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Biochemistry (AGLS)

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The Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology offers majors in biochemistry in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Biochemists seek to understand life processes in terms of chemical and physical principles. Students in the biochemistry majors develop foundational analytical skills while exploring frontiers in biotechnology and medicine. Graduates in biochemistry will have a rigorous background in chemistry, biology, and physics. Biochemistry coursework focuses on the development of problem-solving skills, critical thinking, communication, and research design. The Biochemistry degree includes focused specializations towards professional goals, including three prescribed options: Research & Biotechnology, Pre-Medicine, and Biophysics.

Graduates with a Biochemistry B.S. degree will be prepared for postgraduate studies in the chemical or biological sciences, medical and health professional training, or immediate laboratory research in biochemistry, biotechnology, or pharmacy. Graduates are also equipped to pursue careers in teaching, technical writing, science communication and policy, intellectual property law, and biotechnology entrepreneurship. The biochemistry major is accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). As such our learning objectives align with ASBMB core concepts. 

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, students should be able to:

  • Explain and provide examples to illustrate the biochemical principles underlying the following:
    1. How energy is required and transformed in biological systems.
    2. How macromolecular structure determines function and regulation.
    3. How information storage and flow are dynamic and interactive.
    4. How biochemistry and biology are driven by evolution and homeostasis
  • Apply and justify appropriate techniques to characterize and quantify biomolecules in biological systems.
  • Execute effective multimodal communication of the research process and results.
  • Implement and justify best practices for laboratory safety and research ethics.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Learning Outcomes

Graduates with a Biochemistry B.S. degree from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences should be able to:

  • Explain the role of biochemistry in biotechnology entrepreneurship, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and allied fields.
  • Demonstrate collaboration and leadership in research teams.
  • Explain biochemical cycles that impact global ecosystems.

Biochemistry Major in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biochemistry requires the Biochemistry Core and one of the following three prescribed options. The options represent focused specializations for professional goals, including Research & Biotechnology, Pre-Medicine, and Biophysics. As majors in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Biochemistry students must meet College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and University-wide requirements for graduation in addition to those stated below. Focus option-approved science electives can be found on the Biochemistry website.

Total Degree Requirement: 120 cr.

CALS majors require a minimum of 120 credits, including a minimum of 45 credits at the 3000/4000 level. Only 65 cr. from a two-year institution may apply which may include up to 16 technical cr.; 9 P-NP cr. of free electives; 2.00 minimum GPA.

International Perspective: 3 cr.

3 cr. from approved International Perspective list: http://www.registrar.iastate.edu/students/div-ip-guide/IntlPerspectives-current

U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity): 3 cr.

3 cr. from approved U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) list: http://www.registrar.iastate.edu/students/div-ip-guide/usdiversity-courses

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences General Education Electives: 9 cr.

Humanities

3 cr. from approved humanities list: http://www.cals.iastate.edu/student-services/humanities 

Social Sciences

3 cr. from approved social sciences list: http://www.cals.iastate.edu/student-services/social-sciences

Ethics

3 cr. from approved ethics list: http://www.cals.iastate.edu/student-services/ethics

Communications Proficiency: 11 cr.

6 cr. of English composition with a C or better and 3 cr. of speech fundamentals with a C or better.

ENGL 1500Critical Thinking and Communication3
ENGL 2500Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition3
or ENGL 2500H Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition: Honors
SPCM 2120Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
LIB 1600Introduction to College Level Research1
BBMB 3110Writing Scientific Reports in Biochemistry *1
*BBMB 3110 fulfills the upper-level Communications Proficiency Requirement
Total Credits11

Biochemistry Core

The major in biochemistry requires completion of the Biochemistry Core and one of three focus options. Each defined option includes specific supporting coursework in Biology; Chemistry; Mathematics and/or Statistics. 

