University of Texas at El Paso Academic Catalog

Academic Catalog

BS in Biochemistry

There are a wide range of career options for chemists and biochemists in a diverse array of occupational fields.  Opportunities can be divided into five main sectors: Industry, Academia, Government, Non-Profit, and Entrepreneurship.  In addition, the programs of study for both chemistry and biochemistry degrees provide strong academic, critical thinking, and foundational skills for students interested in pursuing advanced professional degrees in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and pharmacy, as well as rigorous preparation for graduate school. 

The curriculum requirement to obtain a BS in Biochemistry consists of the general College of Science curriculum requirements.

Marketable Skills

Students develop the following marketable skills:

  • Communication: Reach mutual understanding through the effective exchange of information, ideas, and feelings
  • Critical thinking: Analyze and evaluate issues in order to solve problems and develop informed opinions
  • Organization: Use resources effectively and efficiently in order to stay focused on different tasks
  • Problem-solving: Find solutions to difficult or complex issues
  • Research: Be able to search, investigate and critically analyze information in response to a specific research question
  • Time management: Prioritize goals and organize time to be more productive and efficient.

Additionally, students will be:

  • Using laboratory equipment
  • Maintaining precision and accuracy
  • Organizing and reporting data, results and conclusions
  • Explaining complex ideas for technical and non-technical audiences

Degree Plan

Required Credits: 120

Designated Core (All courses require a grade of C or better)
Required Courses: 1
Calculus I
Introductory Mechanics
and Laboratory for PHYS 2320
Introductory Electromagnetism
and Laboratory for PHYS 2321
University Core Curriculum
Complete the University Core Curriculum requirements. 42
Biochemistry Major
Required Courses:
CHEM 3131Lab for Chemistry1
CHEM 3330Biochem I:Struc & Function3
CHEM 3332Biochem II: Metabol & Bioenerg3
CHEM 4134Structural Biochemistry Lab1
CHEM 4334Structural Biochemistry3
CHEM 4335Biophysical Chemistry3
Required Chemistry Courses
CHEM 1305
CHEM 1105
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305
4
CHEM 1306
CHEM 1106
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1306
4
CHEM 2321
CHEM 2221
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry I Lab
5
CHEM 2322
CHEM 2222
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry II Lab
5
CHEM 3310
CHEM 3110
Analytical Chemistry
and Lab for Chemistry 3310
4
Other Required Courses
BIOL 1305
BIOL 1107
General Biology
and Topics in Study of Life I
4
BIOL 1306
BIOL 1108
Organismal Biology
and Organismal Biology Laboratory
4
BIOL 3314
BIOL 3115
Molecular Cell Biology
and Molecular Cell Biol Laboratory
4
BIOL 3320Genetics3
MATH 1312Calculus II3
MICR 2340
MICR 2141
General Microbiology
and Gen Microbiology Laboratory
4
MICR 3449Prokaryotic Molecular Genetics4
STAT 2480Elementary Statistical Methods4
Prescribed Elective Courses
Select Nine Hours:9
Mammalian Physiology
Lab for Chemistry 3351
and Physical Chemistry I
Lab for Chemistry 3352
and Physical Chemistry II
Introduction to Research
Instrumental Meths Analyt Chem
and Lab for Chemistry 4211
Advanced Topics Organic Chem
Structure of Matter
Inorganic Chemistry
Introduction to Research
Pathogenic Microbiology Lab
and Pathogenic Microbiology
Microbial Physiology Lab
and Microbial Physiology
Epidemiology
General Virology
Medical Mycology
Vertebrate Physiology Methods
Cellular Neuroscience
Total Hours120
1 Although the UTEP choice is larger, these choices satisfy the requirements of both the core and the major.
2 A total of thirty-seven hours of upper division coursework is required of all Bachelor of Science degrees.
C Course requires a grade of C or better.

University Core Curriculum

The department may make specific suggestions for courses which are most applicable towards your major.

All courses require a C or better

I. Communication (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on developing ideas and expressing them clearly, considering the effect of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate persuasively. Courses involve the command of oral, aural, written, and visual literacy skills that enable people to exchange messages appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience.
Select six hours of the following: 6
For students whose secondary education was in English:
Written and Oral Communication
Writing About Literature
Rhetoric & Composition I
Rhetoric & Composition 2
Rhetoric, Composition & Comm
For students whose secondary education was not in English:
Expos Engl Compos-Spkr Esl
Res & Crit Writng Spkr Esl
Total Hours6

II. American History (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on the consideration of past events and ideas relative to the United States, with the option of including Texas History for a portion of this component area. Courses involve the interaction among individuals, communities, states, the nation, and the world, considering how these interactions have contributed to the development of the United States and its global role.
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 18653
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 18653
Total Hours6

