Chemistry Biochemistry Double Major

Megan Schulte is looking at a container of cells she is holding up
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Chemistry + Biochemistry = From Molecules to Medicine
Two Sides of the Same Coin: Chemistry + Biochemistry

Master molecules. Unlock biotech and healthcare 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 healthcare 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 healthcare.
  • 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 TitleCredits
CHEM 119First Year Seminar1
CHEM 180Introduction to Lab Safety1
CHEM 112-112LGeneral Chemistry I4
BIOL 151-151LGeneral Biology I4
SGR 1System General Requirement3
SGR 2System General Requirement3
Total credits--16
Year 1 Spring
CourseCourse TitleCredits
CHEM 114-114LGeneral Chemistry II4
BIOL 153-153LGeneral Biology II4
MATH 123Calculus I4
SGR 3*System General Requirement3
Total credits--15

*One SGR 3 course must fulfill the civics requirement.

Year 2 Fall
CourseCourse TitleCredits
CHEM 237Introduction to Research1
CHEM 326-326LOrganic Chemistry I4
PHYS 211-211LUniversity Physics I5
SGR 1System General Requirement3
SGR 4System General Requirement3
Total credits--16
Year 2 Spring
CourseCourse TitleCredits
CHEM 328-328LOrganic Chemistry II4
PHYS 213-213LUniversity Physics II5
STAT 281Introduction to Probability and Stats3
SGR 4System General Requirement3
Total credits--15
Year 3 Fall
CourseCourse TitleCredits
CHEM 332-332LAnalytical Chemistry4
CHEM 464Biochemistry I3
Advanced BiologyAdvanced Biology Science Elective3
SGR 3*System General Requirement3
Total credits--13

*One SGR 3 course must fulfill the civics requirement.

Year 3 Spring
CourseCourse TitleCredits
CHEM 343-343LIntroduction to Thermodynamics3
CHEM 465Biochemistry II3
CHEM 466Laboratory Methods – Biochemistry1
CHEM 498Research2
Advanced BiologyAdvanced Biology Science Elective3
General ElectiveGeneral Elective3
Total credits--15
Year 4 Fall
CourseCourse TitleCredits
CHEM 448-448LBiophysical Chemistry4
CHEM 452-452LInorganic Chemistry4
CHEM 498Research2
Advanced ChemistryAdvanced Chemistry Elective3
General ElectiveGeneral Elective2
Total credits--15
Year 4 Spring
CourseCourse TitleCredits
CHEM 490Senior Seminar1
Advanced ChemistryAdvanced Chemistry Elective3
Advanced BiologyAdvanced Biology Science Elective3
General ElectiveGeneral Elective8
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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