BBMB 1010Introduction to Biochemistry1
BBMB 1020Introduction to Biochemistry Laboratory1
BBMB 2010Chemical Principles in Biological Systems2
BBMB 3110Writing Scientific Reports in Biochemistry 11
BBMB 3120Experimental Research Skills in Biochemistry2
BBMB 4040Biochemistry I3-4
or BBMB 5040
BBMB 5050
Amino Acids and Proteins
and Bioenergetics and Metabolism
BBMB 4050Biochemistry II3-4
or BBMB 5060
BBMB 5070
Membrane Biochemistry
and Biochemistry of Nucleic Acids
BBMB 4100Analysis of Scientific Literature2
BBMB 4110Techniques in Biochemical Research4
BBMB 4610Molecular Biophysics2
BBMB 5610LLaboratory in Molecular Biophysics2-3
or CHEM 3220L Laboratory in Physical Chemistry
PHYS 2310
2310L
Introduction to Classical Physics I
and Introduction to Classical Physics I Laboratory
5
PHYS 2320
2320L
Introduction to Classical Physics II
and Introduction to Classical Physics II Laboratory
5
BBMB 4990Undergraduate Research (highly encouraged elective)arr †
Total Credits33-36 †
† Arranged with instructor.
1

BBMB 3110 fulfills the ISU upper-level Communication Proficiency requirement.


Biochemistry Program of Study: Research & Biotechnology
Students interested in careers in biotechnology research and/or graduate studies in biochemistry, chemistry, or bioscience fields may opt for the Research & Biotechnology Option. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) electives allow specialization in agricultural biochemistry or plant biochemistry.

In addition to the Biochemistry Core (above):
CHEM 2010Advanced General Chemistry5-7
or CHEM 1770
CHEM 1780
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry II
CHEM 2010LLaboratory in Advanced General Chemistry1
or CHEM 1770N Laboratory in General Chemistry I
or CHEM 1770L Laboratory in General Chemistry I
CHEM 3250Chemical Thermodynamics3
CHEM 3310Organic Chemistry I3
CHEM 3320Organic Chemistry II3
CHEM 3330LLaboratory in Organic Chemistry I (for Chemistry and Biochemistry Majors)1-2
or CHEM 3310L Laboratory in Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 3340LLaboratory in Organic Chemistry II (for Chemistry and Biochemistry Majors)1-2
or CHEM 3320L Laboratory in Organic Chemistry II
MATH 1650
MATH 1660
Calculus I
and Calculus II
8
STAT 2010Introduction to Statistical Concepts and Methods4
or STAT 3050 Engineering Statistics
BIOL 2110Principles of Biology I3
BIOL 2120Principles of Biology II3
BIOL 3130
3130L
Principles of Genetics
and Genetics Laboratory
4
BIOL 3140Principles of Molecular Cell Biology3
Agricultural & Molecular Sciences from approved list9
Total Credits51-55

Biochemistry Program of Study: Pre-Medicine
Students interested in qualifying for medical school training for careers as a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) may opt for the Pre-Medicine Option. Allied health professions (e.g., Physician Assistant, Dentistry, and Ophthalmology) may also consider the Pre-Medicine Option. The CALS option is especially suited to careers in Veterinary Medicine.

In addition to the Biochemistry Core (above):
CHEM 1770
1770L
CHEM 1780
CHEM 1780L
General Chemistry I
and Laboratory in General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry II
and Laboratory in College Chemistry II
6-9
or CHEM 2010
2010L
Advanced General Chemistry
and Laboratory in Advanced General Chemistry
CHEM 3250Chemical Thermodynamics3
CHEM 3310
3310L
Organic Chemistry I
and Laboratory in Organic Chemistry I
4
CHEM 3320
3320L
Organic Chemistry II
and Laboratory in Organic Chemistry II
4
MATH 1650
MATH 1660
Calculus I
and Calculus II
8
STAT 2010Introduction to Statistical Concepts and Methods3-4
or STAT 3050 Engineering Statistics
PSYCH 1010Introduction to Psychology3
or PSYCH 2300 Developmental Psychology
SOC 1340Introduction to Sociology3
BIOL 2110Principles of Biology I3
BIOL 2110LPrinciples of Biology Laboratory I1
BIOL 2120Principles of Biology II3
BIOL 2120LPrinciples of Biology Laboratory II1
BIOL 3130Principles of Genetics3
BIOL 3140Principles of Molecular Cell Biology3
Physiology & Bioscience Electives from approved list6
Total Credits54-58

Biochemistry Program of Study: Biophysics
Students interested in research careers focused on the biophysical basis of life processes may opt for the Biophysics Option. The CALS electives offer specialization in agricultural biophysics or plant biophysics.