III. Language, Philosophy & Culture  (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on how ideas, values, beliefs, and other aspects of culture express and affect human experience. Courses involve the exploration of ideas that foster aesthetic and intellectual creation in order to understand the human condition across cultures.
Select one of the following:3
Intro-African Amer Studies
Latina/o Presence in the U.S.
English Literature
English Literature
Intro to American Fiction
Intro to American Drama
Intro to American Poetry
Making of the "Other" Americas
World History to 1500
World History Since 1500
Introduction to Philosophy
Ethics
Introduct to Religious Studies
Seeing & Naming: Conversations
Introduction to Womens Studies
Global Feminisms
Total Hours3

IV. Mathematics  (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on quantitative literacy in logic, patterns, and relationships. Courses involve the understanding of key mathematical concepts and the application of appropriate quantitative tools to everyday experience.
Select one of the following:3
College Algebra
Trigonometry and Conics
Math in the Modern World
Math for Social Sciences I
Calculus I
Precalculus 1,2
Math for Social Sciences II
Statistical Literacy
Elementary Statistical Methods
1 A higher-level course in the calculus sequence can be substituted.
2 TCCN MATH 1314 will also satisfy this requirement.
Total Hours3

V. Life & Physical Sciences  (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural phenomena using the scientific method. Courses involve the understanding of interactions among natural phenomena and the implications of scientific principles on the physical world and on experiences.
Select one of the following:1-4
Astronomy Lab I
Elem Astronomy-Solar System
Elem Astr Stars & Galaxies
Introductory Biology Lab
Human Biology Laboratory
Topics in Study of Life I
Organismal Biology Laboratory
Introductory Biology
Human Biology
General Biology
Organismal Biology
Human Anat/Physio Lab I
Human Anat/Physio Lab II
Human Anat/Physiology I
Human Anat/Physiology II
Laboratory for CHEM 1305
Laboratory for CHEM 1306
Intro General Chemistry Lab
Intro Organic & Biochem Lab
General Chemistry
General Chemistry
Intro to General Chemistry
Intro Organic & Biochemistry
Environmental Sci. Lab
Non-major Lab for ESCI 1301
Intro to Environment Science 2
Intro to Environmental Sci
Laboratory for GEOG 1306
Physical Geography
Lab for GEOL 1313
Lab for GEOL 1314
Principles of Earth Sci - Lab
Laboratory for Geology 1212
Principles of Earth Sciences
Principles of Earth Science
The Blue Planet
Natural Hazards
Intro to Physical Geology
Intro to Historical Geol
Fundamentals of Nutrition
Wellness Dynamics
Microorganisms and Disease
General Physics I
General Physics II
Laboratory for PHYS 2320
Laboratory for PHYS 2321
Introductory Mechanics
Introductory Electromagnetism
Total Hours 6

VI. Political Science  (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on consideration of the Constitution of the United States and the constitutions of the states, with special emphasis on that of Texas. Courses involve the analysis of governmental institutions, political behavior, civic engagement, and their political and philosophical foundations.
Required Courses:
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics3
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics3
Total Hours6

VII. Social and Behavioral Sciences  (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on the application of empirical and scientific methods that contribute to the understanding of what makes us human. Courses involve the exploration of behavior and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, and events, examining their impact on the individual, society, and culture.
Select one of the following:3
Intro-Phys Anth/Archeolog
Intro-Cultural Anthropology
Cultural Geography
Intro to Linguistics
Econ for Engrs & Scientists
Intro to Chicano Studies
Asian American Studies
Interpersonal Communication
Mass Media and Society
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
Introduction to Ed Psychology
Action Research in Classrooms
Introduction to Linguistics
Cultural Geography
Community Service
An Intro. to Linguistics
Lang. Inside & Out: Sel Topics
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
Cultural Geography
Total Hours3

VIII. Creative Arts (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on the appreciation and analysis of creative artifacts and works of the human imagination. Courses involve the synthesis and interpretation of artistic expression and enable critical, creative, and innovative communication about works of art.
Select one of the following:3
Art Appreciation
History of Art I
History of Art II
Chicana/o Fine Arts Appreciat
Dance Appreciation
Intro-Art of Motion Pict.
Music Appreciation
Jazz to Rock
Music, Culture, and Society
Introduction to Theatre
Total Hours3

IX. Component Area Option (six hours)

a. A minimum of 3 SCH must meet the definition and corresponding Core Objectives specified in one of the foundational component areas. b. As an option for up to 3 semester credit hours of the Component Area Option, an institution may select course(s) that: (i) Meet(s) the definition specified for one or more of the foundational component areas; and (ii) Include(s) a minimum of three Core Objectives, including Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, and one of the remaining Core Objectives of the institution's choice.
Intro to Global Business
Public Speaking
Business/Profession Comm
Intro-Computational Thinking
Computer Programming Sci/Engr
Eng Innovation and Leadership
Introduction to Leadership
Inquiry in Math & Science
Seminar/Critical Inquiry
Total Hours0

