Biochemistry, B.S.

Degree Offered

• Bachelor of Science

Nature of the Program

The biochemistry curriculum prepares students for careers requiring a strong background in fundamental principles of both the physical and life sciences. The program is a collaborative effort between the Department of Biology and the C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Agriculture and Food Systems in the Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The curriculum provides foundational knowledge in biochemistry, molecular biology, and chemistry. The variety of elective courses allows students to adapt the biochemistry major towards their specific interests, with applications in neuroscience, physiology, nutrition, microbiology, and pharmaceutical sciences. The capstone and experiential learning courses provide students with hands-on opportunities to develop scientific skills in the lab or with community partners. Students may choose electives that lead to certification by either the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology or the American Chemical Society.

Students completing the degree in biochemistry are prepared for professional employment in a variety of fields, including agricultural and environmental sciences, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, biotechnology and biomedical industries, government and policy agencies, and the health professions. The biochemistry curriculum also provides students with the courses necessary for continued education in areas such as human or veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy and pharmacology, agricultural science, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, chemistry, food science, nutrition, and toxicology.

Minors

All students have the possibility of earning one or more minors; list of all available minors and their requirements. Please note that students may not earn a minor in their major field.

Admissions for 2026-2027

• First Time Freshmen are admitted directly to the major. For the timely completion of the degree, it is recommended that students have a minimum MATH ACT of 22, a MATH SAT of 540, or an ALEKS score of 45.

• Students transferring from another WVU major or from another institution with fewer than 24 credits and at least a 2.0 overall GPA are admitted directly to the major. For the timely completion of the degree, it is recommended that students have a minimum MATH ACT of 20, a MATH SAT of 520, or an ALEKS score of 40.
• Students transferring from another WVU major or from another institution with 24 hours or more must have at least a 2.0 overall GPA and meet the following requirements prior to being admitted to the major:completed CHEM 115, CHEM 115L, BIOL 115, and BIOL 115L with a C- or better in each. Students are encouraged to speak with a Biochemistry advisor to assess timely progression through the program.

Major Code: 1201

General Education Foundations

Please use this link to view a list of courses that meet each GEF requirement.

NOTE: Some major requirements will fulfill specific GEF requirements. Please see the curriculum requirements listed below for details on which GEFs you will need to select.

Please note that not all of the GEF courses are offered at all campuses. Students should consult with their advisor or academic department regarding the GEF course offerings available at their campus.

Degree Requirements

• Writing Requirement; Biochemistry Bachelor of Science students fulfill the Writing and Communication Skills requirement by completing ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 (or ENGL 103), and at least two additional SpeakWrite Certified Courses^TM from: BIOL 115, BIOL 117, BIOL 219, and CHEM 402.

Curriculum Requirements

University Requirements

Biochemistry Program Requirements

Biochemistry Major Requirements

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Students interested in receiving accreditation from the American Chemical Society should choose CHEM 322 from the Advanced Chemistry Elective choices. 

Suggested Plan of Study

Degree Progress

• By the end of the second semester in the major (excluding summer), students must have, at minimum, completed MATH 126 with a minimum grade of C-.
• By the end of their third semester in the major students are expected to have completed BIOL 115 & BIOL 115L,  BIOL 117 & 117L, CHEM 115, 115L with a minimum grade of C- in each course and an overall GPA of 2.0.
• Students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 in the major and overall. 
• All majors must attend an advising session with their Biochemistry advisor each semester.

Students who do not meet those benchmarks may be removed from the major.

Major Learning Outcomes

Biochemistry

Students graduating with a degree in Biochemistry will be able to:

a. the implications of chemical structures and related chemical properties on biological processes

b. the pathways and regulation involved in the metabolism of biomolecules

c. the ways that organic and inorganic molecules can be used to modify and manipulate cellular mechanisms

d. the mechanisms that organisms use to respond to changing conditions over short and long timescales

e. ethical issues related to biochemical experimentation, analysis, and communication

6. Recognize safety hazards, assess risks, and use methods to prevent and respond to incidents