In addition to the Biochemistry Core (above):
CHEM 2010Advanced General Chemistry5-7
or CHEM 1770
CHEM 1780
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry II
CHEM 2010LLaboratory in Advanced General Chemistry1
or CHEM 1770N Laboratory in General Chemistry I
or CHEM 1770L Laboratory in General Chemistry I
CHEM 3240Introductory Quantum Mechanics3
CHEM 3250Chemical Thermodynamics3
CHEM 3310Organic Chemistry I3
CHEM 3320Organic Chemistry II3
MATH 1650
MATH 1660
Calculus I
and Calculus II
8
MATH 2650Calculus III4
MATH 2660Elementary Differential Equations3
MATH 3170Theory of Linear Algebra4
STAT 2010Introduction to Statistical Concepts and Methods4
or STAT 3050 Engineering Statistics
or STAT 2310 Probability and Statistical Inference for Engineers
COMS 2070Fundamentals of Computer Programming3
BIOL 2110Principles of Biology I3
BIOL 2120Principles of Biology II3
Agricultural & Physical Sciences from approved list6
Total Credits56-58

Four Year Plans

Biochemistry B.S. Program of Study, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Research & Biotechnology Option
Sample Four-Year Plan

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBMB 10101BBMB 10201
BBMB 11001BBMB 11101
MATH 16504MATH 16604
CHEM 17704CHEM 17803
CHEM 1770N1BIOL 21103
LIB 16001SPCM 21203
ENGL 15003 
 15 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 2650, 2660, 2670, STAT 2010, or STAT 30503-4BBMB 20102
CHEM 33103CHEM 33203
CHEM 3310L1CHEM 3320L1
PHYS 23104PHYS 23204
PHYS 2310L1PHYS 2320L1
BIOL 21203ENGL 25003
 BBMB 49901
 15-16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBMB 40403BBMB 40503
BBMB 3110*1BIOL 31403
BBMB 31202BBMB 41002
BIOL 31303BBMB 49902
BIOL 3130L1International Perspectives Elective3
BBMB 49902General Education Elective3
General Education Elective3 
 15 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBMB 41104CHEM 32503
Upper-level Agriculture or Mol. Sci. Elective3CHEM 3220L or BBMB 4610 and BBMB 5610L3-4
Upper-level Agriculture or Mol. Sci. Elective3BBMB 49902
BBMB 49902Upper-level Agriculture or Mol. Sci. Elective3
General Education Elective3U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) Elective3
 15 14-15
 

"General Education Electives" include 3 credits each in Humanities, Ethics, and Social Sciences.

*

BBMB 3110 fulfills the upper-level communication proficiency requirement.


Biochemistry B.S. Program of Study, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Pre-Medicine Option
Sample Four-Year Plan

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBMB 10101BBMB 10201
BBMB 11001BBMB 11101
MATH 16504MATH 16604
CHEM 17704CHEM 17803
CHEM 1770N1CHEM 1780L1
LIB 16001BIOL 21103
ENGL 15003BIOL 2110L1
 15 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 21203BBMB 20102
BIOL 2120L1CHEM 33203
CHEM 33103CHEM 3320L1
CHEM 3310L1PHYS 23204
PHYS 23104PHYS 2320L1
PHYS 2310L1ENGL 25003
PSYCH 10103 
 16 14
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBMB 40403BBMB 40503
BBMB 3110*1BIOL 31403
BBMB 31202BBMB 41002
BIOL 31303BBMB 49902
STAT 20104SOC 13403
General Education Elective3International Perspectives Elective3
 16 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBMB 41104CHEM 32503
Upper-level Upper-level Physiology & Biosci. Elective3CHEM 3220L or BBMB 4610 and BBMB 5610L3-4
BBMB 49902BBMB 49902
SPCM 21203Upper-level Physiology & Biosci. Elective3
General Education Elective3U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) Elective3
 15 14-15
 

"General Education Electives" include 3 credits each in Humanities and Ethics. MCAT recommended Soc 1340 satisfies the Social Sciences requirement.

