.5 |
| or PHYS 0171 | Honors Physics II: Electromagnetism and Radiation | |
| Research Requirement | ||
| BCHE 4597 | Biochemistry Laboratory 2 | 2 |
| Total Course Units | 36 | |
- +
Students should complete 2 semesters of MATH at Penn.
- *
CHEM 1011 and CHEM 1021 are not recommended for Biochemistry majors and will only be considered in special circumstances. Students should consult with a Biochemistry program chair prior to taking these courses if planning on the major.
- 1
Take before end of fourth semester. Take after CHEM 2411 Principles of Organic Chemistry I with Laboratory but BEFORE CHEM 5510 Biological Chemistry I.
- 2
Year four, fall and spring terms. Mentored research with host principal investigator.
Honors
Requirements: GPA of 3.2 in courses required for the major, taken at Penn, and not including BCHE 4597 Biochemistry Laboratory.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.