It Opens Opportunities
Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary field that uses the principles of chemistry to explore the molecular basis of life. The Biochemistry major provides a strong foundation in chemistry and allows students to investigate the structure and function of biomolecules and the complex reactions, mechanisms, and pathways that sustain life. With a hands-on, investigative approach, we incorporate extensive laboratory work that builds proficiency in experimental design, uses modern biochemical and molecular techniques, and trains students to quantitatively evaluate and effectively communication scientific findings. A Biochemistry degree opens opportunities to pursue careers and postgraduate studies, including pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries, forensics, research, food science, or the pursuit of an advanced degree in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, or professional health fields.
Major Academic Plan (MAP) for Catalog Year 2026-2027
The catalog is the final authority on CATC and major requirements; this is intended as a tool for planning purposes. Student course sequencing may vary depending on course offerings and other variables.
Fall Semester 1
- CHEM 231: General Chemistry I F
- MATH 235: Calculus I* 1
- BIOL 241: Organization of Life
- CORE 101: First Year Seminar
- CORE 131: H. H. Flourishing (1)
- First-Year CATC options:
- COMM 101: Oral Comm (2)
- ENGW 103: First-Year Writing
- Language Core Competency or Thematic Core Course
Spring Semester 1
- CHEM 232: General Chemistry II* S
- MATH 235: Calculus I*, if not complete
- First-Year CATC options
- Language Core Competency
- BITH 211/ARCH 211: Old Testament
Summer 1
Consider study, internship or research options – Wheaton in summer program, WIN (HoneyRock), Wheaton in the Black Hills, non-major internship, summer research
Fall Semester 2
- CHEM 341: Organic Chemistry I* F 2
- CHEM 294: Chem. Colloquium 3
- PHYS 221: General Physics I* F 1 or PHYS 231: Introductory Physics I* 1
- Core Competency Courses
- BITH 213/ARCH 213: New Testament
Spring Semester 2
- CHEM 342: Organic Chemistry II* S
- CHEM 294: Chem. Colloquium 3
- PHYS 231: Introductory Physics I* 1 if not complete
- BIOL elective^
- BITH 315: Christian Thought*
Summer 2
Consider study, internship or research options.
Fall Semester 3
- CHEM 461: General Biochemistry* F
- CHEM 355: Intro. to Analytical Chemistry* F
- BIOL elective, if not complete^
- Thematic Core Course
- Advanced Integrative Seminar* if not complete
Spring Semester 3
- CHEM 462: Adv. Biochemistry* S and/or CHEM 463: Biochemistry Analysis* S
- CHEM elective 4 ^
- Thematic Core Course
- Advanced Integrative Seminar*
Summer 3
Consider study, internship or research options.
Fall Semester 4
- CHEM 375: Biophysical Chemistry* F
- CHEM elective 4 ^
- Thematic Core Course
- Complete CATC Coursework
Spring Semester 4
- CHEM 462: Adv. Biochemistry* S and/or CHEM 463: Biochemistry Analysis* S if not complete
- CHEM 494: Chemistry in Context*
- CHEM/BIOL elective, if not complete^
- Thematic Core Course
- Complete CATC Coursework
Notes or Special Guidance for Majors:
- * Course has prerequisite
- F Fall only course
- S Spring only course
- ^ Two additional 300-400 level courses in Chemistry are required. Two credit hours of BIOL electives (excluding BIOL 494) are also required.
1 Classes that meet CATC tags: MATH 231 (AAQR), PHYS 221 or 231 (SP)
2 CHEM 341 may be taken during Fall Semester 1 (and CHEM 342 during Spring Semester 1) by students who have AP credit for General Chemistry (i.e. CHEM 231 and CHEM 232)
3 CHEM 294 has 2 distinct courses that should be taken in order: the fall course followed by the spring course; suggested for Sophomores.
4 CHEM courses typically offered in the Fall include: CHEM 436, 437. CHEM courses typically offered in the Spring include: CHEM 336, 372, 441, 455, 485.