*

BBMB 3110 fulfills the upper-level communication proficiency requirement.


Biochemistry B.S. Program of Study, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Biophysics Option
Sample Four-Year Plan

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBMB 10101BBMB 10201
BBMB 11001BBMB 11101
MATH 16504MATH 16604
CHEM 17704CHEM 17803
CHEM 1770N1BIOL 21103
LIB 16001SPCM 21203
ENGL 15003 
 15 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 26504BBMB 20102
CHEM 33103CHEM 33203
PHYS 23104PHYS 23204
PHYS 2310L1PHYS 2320L1
BIOL 21203ENGL 25003
 BBMB 49901
 International Perspective Elective3
 15 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBMB 40403BBMB 40503
BBMB 3110*1CHEM 32503
BBMB 31202BBMB 41002
COMS 20703MATH 31704
BBMB 49901BBMB 49902
U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) Elective3 
General Education Elective3 
 16 14
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBMB 41104CHEM 32403
BBMB 49902CHEM 3220L or BBMB 4610 and BBMB 5610L3-4
STAT 23104BBMB 49903
Upper-level Agricultural or Phys. Elective3Upper-level Agricultural or Phys. Elective3
General Education Elective3General Education Elective3
 16 15-16
 

"General Education Electives" include 3 credits each in Humanities, Ethics, and Social Sciences.

*

BBMB 3110 fulfills the upper-level communication proficiency requirement.

The Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology offers a minor in Biochemistry.

BBMB 4040Biochemistry I3
BBMB 4050Biochemistry II3
BBMB 3120Experimental Research Skills in Biochemistry2
One course from the following:2-3
Molecular Biophysics (2 cr)
Molecular Biophysics (2 cr)
Chemical Thermodynamics (3 cr)
3000+ level courses in BBMB or CHEM to 15 cr total5-6
Total Credits15-17

All minors require at least 15 credits, including at least 6 credits in course numbered 3000 or above taken at Iowa State University. The minor must include at least 9 credits that are not used to meet any other department, college, or university requirement.

Concurrent Bachelor of Science (B.S.)/ Master of Science (M.S.) Degrees

The department offers a concurrent enrollment degree program in either Biochemistry or Biophysics that allows ISU undergraduate students to obtain both the B.S. and M.S. degrees in about five years. The program is open to undergraduate students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The concurrent degrees can be useful to students entering various career tracks. For those considering careers as research specialists, entry positions with higher-level responsibilities, and a higher-level salary, are made possible with the M.S. degree. For those considering careers as research directors, which require advanced study, the M.S. degree provides an advantage for admission into Ph.D. programs at the most competitive and prestigious graduate schools. Similarly, the M.S. degree can be a competitive advantage for admission in to medical, dental, law, veterinary medicine, or other professional schools.

Application to the program is made near the end of the junior undergraduate (third) year. Concurrent B.S/M.S. degree students begin research for the M.S. thesis during the summer semester after their junior year and are eligible for research assistantships, which are renewable based on academic standing and satisfactory research performance. The M.S. thesis requires intensive experience in original, independent laboratory research under the close supervision of a faculty mentor. To apply, see the concurrent B.S./M.S. application instructions found on the department’s Graduate Study web page.

Concurrent Bachelor of Science/Graduate Certificate

The Bachelor of Science /Graduate Certificate program is intended for exceptional undergraduate students majoring in Biochemistry. In this program, the student completes all of the requirements for the B.S. degree and the graduate certificate in a four-year period by combining the requirements of the two programs. The student enters the Graduate College after he/she achieves junior status and develops a plan of coursework (graduate and undergraduate) subject to the approval of the Director of Certificate (DOC). Required graduate courses are BBMB 5040, BBMB 5050, BBMB 5060, BBMB 5070, BBMB 5610 and BBMB 5610L. The student must satisfy the requirements of the B.S. in Biochemistry (121 credits) and the Graduate Certificate in Biochemistry (12 credits). Six credits of graduate coursework can satisfy some requirements of the B.S. degree. To apply for the B.S./Graduate Certificate, submit the application form found on the Graduate College Forms web page.

