students working in a lab

The Bachelor of Science with a major in biochemistry program with a concentration in pre-pharmacy is designed for students who plan to enter graduate school in pharmaceutical science or the pharmaceutical industry. It is designed to meet the entrance requirements for the FDU School of Pharmacy but it also contains the entrance requirements for most schools of pharmacy. In addition to the basic school of pharmacy entrance requirements, the program includes basic pharmaceutical chemistry courses designed to give the student a strong foundation in pharmaceutical chemistry. These are Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacology and Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry. Additional pharmaceutical chemistry major electives are also available. The curriculum is certified by the American Chemical Society if the student meets the required 400 laboratory course hours. Pre-professional counseling for science and health careers is available on campus.

Special information

Curriculum is certified by the American Chemical Society if the student meets the 400 hour laboratory minimum.

Program Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this program, graduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a solid foundation in biochemistry including the vocabulary, concepts, methods, and procedures that will allow them to be competitive when entering industry, graduate, and professional schools.
  • Write and speak clearly on biochemical topics and demonstrate a mastery of these topics through their written and oral communications.
  • Excel at utilizing information resources including primary and secondary literature in the field using modern tools to locate and retrieve scientific information.
  • Demonstrate qualitative and quantitative critical reasoning skills allowing them to interpret experimental data and evaluate its significance.
  • Use standard laboratory equipment, modern instrumentation, and classical techniques to carry out experiments while following proper procedures and regulations for safe handling and use of chemicals and equipment.

Degree Plan

Semesters 1 and 2

  • CHEM1201  General Chemistry I Lecture
  • CHEM1203  General Chemistry I Laboratory
  • CHEM1202  General Chemistry II Lecture
  • CHEM1204  General Chemistry II Laboratory

Semesters 3 and 4

Semesters 5

  • CHEM3242  Physical Chemistry II Lecture
  • CHEM3244  Physical Chemistry II Laboratory

Semester 4 or 6

Semester 5 or 7

Semester 7

  • CHEM4233 Instrumental Analysis Lecture
  • CHEM4234 Instrumental Analysis Laboratory

Semester 8

Cognate Requirements

Semesters 1 and 2

Semesters 3 and 4

Semester 4, 6, or 8

Semester 3, 4, or 5

Other requirements

  • ECON2001 Introduction to Microeconomics
  • COMM2099 Professional Communications

Major Electives

  • CHEM4215 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
  • CHEM4351 Chemical Kinetics
  • CHEM4436CHEM4437 Mentored Research in Chemistry (sophomore)
  • CHEM4438CHEM4439 Mentored Research in Chemistry (junior)
  • CHEM4440CHEM4441 Mentored Research in Chemistry (senior)
  • CHEM4371 Organic Synthesis
  • CHEM3241 Physical Chemistry I Lecture
  • CHEM3243 Physical Chemistry I Laboratory (must be taken with CHEM3241 Physical Chemistry I Lecture)
  • CHEM2274 Physical Organic Chemistry
  • Any Biology Area II or III Courses
    Or any course approved by the department chair

ACS logo

Program certified by ACS.