4-Year Sample Degree Plan

BS Biochemistry- Starting with Calculus

BS BIOCHEMISTRY
FRESHMAN
Fall
BIOL 1305
BIOL 1107
General Biology
and Topics in Study of Life I
4
CHEM 1305
CHEM 1105
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305
4
MATH 1411Calculus I4
SCI 1301Inquiry in Math & Science3
Spring
BIOL 1306
BIOL 1108
Organismal Biology
and Organismal Biology Laboratory
4
CHEM 1306
CHEM 1106
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1306
4
COMM 1301Public Speaking3
MATH 1312Calculus II3
RWS 1301Rhetoric & Composition I3
SOPHOMORE
Fall
CHEM 2321
CHEM 2221
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry I Lab
5
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 18653
PHYS 2320
PHYS 2120
Introductory Mechanics
and Laboratory for PHYS 2320
4
STAT 2480Elementary Statistical Methods4
Spring
CHEM 2322
CHEM 2222
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry II Lab
5
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 18653
PHYS 2321
PHYS 2121
Introductory Electromagnetism
and Laboratory for PHYS 2321
4
RWS 1302Rhetoric & Composition 23
JUNIOR
Fall
CHEM 3310
CHEM 3110
Analytical Chemistry
and Lab for Chemistry 3310
4
CHEM 3330
CHEM 3131
Biochem I:Struc & Function
and Lab for Chemistry
4
PHIL 2306Ethics3
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics3
PSYC 1301Introduction to Psychology3
Spring
ART 1300Art Appreciation3
CHEM 3332Biochem II: Metabol & Bioenerg3
MICR 2340
MICR 2141
General Microbiology
and Gen Microbiology Laboratory
4
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics3
SENIOR
Fall
BIOL 3314
BIOL 3115
Molecular Cell Biology
and Molecular Cell Biol Laboratory
4
CHEM 4334
CHEM 4134
Structural Biochemistry
and Structural Biochemistry Lab
4
Upper Division Elective 3
Upper Division Elective3
Spring
MICR 3449Prokaryotic Molecular Genetics4
BIOL 3320Genetics3
CHEM 4335Biophysical Chemistry3
Upper Division Elective 3
Total Hours120

BS Biochemistry- Starting with Pre-Calculus 

BS BIOCHEMISTRY
FRESHMAN
Fall
BIOL 1305
BIOL 1107
General Biology
and Topics in Study of Life I
4
CHEM 1305
CHEM 1105
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305
4
MATH 1508Precalculus5
SCI 1301Inquiry in Math & Science3
Spring
BIOL 1306
BIOL 1108
Organismal Biology
and Organismal Biology Laboratory
4
CHEM 1306
CHEM 1106
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1306
4
COMM 1301Public Speaking3
MATH 1411Calculus I4
RWS 1301Rhetoric & Composition I3
SOPHOMORE
Fall
CHEM 2321
CHEM 2221
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry I Lab
5
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 18653
MATH 1312Calculus II3
PHYS 2320
PHYS 2121
Introductory Mechanics
and Laboratory for PHYS 2321
4
Spring
CHEM 2322
CHEM 2222
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry II Lab
5
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 18653
PHYS 2321
PHYS 2121
Introductory Electromagnetism
and Laboratory for PHYS 2321
4
RWS 1302Rhetoric & Composition 23
STAT 2480Elementary Statistical Methods4
JUNIOR
Fall
CHEM 3310
CHEM 3110
Analytical Chemistry
and Lab for Chemistry 3310
4
CHEM 3330
CHEM 3131
Biochem I:Struc & Function
and Lab for Chemistry
4
PHIL 2306Ethics3
PSYC 1301Introduction to Psychology3
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics3
Spring
ART 1300Art Appreciation3
CHEM 3332Biochem II: Metabol & Bioenerg3
MICR 2340
MICR 2141
General Microbiology
and Gen Microbiology Laboratory
4
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics3
SENIOR
Fall
BIOL 3314
BIOL 3115
Molecular Cell Biology
and Molecular Cell Biol Laboratory
4
CHEM 4334
CHEM 4134
Structural Biochemistry
and Structural Biochemistry Lab
4
Upper Division Elective 3
Upper Division Elective3
Spring
BIOL 3320Genetics3
CHEM 4335Biophysical Chemistry3
MICR 3449Prokaryotic Molecular Genetics4
Upper Division Elective 3
Total Hours125