愛(ài)荷華大學(xué)

To maximize student flexibility, the curriculum for the B.S. with a major in biochemistry is identical to the B.A. degree in the first two years of study.

The Bachelor of Science with a major in biochemistry requires a minimum of 120 s.h., including 70 s.h. of work for the major. Students must maintain a g.p.a. of at least 2.00 in all courses for the major and in all UI courses for the major. They also must complete the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences GE CLAS Core.

All students majoring in biochemistry are initially placed in the Bachelor of Arts degree program. Students in good academic standing can switch to the Bachelor of Science degree program after completing one semester of organic chemistry (CHEM:2230 Organic Chemistry I for Majors or CHEM:2210Organic Chemistry I).

The biochemistry major for the Bachelor of Science degree is intended primarily for students planning careers in research. The B.S. program prepares students to pursue graduate degrees, such as an M.S., Ph.D., or a combined M.D./Ph.D. program, or to work as research technicians. The B.S. program requires 12-14 s.h. more credit in science and laboratory electives than the B.A. program does.

Honors in the Major

Students have the opportunity to graduate with honors in the major. Departmental honors students must maintain a cumulative University of Iowa g.p.a. of at least 3.33. They must earn 6 s.h. in BIOC:4999Advanced Undergraduate Biochemistry Research and present their research results in a honors thesis written in the form of a journal article and in an oral report given at a special open departmental seminar.

Biochemistry graduates with bachelor's degrees often work as research assistants in industry, government, education, or health services; teach in secondary schools; or go on to advanced study in medicine, dentistry, or other areas. The program offers solid preparation for careers in medicine, biology, chemistry, dentistry, research, or related sciences. About one-third of biochemistry majors go on to study medicine; others enter graduate programs or professional degree programs.