Joan P. Brock School of Mathematics & Natural Sciences

Biochemistry

B.S.

Department Chair: Dr. Kevin Kittredge

Biochemistry sits at the intersection of chemistry and biology — the study of the molecules and reactions that make life work. Students build a strong foundation in chemical theory, laboratory technique, and instrumentation, then apply it to the structure, function, and pathways of biological macromolecules.

The B.S. in Biochemistry is a rigorous, lab-intensive program covering organic and physical chemistry, genetics, cell biology, and advanced topics like medicinal chemistry and instrumental methods. Coursework emphasizes hands-on laboratory skills, scientific writing, and the kind of quantitative reasoning expected in chemistry, biochemistry, and pre-health graduate programs.

Because Biochemistry shares substantial coursework with Chemistry and Biology, students may not double major in Biochemistry and Chemistry, or in Biochemistry and Biology.

Requirements

Students may not double major in Biochemistry and Chemistry, or in Biochemistry and Biology.

BIO 132 Principles of Biology II: Cell Biology & Genetics
4 hrs
BIO 288 Genetics
4 hrs
CHEM 120 Introductory Chemistry
4 hrs
CHEM 200 Inorganic Chemistry
4 hrs
CHEM 210 Analytical Chemistry
4 hrs
CHEM 221 Organic Chemistry I
4 hrs
CHEM 222 Organic Chemistry II
4 hrs
CHEM 330 Biochemistry
4 hrs
CHEM 347 Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Kinetics
4 hrs
Advanced Chemistry Elective One of: CHEM 425 Medicinal Chemistry · CHEM 438 Advanced Biochemistry
4 hrs
CHEM 480 Instrumental Methods
4 hrs
MATH 172 Calculus II
4 hrs
PHYS 221 University Physics I
4 hrs
PHYS 222 University Physics II
4 hrs
Biology Electives Two of: BIO 420 Cell and Molecular Biology · BIO 424 Topics in Molecular Biology · BIO 482 Microbiology
8 hrs
Total Hours Required 64

Career Outcomes

Graduate & Professional Study

A strong foundation for graduate programs in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, and for professional programs in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy.

Graduate School Medical School Pharmacy School

Pharmaceutical & Biotech Industry

Laboratory and instrumentation skills translate directly into roles in pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, and product development.

Pharmaceuticals Biotech Lab Research

Clinical & Diagnostic Laboratories

Coursework in analytical and instrumental methods supports careers in clinical laboratory science and medical diagnostics.

Clinical Labs Diagnostics Lab Science

Forensic & Environmental Science

Chemical analysis and laboratory technique apply directly to forensic science, environmental testing, and regulatory laboratory work.

Forensic Science Environmental Testing

Faculty

Joyce Easter
Joyce Easter

Professor of Chemistry

Jenelle Fortunato
Jenelle Fortunato

Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Maury Howard
Maury Howard

Professor of Chemistry

222 Greer Environmental Sciences Center

757-233-8804

mhoward@batten.edu

Kevin Kittredge
Kevin Kittredge

Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chair of Chemistry and Biochemistry

223 Greer Environmental Sciences Center

757-233-8854

kkittredge@batten.edu