In addition to the WPI requirements applicable to all students (see page 7), students wishing to graduate with a degree in biochemistry must meet the distribution requirements detailed below.
Program Educational Objectives
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry will graduate outstanding professionals possessing fundamental knowledge of the chemical sciences. Graduates will be able to apply this knowledge to the solution of problems in chemistry and biochemistry for the advancement of knowledge in these fields and the improvement of the standard of living of all humanity.
Program Outcomes
Students graduating with a major in Biochemistry will be able to demonstrate an ability to:
- perform accurate and precise quantitative measurements
- use and understand modern instruments, particularly NMR, IR, and UV-vis spectrometers, chromatographs, electrochemical instruments, and lab computers
- keep legible and complete experimental records
- analyze data statistically and assess reliability of results
- anticipate, recognize, and respond properly to hazards of chemical manipulations
- interpret experimental results and draw reasonable conclusions
- plan and execute experiments through use of the literature
- design experiments
- communicate effectively through oral and written reports
- critically assess their work for reasonableness and self-consistency
- adhere to high ethical standards
- learn independently
Program Distribution Requirements for the Biochemistry B.S.
Mathematics and Physics Requirement (Minimum 6/3 Units)
These 13/3 (39 credits) units must include one unit of organic, 4/3 units of biochemistry, and 1/3 unit each of physical (3000 level or higher) and inorganic chemistry (3000 level or higher).
Biology (Minimum 4/3 units)
Recommendations for Students
A typical Biochemistry curriculum is given below.
Premedical students should take three terms of Physics, as well as the Organic Chemistry Laboratory (CH 2360), by the end of their third year.
BB 1101 is recommended as the initial course for students who need to strengthen their background in biology. Note that a total of one unit designated Elective in the table must be in Biology.
Students should take 1/3 unit of advanced Biology laboratory (BB 3512, 3518, 3519, 3520 are recommended) at their discretion as to the term; however, this should preferably be done before the MQP is commenced.
| Year | Term A | Term B | Term C | Term D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | CH 1010 BB 2550 MA | CH 1020 HU MA | CH 1030 BB 2920 MA | CH 1040 HU MA |
| Second | CH 3510 CH 2640 HU | CH 2310 SS HU | CH 2320 HU PH | CH 2330 HU PH |
| Third | CH 4110 BB Lab SS | CH 4120 CH 4150 IQP | CH 4130 CH 3410 IQP | CH 4170 CH 4140 IQP |
| Fourth | Elective MQP Elective | Elective MQP Elective | CH 4160 MQP Elective | CH 4190 MQP Elective |