Brown University

Source: https://bulletin.brown.edu/the-college/concentrations/bchm/ Parent: https://bulletin.brown.edu/azindex/

How does life work at the molecular level? This question is at the core of the concentration program Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. In earlier years of this discipline, the focus was on structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates and small molecules such as vitamins. Today the logical approach and tools of biochemical science are being expanded to new areas in neuroscience, developmental biology, immunology, pharmacology and synthetic biology (the design of analogs of biological systems). Training in biochemistry begins with a foundation in mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology. Some courses offered in other departments, including engineering, geology and computer science, are also useful. A key component of this program is the year of hands-on research carried out in collaboration with a faculty member here at Brown. Faculty sponsors are drawn from both the Chemistry Department and the Division of Biology and Medicine, and include basic science and clinical faculty.

Standard program for the Sc.B. degree

Students must take twenty courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, including the following core requirements, some of these may be fulfilled with AP credits.

1 : Note that the mathematics and physics requirements may be satisfied by Advanced Placement credit.

2 : or any NEUR course in Cell, Genetics, Molecular Biology, or Development.

3 : Students may opt to enroll in APMA 1655 for more in depth coverage of APMA 1650.

Honors Requirements for Biochemistry

All ScB Biochemistry concentrators are candidates for Honors; no separate application is necessary.

The requirements for Honors in Biochemistry are:

* Students must have a majority of either As or S with distinction grades in concentration courses.

* Two semesters of Independent Study (CHEM 0980, CHEM 0980S, CHEM 0981,  BIOL 1950, or BIOL 1960). Guidelines and requirements associated with Independent Study are in the Undergraduate Concentration Handbook which can be found at the department website.

* A Thesis in a form approved by the research advisor, and recommended by the research advisor.  Additional information about thesis guidelines will be provided by the Concentration Advisor in the first half of the fall semester.

* An oral presentation of the thesis in a fifteen-minute senior talk followed by a five-minute question and answer period.