Biochemistry
(College of Letters and Science)
University of Wisconsin, Steven's Point
Definition:
Biochemistry combines the knowledge of biology and chemistry to
explain life processes in terms of molecular structure and chemical
reactions within living cells.
The UWSP Biology department is a center of excellence in education and undergraduate research. Our 23 faculty teach more than 500 biology majors and also serve the College of Natural Resources and College of Professional Studies majors. Student-professor interaction is a high priority at UWSP. Most of our classes and labs are taught by a Ph.D. instructor with expertise in the field, and we offer many opportunities for undergraduate research. UWSP Biology students excel in organismal biology and are encouraged to participate in field courses.
NOTES:
1. Please read
all the NOTES under the biology
AND chemistry sections of this catalog.
All items under both sections apply to the biochemistry major.
2. The biochemistry major is the same regardless of the type of
degree you earn (BA or BS) or the college from which you graduate.
If you have a single major (biochemistry), you will graduate from
the College of Letters and Science. If you are in education, you
may graduate from either the College of Letters and Science or from
the College of Professional Studies. If you have a double major,
such as biochemistry and natural resources, you may graduate from
the College of Letters and Science or the College of Natural
Resources.
3. Courses in biochemistry, biology, and chemistry are open to all
students who meet the prerequisites.
- Consists of a
minimum of 82 total credits, 25 of which count toward general
degree requirements including 3 credits of writing
emphasis.*
1. Required biochemistry core and collateral courses, 74 credits:
a. Biology 130, 160, 210, 281 or 285, 314.
b. Chemistry 105 or 115, 106 or 116, 248, 325, 326, 333.
c. Biochemistry: BCHE 318, 319, 365, 490.
d. Mathematics 120, 355.
e. Physics 203, 204.
2. Required electives, 8 credits from: Biology 310, 312, 333, 351, 399, 415, 498
(immunology), 498 (protein purification); Chemistry 335, 336, 395, 425, 499 (2 cr max); Math 121, 222. These courses may apply to one of the emphasis areas below. 3. Areas of emphasis (optional): You may use these recommended course groupings to personalize your program after consulting with your advisor.
a. Biochemistry/chemistry/biophysics: Chemistry 335, 336; Math 121, 222. b. Biotechnology/molecular biology/genetics: Biology 310, 312, 333, 415, 498 (immunology), 498 (protein purification).
c. Medical/dental/pharmacology/toxicology: Biology 285, 312, 333, 498.
d. Veterinary: Biology 281, 333, 498.
Academic Standards and
Policies
To be admitted, retained, and approved for graduation as a
biochemistry major, you must have a minimum cumulative grade point
average of 2.50 for all courses taken within the major, including
collateral courses and regardless of a declaration of academic
bankruptcy. If you are a transfer student, you meet this
requirement by having at least a 2.50 GPA
in the total major (UWSP and transfer credits).
No more than 6
credits of D work in biology, chemistry, and biochemistry courses
will be counted toward the completion of the biochemistry major.
All grades of D or F are used to compute the cumulative
GPA in the major. If a course is
repeated, the last grade is the grade used in the GPA calculation. Courses with grades of D or F may be
repeated only with the consent of the chair of the Biology or
Chemistry Departments and only if a seat is available after the
regular registration period.
Test-Out and
Credit-by-Exam Policy
The credit-by-exam and Advanced Placement (AP) exam policies of the
Biology Department pertain to biology courses. The credit-by-exam
policies of the Chemistry Department apply to chemistry courses.
You may take a test-out exam only once.
Courses
in Biochemistry
BCHE 318/518. Principles of Molecular Biology. 3 cr.
Study of gene structure, function and control at the molecular
level. Use molecular techniques to analyze nucleic acid and protein
activity and diversity. 3 hrs lec per wk. Prereq: Biology 210;
Chemistry 106 or 116; or cons instr. (1)
BCHE 319/519. Techniques in Molecular Biology. 1 cr.
Laboratory to apply molecular techniques to investigate a variety
of biological questions. Techniques include cloning, DNA/protein fingerprinting, RFLP, blotting, PCR, and
DNA sequencing. 3 hrs lab per wk. Prereq:
Biology 210; Chemistry 106 or 116; or cons instr.
(1)
BCHE 333. Biophysical Chemistry. 3 cr. Examine
physiochemical principles underlying structure and chemical
properties of macromolecules of biological importance, including
principles of thermodynamics, equilibrium, kinetics, and dynamics.
Includes methods for separation and isolation of macromolecules and
their spectroscopic characterization. 3 hrs lec per wk. Prereq:
Math 120, Physics 204 or 250, CHEM 365,
and accepted biochemistry major, or cons chair. (See note 4.)
(II)
BCHE 365/565. Biochemistry. 4 cr. Structure of
principal biomolecules, nature and mechanism of cellular reactions,
and central pathways of metabolism. 3 hrs lec, 3 hrs lab per wk.
Prereq: 248 and 326; accepted chemistry major/minor, biochemistry
major, or cons chair. (See note 4.) (I, II)
BCHE 490/690. Seminar in Molecular Biology. 1 cr.
Studies and discussions of biological problems. Only one 490 credit
counts toward the major. (I, II).
Photo 1 by shelms
Photo 2 found on UWSP website
Photo 3 by internets_dairy
