Biochemistry Major

Program Directors: Jennifer Palenchar, PhD., James W. Wilson, PhD
Office Location: Mendel Science Center Rm. 215
Telephone: (610) 519-4840
[Website]

About

Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary major requiring comprehensive coursework in both Biology and Chemistry. The biological relevance of chemical concepts is stressed throughout the curriculum. Students are encouraged to pursue one of the many available research experiences.

PRIMARY MAJOR (122 credits)

Students are accepted into the major as incoming freshmen, or upon consultation with a program director when achieving a 2.0 or better in required courses.

Required Major Courses (69 credits)

Program Notes:

  • Students may substitute the sequence of MAT 1500 and MAT 1505 for MAT 1312 and STAT 1313 with permission from the program directors.
  • The Biochemistry program offers three mechanisms for participation in research by undergraduate majors. Competitive fellowships for 8-10 weeks of summer research are funded by University, government, or industrial sources. Recipients of these fellowships carry out a research program under the direction of a faculty member. Students may also enroll in research mentored by a faculty member for academic credit during the school year, which fulfills the elective requirement in the relevant department (CHM 4801, 4802, 4803, 4851, 4851 or BIO 6509, 6609). Students may also volunteer in research laboratories. In each case, students should discuss participation in research with Program of Biochemistry faculty members. A student must find a faculty mentor prior to enrolling in these courses.
Course
Title
Credits
Calculus I or Biocalculus  +
4
Calculus II or Statistics for Life Sciences  +
3 - 4
Approved Chemistry Elective  +
3
Approved Biology Elective  +
2 - 3
Sub-Total Credits
69-71

Core Curriculum Requirements (33 credits)

Biochemistry Majors meet the following core requirements in the major and therefore are omitted from the summary below: 

  • Core Math (3 cr)
  • Natural Science (8 cr)
Course
Title
Credits
Literature and Writing Seminar (1 course)  +
3
History (1 course)   +
3
Social Sciences (2 courses)  +
6
Fine Arts (1 course)  +
3
Upper-Level Theology (1 course)  +
3
Language Requirement (Proficiency)  +
Diversity Requirement (2 courses)  +
Sub-Total Credits
33

Free Elective Requirement (20 credits)

Students with a Biochemistry primary major have twenty (20) required free elective credits. 

Degree Credit Summary

  • Major Credits: 69 credits
  • Core Credits: 33 credits
  • Free Electives Credits: 20 credits
  • Total Required Credits: 122 Credits

Note: The above credit totals are based on the minimum number of required credits in each degree area. The minimum number of required credits in each area listed above must be met. Credits taken beyond the required minimum for one area may not be applied to another area. 

SECONDARY MAJOR

Students who declare biochemistry as a secondary major must complete the Required Major Courses to achieve this major. Students are able to count any eligible course taken in their primary major, the core curriculum, minors, concentrations, or free electives toward these requirements. 

Total Credits:
102-104

 

Disclaimer:
The above program requirements are applicable to students entering Fall 2023 and beyond. Please consult the appropriate archived handbook available on the homepage for years prior to these requirements. In order that programs offered by Villanova University reflect current advances and additions to knowledge and upgraded professional requirements, Villanova University reserves the right to change programs and requirements without prior notice. Students generally are bound to the requirements in effect and published online for the year in which their class begins its first year of study. Special requirements may be in effect for students who have left the University and are being readmitted. Students are advised to check with the web catalog or with their college offices regarding changes that may affect them. Additional academic information may be obtained from the various college offices and the web sites listed for the particular policies, programs and services found in this catalog. 

Overview

Program

Type

Bachelor of Science

Curriculum Guide

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