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College of Science and Technology
Temple University

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BioChemistry BS

Program Goals

The program prepares students for excellence in graduate or medical school, employment in the chemical, biotechnological, or pharmaceutical industries. Students learn a wide array of topics in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Students learn to apply biochemical principles to real-life situations via problem-based approaches in their courses. Students learn the tools that biochemists need to pursue research in their laboratory courses. Students also are encouraged to pursue independent research with a professor and to present their work in poster format.


Learning Objectives

With these goals in mind, we follow the American Chemical Society's (ACS) guidelines as given in the Undergraduate Professional Education in Chemistry (UPEC) pamphlet (Spring 2008). A list of those goals are given below:

After completing this program, students should:

  • know material from foundational and in-depth course work in Biochemical research:
    • Genetics
    • Cell Structure and Function
    • Organic Chemistry
    • Physical Chemistry
    • Biochemistry Lecture and Laboratory
    • Molecular Biology
  • have laboratory experience in both Biology and Chemistry
  • have problem-solving skills
    • Develop testable hypotheses
    • Design and execute experiments
    • Data analysis
  • be able to research biochemical literature
  • be able to communicate their knowledge of biochemistry as developed in the capstone courses and poster presentations
  • be able to work effectively as part of a team as developed through their laboratory courses
  • have a demonstrated mastery of Biochemistry at a level that will allow them to succeed as graduate students in biochemistry or related fields, as students in professional schools, or as entry-level employees in government or industry.
  • be able to articulate an understanding of the relationships between chemistry and the biological sciences.
  • be able to perform basic biochemistry laboratory procedures used in the manipulation and analysis of proteins and nucleic acids.
  • be able to communicate the results of scientific experiments in oral reports, technical graphics, and written reports.
  • be able to make informed choices among post-graduate opportunities for work or further education.

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