Chemistry Biochemistry Double Major

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Chemistry + Biochemistry = From Molecules to Medicine
Two Sides of the Same Coin: Chemistry + Biochemistry

Master molecules. Unlock biotech and health care careers.

A chemistry-biochemistry double major lets you explore how molecules drive life from chemical reactions to the biology of disease and drug discovery. By mastering both disciplines, you gain a powerful edge for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and health care or for competitive paths in medicine and graduate study.

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80%
Medical School Admissions (vs. 43% nationally)
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4
Year degree plan
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120
Credits

Career Opportunities

Undergraduate student running flow cytometry at Dr. Rachel's lab.
  • Scientist – Design experiments, develop therapies and explore innovations in biotech, pharmaceuticals and research labs.
  • Doctor – Apply chemistry and biochemistry in medicine, pharmacy or clinical labs to improve patient care and advance health care.
  • Patent Lawyer – Protect scientific inventions, navigate intellectual property and advise on patents in chemistry, biotech and pharmaceuticals.
  • Educator – Inspire future scientists as a teacher, professor or science communicator, connecting research to classrooms and outreach.

Plan of Study

Year 1 Fall

CourseCourse title

Credits

CHEM 119First Year Seminar

1

CHEM 180Introduction to Lab Safety

1

CHEM 112-112LGeneral Chemistry I

4

BIOL 151-151LGeneral Biology I

4

SGR 1System General Requirement

3

SGR 2System General Requirement

3

Total credits 

16

Year 1 Spring

CourseCourse title

Credits

CHEM 114-114LGeneral Chemistry II

4

BIOL 153-153LGeneral Biology II

4

MATH 123Calculus I

4

SGR 3*System General Requirement

3

Total credits 

15

*One SGR 3 course must fulfill the civics requirement.

Year 2 Fall

CourseCourse title

Credit

CHEM 237Introduction to Research

1

CHEM 326-326LOrganic Chemistry I

4

PHYS 211-211LUniversity Physics I

5

SGR 1System General Requirement

3

SGR 4System General Requirement

3

Total credits 

16

Year 2 Spring

CourseCourse title

Credit

CHEM 328-328LOrganic Chemistry II

4

PHYS 213-213LUniversity Physics II

5

STAT 281Introduction to Probability and Stats

3

SGR 4System General Requirement

3

Total credits 

15

Year 3 Fall

CourseCourse title

Credit

CHEM 332-332LAnalytical Chemistry

4

CHEM 464Biochemistry I

3

Advanced BiologyAdvanced Biology Science Elective

3

SGR 3*System General Requirement

3

Total credits 

13

*One SGR 3 course must fulfill the civics requirement.

Year 3 Spring

CourseCourse title

Credit

CHEM 343-343LIntroduction to Thermodynamics

3

CHEM 465Biochemistry II

3

CHEM 466Laboratory Methods-Biochem

1

CHEM 498Research

2

Advanced BiologyAdvanced Biology Science Elective

3

General ElectiveGeneral Elective

3

Total credits 

15

Year 4 Fall

CourseCourse title

Credit

CHEM 448-448LBiophysical Chemistry

4

CHEM 452-452LInorganic Chemistry

4

CHEM 498Research

2

Advanced ChemistryAdvanced Chemistry Elective

3

General ElectiveGeneral Elective

2

Total credits 

15

Year 4 Spring

CourseCourse title

Credit

CHEM 490Senior Seminar

1

Advanced ChemistryAdvanced Chemistry Elective

3

Advanced BiologyAdvanced Biology Science Elective

3

General ElectiveGeneral Elective

8

Total credits 

15

Contact Us
Photo of Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics
Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics
Physical Address
1055 Campanile Ave.
Brookings, SD 57007
Mailing Address
SAV 247, Box 2202
Brookings, SD 57007
Hours
Mon - Fri: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
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