Program Overview
Biochemistry seeks to answer biological questions using the tools of chemistry; as such, it is an interdisciplinary program drawing upon resources from both the Biology Department and the Chemistry Department. Biochemists, like their colleagues in other areas of chemistry, increasingly use powerful, sophisticated instrumentation to clarify their understanding of the chemistry of life. In addition to the Chemistry Department's excellent inventory of general chemical instrumentation, the department also has a superb collection of instruments primarily dedicated to biochemistry.
Research Opportunities
A research experience is nearly an obligatory component of a quality undergraduate science education today. Biochemistry students at Centenary enjoy a wide range of opportunities to participate in research both on campus and at other sites. The nearby Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport (LSUHSC) employs many of our students in its laboratories, providing them with valuable research experience and a source of additional income.
Career Opportunities
Many of our biochemistry majors enter medical school or other professional schools in health care areas. Two of our recent graduates have entered nationally recognized M.D./Ph.D. programs at Vanderbilt and the University of Alabama-Birmingham. Some have pursued graduate study at leading universities. The emerging biotechnological industry employs large numbers of biochemists at all academic levels, so students who do not wish to continue beyond the bachelor's degree level can find interesting and well-paying jobs.
Program Requirements
Centenary College offers a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. There is no minor available in Biochemistry.
Major Requirements for BioChemistry
1. Chemistry and Biology courses:
- General Chemistry I and II 121/123, 122/124;
- Organic Chemistry I and II 201/211, 202/212;
- Biochemistry I and II 321, 322W/324;
- Senior Assessment 900;
- Principles and Methods of Biology BIOL 101;
- Cell Biology BIOL 204;
Microbiology BIOL 308W or Molecular Genetics BIOL 316W. And at least one of the following options:
(a) Physical Chemistry 351/353 (4 credits); and
Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry 331 and Chemical Literature and Information Retrieval 361S (4 credits)
(b) Analytical Chemistry 301, 311 (4 credits); and
Physical Chemistry 351 and Chemical Literature and Information Retrieval 361S (4 credits);
2. Supportive course work in cognate fields:
(a) PHYS 104/114, 105/115 as the Natural Science Foundation requirement
(b) MATH 115 and 201 to complete the B.S. requirement.
3. Optional courses: Students considering advanced study in biochemistry are strongly encouraged to take 352/354 and an option including 353.
Total: 10-11 courses & 40 credit hours minimum