Undergraduates can choose any one of several majors in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Bachelor of Science (BS) in
Chemistry
Chemistry with an emphasis in Environmental Chemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry with an emphasis in Medicinal Chemistry
Integrated BS and MS (BS/MS) in
Biochemistry with an emphasis in Medicinal Chemistry
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in
Chemistry
Biochemistry
Secondary Education in Chemistry
Bachelor of Science (BS) degree – Chemistry
The Bachelor of Sciences degree in Chemistry at ASU is a rigorous program emphasizing breadth and depth of chemical knowledge. Students in the BS program take courses and laboratories in all of the major chemical subdisciplines, includes organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, and biochemistry. The BS in Chemistry program consists of 46 semester hours in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and 20 hours of related courses in mathematics and physics. Elective courses in interdisciplinary areas such as solid-state chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and nanoscience are available. Students in this program are strongly encouraged to undertake substantive research work as part of their undergraduate education and training in chemistry. The B.S degree in Chemistry prepares students for a variety of professional positions in chemical research, as well as in related technical fields such as forensics, quality assurance, environmental monitoring, laboratory management, and technical sales. This degree is also excellent preparation for advanced postgraduate study and research in the chemical disciplines. BS degree recipients regularly enter other postgraduate programs including Law, Business, Pharmacy, Dental, and Medical Schools.
Bachelor of Science (BS) degree – Chemistry with Environmental Concentration
Bachelor of Science (BS) degree – Biochemistry
The Bachelor of Sciences Degree in Biochemistry provides students with a firm foundation in the principles of biochemistry. The program consists of 9 lecture hours and 5 hours of laboratory experience in biochemistry and biophysical chemistry (with 36 total hours of chemistry) and 31 hours of related courses in biology (including Genetics, Cell Biology) plus basic mathematics and physics courses. Students in this program are strongly encouraged to undertake undergraduate research work as part of their education and training in biochemistry. This rigorous degree program will prepare you for an industrial career or pursuit of a postgraduate degree in biochemistry or medicine.
Biochemistry involves research dealing with biological systems, with some specific examples:
- Design and synthesis of proteins with new biological functions and using DNA to create scaffolds to control macromolecular interactions and biosensors
- Mimicking biology using synthesized molecules and artificial proteins
- Modification of proteins, for example using site-directed mutagenesis, in order to probe the role of amino acids in determining the assembly and function of proteins
- Structural studies of proteins using X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, and single molecule spectroscopy to understand the molecular basis of their function
Bachelor of Science (BS) degree – Biochemistry with Medicinal Chemistry Concentration
The Bachelor of Sciences Degree in Biochemistry with an emphasis in Medicinal Chemistry provides students with a firm foundation in the principles of medicinal chemistry. The program consists of 12 lecture hours and 3 hours of laboratory experience in biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, and biophysical chemistry (with 41 total hours of chemistry) and 27 hours of related courses in biology (including Genetics, Cell Biology) plus basic Mathematics and Physics courses. This rigorous degree program will prepare you for an industrial career or pursuit of a postgraduate degree in biochemistry or medicine.
Medicinal Chemistry involves research dealing with chemical-biological relationships, mainly the relationship between molecular structure and biological activity or mode of action. Some specific areas are:
- Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel biologically active compounds and/or diagnostic agents.
- Molecular biological studies (e.g., site-directed mutagenesis) of macromolecular targets that lead to an improved understanding of molecular recognition.
- Structural biological studies of relevant ligands and targets with the aim of investigating molecular recognition processes in the action of biologically active compounds.
- Computational chemistry methods with demonstrated value for the identification or optimization of bioactive molecules.
- Effect of molecular structure on the distribution, pharmacokinetics, and metabolic transformation of biologically active compounds.
Integrated BS/MS Program
The integrated Bachelors/Master’s Program in Biochemistry with emphasis in Medicinal Chemistry is designed for undergraduate students who are currently enrolled in the ASU Biochemistry Bachelor of Science Program with a concentration in Medicinal Chemistry or a related medical science area (i.e. Biology, Pre-Med, Microbiology, etc) who have a strong academic record and want to improve their background in chemistry and biochemistry before continuing in professional programs such as medical school, pharmacy and other health sciences. The integrated program provides the opportunity for students to begin their M.S. Program while completing Bachelor of Science requirements by allowing up to 9 credit hours of graduate-level course work to be taken during the senior year and be applied towards both degrees. All requirements for the Bachelor’s degree and the requirements for the non-thesis Master of Science degree in Biochemistry with a Concentration in Medicinal Chemistry must be completed. Students enrolled in this program can complete their M.S. Program within one year after receiving the B.S. degree.
The student is formally admitted to the MS Biochemistry with a Concentration in Medicinal Chemistry graduate program when the BS degree has been awarded and does not submit an additional admissions application. The MS portion of the Integrated BS/MS Biochemistry Program has a program fee of $300 per semester.
More information on the Integrated BS/MS Program.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree - Chemistry
The Bachelor of Arts degree program in Chemistry emphasizes the core aspects of chemistry, from a more qualitative viewpoint than the BS degree and includes required courses in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, and analytical chemistry. The smaller number of required hours in chemistry relative to the BS degree makes the BA the degree of choice for students intending to obtain double majors. The BA degree program provides a chemical experience for those intending to work in technical laboratory positions that do not involves intensive basic research. Recipients of the BA degree enter postgraduate professional programs where a technical background in chemistry is valued, including law, business, and medicine. The BA in Chemistry program consists of 30 hours in chemistry and 16 hours of related courses in mathematics and physics.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree - Biochemistry
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biochemistry is intended to provide a strong background in biochemistry but is designed for students who favor a biological rather than chemical emphasis, as in the Biochemistry BS degree. Required courses in the BA degree include 38 hours of chemistry and biochemistry plus 19 hours of related courses including biology, genetics, calculus and physics. The reduced number of required major hours is well suited to students pursuing a double major. This degree provides a good foundation for individuals entering a graduate program in areas where a background in biochemistry is a strong asset and is particularly suited to students intending to pursue careers in law, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry or business.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Secondary Education - Chemistry
The College of Teacher Education and Leadership provides flexible and innovative education programs. The Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education in Chemistry prepares students for teaching chemistry in secondary education. More information for this program is provided by the College of Education (http://teach.asu.edu/).
Chemistry and Biochemistry Minors are also possible. |
