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. It 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 entail more course units.
For more information: http://www.sas.upenn.edu/biochem/biochem.html
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 + Sectors1 + Free Electives | 18 | |
| Calculus Requirement | ||
| MATH 104 | Calculus, Part I | 1 |
| MATH 114 | Calculus, Part II | 1 |
| Chemistry Requirement | ||
| General Chemistry: | ||
| CHEM 101 | General Chemistry I | 1 |
| or CHEM 001 | ||
| CHEM 102 | General Chemistry II | 1 |
| General Chemistry Laboratories: | ||
| CHEM 053 & CHEM 054 | General Chemistry Laboratory I and General Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| Other Chemistry Requirements: | ||
| CHEM 241 | Principles of Organic Chemistry | 1 |
| CHEM 242 | Principles of Organic Chemistry II | 1 |
| CHEM 221 | Physical Chemistry I (Fall Only) | 1 |
| CHEM 222 | Physical Chemistry II (Spring Only) | 1 |
| CHEM 251 | Principles of Biological Chemistry 2 | 1 |
| CHEM 451 | Biological Chemistry I (Fall Only) | 1 |
| CHEM 452 | Biological Chemistry II (Spring Only) | 1 |
| CHEM 245 | Experimental Organic Chemistry | 1 |
| or CHEM 223 | Experimental Physical Chemistry I | |
| Physics Requirement | ||
| PHYS 150 | Principles of Physics I: Mechanics and Wave Motion | 1.5 |
| or PHYS 170 | Honors Physics I: Mechanics and Wave Motion | |
| PHYS 151 | Principles of Physics II: Electromagnetism and Radiation | 1.5 |
| or PHYS 171 | Honors Physics II: Electromagnetism and Radiation | |
| Research Requirement | ||
| BCHE 404 | Biochemistry Laboratory (Fall semester) | 1 |
| BCHE 404 | Biochemistry Laboratory (Spring after Fall semester) | 1 |
| Total Course Units | 36 | |
| 1 | You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement. |
| 2 | Take concurrently with or after CHEM 241 Principles of Organic Chemistry but BEFORE CHEM 451 Biological Chemistry I. |
Honors
Requirements: GPA of 3.2 in courses required for the major, taken at Penn, and not including BCHE 404 Biochemistry Laboratory.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2020 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.