Biochemistry and Biophysics are the science and technology used to understand the mechanisms underlying biological processes at the molecular level, with an emphasis on the fundamental relationships among the chemical, physical, and biological sciences. The Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology (BBMB) administers Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Master’s (M.S.), and Graduate Certificate programs that lead to an advanced degree or certificate in these disciplines. The prerequisite to graduate study is a sound undergraduate background in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics.

BBMB offers Doctor of Philosophy and master’s degrees in Biochemistry and in Biophysics that are designed to train students to independently conceive and carry out original research. BBMB also offers two graduate certificate programs in Biochemistry that provide a mechanism for formal recognition of focused graduate study in a specialized area that is less comprehensive than that required for a master's degree. BBMB participates in the Interdepartmental majors of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology; Genetics and Genomics; Immunobiology; Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology; Neuroscience; Plant Biology; and Toxicology. All graduate degree students in BBMB are required to teach as part of their training.

Master’s (M.S.) Degree

The M.S. degree programs in Biochemistry and in Biophysics are useful for students who prefer to undertake research training without the longer-term commitment required for the Ph.D. degree. It is also useful for students interested more in the technical aspects of research rather than in careers as research directors. The program requires about 3 years on average to complete and the successful defense of an independent research dissertation is required. About half the time required to earn the degree is spent on advanced coursework and professional seminars, and the other half is devoted to research undertaken in the laboratory under the close supervision of a faculty mentor. Financial support is available. To apply, applicants first submit the free BBMB online application found on the department website, which is used as a screening tool.

NOTE: Students interested in a research career are encouraged to consider the Ph.D. track. Students may enter the Biochemistry or Biophysics M.S. degree program as a direct admit to a faculty research group at any time during the year.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree

The Ph.D. programs in Biochemistry and in Biophysics are designed to train students in the ability to independently conceive and carry out original research in the general area of the chemistry or physics of the processes of life. The programs require about 5-6 years on average to complete and the successful defense of an independent research dissertation.  The majority of the time required to earn the degree is spent doing research on the dissertation project in the laboratory under the close supervision of a faculty mentor.  Considerable time also is devoted to advanced coursework and professional seminars. Financial support is available. To apply, applicants first submit the free BBMB online application found on the department website, which is used as a screening tool. Students may enter the Biochemistry or Biophysics Ph.D. degree programs either as a rotation student in the fall semester or as a direct admit to a faculty research group at any time during the year.

Minor in Biochemistry

Graduate students in other M.S. and/or Ph.D. programs at ISU can earn a graduate minor in Biochemistry by completing 12 credits of the following courses with a grade point average of 3.0 or above: at least 6 credits from BBMB 5040, BBMB 5050, BBMB 5060 and BBMB 5070 and at least 6 credits of other BBMB 5000- and 6000-level courses.  A student wishing to declare a minor in Biochemistry should arrange for a member of the graduate faculty in Biochemistry to serve on the POS Committee and submit the required form found on the Graduate College Forms page.

Graduate Certificate in Biochemistry

The graduate certificate in Biochemistry is designed for students who have a B.S. degree in Biochemistry or a related field and wish to advance their knowledge by taking additional coursework at the graduate level. The graduate certificate courses may be taken either on-line or on campus. Candidates for a graduate certificate in Biochemistry are admitted in the Graduate College. A total of 12 credits is required that includes BBMB 5040, BBMB 5050, BBMB 5060 and BBMB 5070, plus four additional credits of BBMB coursework at the 5000-level. The 12 credits earned in the graduate certificate program may be applied to meet the course requirements of a M.S. or Ph.D. program in Biochemistry at Iowa State University (ISU) if the student is accepted into one of these programs. To apply for the graduate certificate in Biochemistry, submit the ISU online application.