Contact

Dr. Luke Burke
Department Chair
ude.sregtur.nedmacnull@ekrub
315 Penn Street
(856) 225-6158 (or -6142)

Dr. Georgia Arbuckle-Keil
Chemistry Graduate Director
ude.sregtur.nedmacnull@elkcubrA
SCI 306B
(856) 225-6333

Department of Chemistry » Biochemistry Program

Biochemistry Program

The biochemistry program at Rutgers-Camden is offered through the Chemistry Department. The objective is to give students a good background in chemistry, while allowing them to take classes in biology so that they have a solid background in all aspects of biochemistry. Thus, the program includes classes in chemistry and biology (requirements). Students will be prepared to pursue graduate studies of biochemistry, bio-analytical, bio-organic, and molecular biology, as well as employment in industry (e.g. pharmaceutical companies)

Suggested outline of Science/Math requirements for Biochemistry track students (please see the requirements for more information) :

Fall Freshman year:

  • Chemical principles I (with lab)
  • Unified Calculus I
  • General Biology I (with lab)

Spring Freshman year:

  • Chemical principles II (with lab)
  • Unified Calculus II
  • General Biology II (with lab)

Fall Sophomore year:

  • Organic Chemistry I (with lab)
  • Unified Calculus III**
  • Physics I (with lab)

Spring Sophomore year:

  • Organic Chemistry II (with lab)
  • Physics II (with lab)

Fall Junior Year:

  • Physical Chemistry I (with lab)
  • General Biochemistry I (with lab)

Spring Junior Year:

  • Physical Chemistry II (with lab)
  • General Biochemistry II (with lab***)
    Please note that staring in the Spring of 2010 Biochemistry II lab will only be offered in Spring semesters of even years (e.g. 2010, 2012…). Biochemistry I and Biochemistry I lab are pre-requisites for Biochemistry II lab. Biochemistry II lecture does not have to be taken concurrently with Biochemistry II lecture (you can take the lab and not the lecture and vice-versa). Plus there is always the possibility of substituting research for the lab(***).

Fall Senior Year:

  • Chemistry Seminar / Exit Exam
  • Molecular Biology (with lab)
  • Biology/Chemistry elective*

Spring Senior Year:

  • Instrumental Analysis (with lab)
  • Chemistry elective*

It is possible to fill all of the requirements other ways, but it is important to realize that some classes are only offered in the Fall and some are only offered in the Spring.

*Only one semester of Chemistry elective is required if you take a semester of Biology elective. Otherwise, you need to take two semesters of Chemistry elective (and no Biology). The classes must be in the approved list (see the requirements link).  Depending on the student’s interest, the class of choice might only be offered in the Fall or Spring.

**VERY highly recommended before taking Physical Chemistry, but not required.

*** Can be substituted with undergraduate research WITH PRIOR PERMISSION.