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Students interested in majoring in Biochemistry are strongly advised to initially take an introductory chemistry course based on their placement (see below): CHEM 100, CHEM 120, or CHEM 130. BIO 130 is usually taken the semester after CHEM 120 or CHEM 130, but it can also be taken at the same time. Typically, students working toward the Biochemistry degree take two math/science classes each semester and are advised to actively participate in the AMP and SSAP programs associated with their math/science classes. 

Students wishing to declare the Biochemistry major should have completed two Biology and two Chemistry classes with at least a 2.7 GPA in these classes and arrange for the discussion of their schedule with one of the Program's advisors. 

Placement Information

Students who are interested in majoring in Biochemistry should take the Chemistry Placement Exam during the summer prior to their first year. Students scoring a 4 or 5 on the Chemistry AP exam have the option of enrolling in CHEM 130 without taking the placement test, but are encouraged to contact a department chair if they have questions about this placement.

Students who are interested in majoring in Biochemistry should take the Calculus Placement Assessment (ALEKS) during the summer prior to their first year. You do not need to take the Calculus Placement Assessment if any of the following are true:

• You received a score of 4 or 5 on either the AP Calculus AB or BC exam; 

• You received an IB Calculus HL score of 5 or above;

• You have already taken a Calculus 1 course at another accredited college or university.  

An AP Calculus AB score of 4 or 5, or an IB Calculus HL score of 5 or above, fulfills the major’s Calculus 1 requirement. An AP Calculus BC score of 4 or 5 fulfills the Calculus 2 requirement. Students should make sure that their official score reports are sent to the Registrar’s Office for processing.

Sample 4-Year Plan

Curricular Notes

• For their Introductory Organismal biology course, students can choose from BIO 105, BIO 110, and BIO 115.

• CHEM 120 or CHEM 130 are prerequisites for BIO 130, though it is also possible to take the CHEM and BIO courses concurrently.

• To complete your core requirements by the end of the sophomore year at least one course may need to satisfy two core requirements.

Biochemistry Transfer Student Advice

Transfer Course Limit for Transfer Students: No Limit

Designated Transfer Adviser

Expected preparation for transfer students wanting to major in Biochemistry:

• Rising Juniors transferring to Occidental: Ideally should have completed all the 100- and 200- Biology and Chemistry courses, as well as the calculus requirement (Calculus 2). With enough Core completed upon arrival, they may still be able to make up one of the 100- or 200-level courses and complete the major in four semesters.

• Students starting mid way through their sophomore year: Ideally should have completed all the 100-level Biology and Chemistry courses, Organic Chemistry 1 (CHEM 220) and another of the 200-level Biology or Chemistry requirements. They can still make up some of the 100- or 200-level courses and still complete the major. They should also have finished the calculus requirement (Calculus 2).

• Students starting as Rising Sophomores should have completed at least one of the 100-level Biology courses and General Chemistry I (CHEM 120/ CHEM 130).

• Junior transfer students should have completed at least seven Core requirements prior to starting at Occidental. Students starting mid way through their sophomore year should have completed at least five Core requirements prior to starting at Occidental.

General advice for transfer students wanting to major in Biochemistry:

• The following courses must be taken at Occidental: all 300-level Biology and Chemistry classes (BIO 349, another 300-level Biology class, CHEM 300/ CHEM 301 and CHEM 350), and the Senior Seminar (BICH 490).

• Transfer students should meet with one of the co-chairs to introduce yourself as early as possible in the semester.

What courses should a transfer student take during their first semester at Occidental?

• Rising Junior transfer students starting Occidental in the fall must enroll in BIO 349 and another required class for the major. Rising Junior transfer students starting Occidental in the spring must take CHEM 350 this semester so that they will have at least one of the required Biochemistry courses (BIO 349 and CHEM 350) before starting Senior Seminar the following fall. In addition, for students starting in the spring: If they haven't taken Physics yet, they must also enroll in at least the first semester of Physics (preferably both semesters) to have met the prerequisites for Physical Chemistry (CHEM 300/ CHEM 301) in the following fall.

• Students starting mid way through their sophomore year, starting at Occidental in the fall, should enroll in Organic Chemistry 2 (CHEM 221) or General Chemistry II (CHEM 240) and Calculus 2 or a 200-level Biology class in their first semester. Those students starting in the spring must talk to their adviser and the co-chairs of the Biochemistry Program when setting up their spring schedule. 

• Students starting as Rising Sophomores in the fall should enroll in Organic Chemistry 1 and either Calculus or a Biology requirement. Those students starting in the spring must talk to their adviser and the co-chairs of the Biochemistry Program when setting up their spring schedule.