Biochemistry

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts of the traditional areas of chemistry.

  • Communicate complex technical information in written and/or oral format.

  • Interpret and draw conclusions from experimental data. 

  • Demonstrate safe lab practices.

  • Retrieve chemical information from the chemical literature, books, and databases. 

Pre-Health Program 
A pre-health curriculum for pre-medical, pre-dental, and pre-veterinary studies is also offered in cooperation with the Biology Department.

The General Education Requirement 
All students must satisfy a general education requirement consisting of ten (10) courses outside of the major department. The General Education Domain II-B (Natural Sciences) and laboratory requirement are satisfied through the completion of the Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Food Science majors.

Course Prerequisites 
Courses may have specified conditions for enrollment, such as prior completion of less advanced courses, permission of the instructor, or appropriate placement test scores. Students should refer to course descriptions in the department listings for prerequisite requirements.

Major Core Requirements

The following eight (8) core requirements are required of Chemistry majors in all concentrations:

  • CHEM 107/107L Principles of Chemistry with Lab
  • CHEM 108/108L Principles of Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis with Lab
  • CHEM 207/207L Organic Chemistry I with Lab
  • CHEM 208/208L Organic Chemistry II with Lab
  • MATH 219 Calculus I (Gen. Ed. Domain II-A)
  • MATH 220 Calculus II
  • PHYS 211/211L Principles of Physics I with Lab
  • PHYS 212/212L Principles of Physics II with Lab

 

Concentrations

All students majoring in Chemistry must choose one (1) of the two (2) concentrations: ACS-Approved Program or General Chemistry.

Concentration Requirements

A minor in one the following areas is required with the General Chemistry concentration: business, computer science, earth science, secondary education, or mathematics. Other minors may be approved by the Department of Chemistry and Food Science. Students choosing to minor in secondary education must take CHEM 301 Biochemistry I.

 

PROGRAM IN EDUCATION 
Chemistry majors with a concentration in General Chemistry may minor in secondary education to obtain Initial Licensure at the high school level.

Career Opportunities

Chemistry majors will be prepared to pursue career opportunities across a wide range of exciting fields, including:

biochemistry lab

Chemical engineer

Evaluate methods of turning chemicals into marketable and usable products. Advanced degree needed.

Forensic Chemist

Work in law enforcement, analyzing evidence found at crime scenes.

Chemistry Teacher

Work in an academic institution and teach chemistry to students.

Chemical Technician

Work in a lab assisting with research and helping conduct experiments.

Toxicologist

Study the effect of chemicals on humans and animals.

Pharmacologist

Develop new drugs for pharmaceutical companies.

Meet Our Faculty

Ishara Mills-Henry

Ishara Mills-Henry, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Chemistry & Food Science Department and Bibbs Fellow Coordinator, CELTSS
Photo of Sarah Pilkenton

Sarah Pilkenton

Professor, Chemistry & Food Science Department
Shelli Waetzig

Shelli Waetzig, Ph.D.

Professor, Chemistry & Food Science Department
Photo of Vinay Mannam

Vinay Mannam, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Chemistry & Food Science Department
Rachel Duffy

Rachel Duffy, ’19, Chemistry

“It was refreshing to see that what I had been learning in my Organic Chemistry lectures and labs was exceptionally applicable to the work I was asked to do at my company.” 

Learn More

If the Chemistry major sounds like a good fit but you would like to learn more, contact Admissions at admissions [at] framigham.edu (admissions[at]framigham[dot]edu) or 508-626-4500. 

 Apply 

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