Biochemistry

The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at Indiana University Bloomington offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education in the molecular mechanisms that underpin life processes. This program is designed for students who are interested in exploring the chemical principles of living organisms, including the structure and function of biomolecules, metabolic pathways, and the biochemical basis of health and disease. Through a combination of coursework, laboratory experiences, and research opportunities, students develop strong analytical and technical skills necessary for careers in biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, education, or advanced study in health sciences.

The curriculum covers foundational courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and mathematics, providing students with a solid quantitative background. Core biochemistry courses focus on topics such as biomolecular structure and function, enzyme mechanisms, metabolism, and molecular genetics. Laboratory courses complement theoretical instruction by giving students hands-on experience in techniques such as spectrophotometry, chromatography, electrophoresis, and molecular cloning. Students also have opportunities to participate in research projects, allowing them to apply their knowledge to real-world scientific questions under the guidance of experienced faculty members.

Beyond technical training, the program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills. Students are encouraged to attend seminars, participate in research symposiums, and collaborate with peers and faculty on innovative projects. The program prepares graduates for a wide range of professional paths, including graduate studies in biochemistry, molecular biology, or medicine, as well as careers in biotechnology firms, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare organizations.

Indiana University Bloomington's Department of Chemistry offers state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities to support student learning and discovery. The program also benefits from a vibrant academic community, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and a globally-minded perspective. Dedicated academic advising and career services help students plan their educational trajectory and prepare for successful entry into their chosen careers. With its blend of rigorous coursework, research opportunities, and professional development, the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at Indiana University Bloomington provides an excellent foundation for future scientific pursuits and industry advancements.

A total of 90 credit hours, of which 22.5-23 are satisfied by the core courses (B501, B502, B506, B530, B531, B540, B541, and two semesters of B580), Grant Writing (B680), Research Ethics (B680 or G601), and two semesters of B600. Six additional elective hours are required in either the major or minor field. Students must also give two departmental seminars, generally in their 4th and 5th years of graduate study. In addition, students must complete an internal minor, or meet the minor requirements of a suitable outside program. The sequence of courses comprising the minor must be ap­proved by the student’s advisory committee.

At the end of the first year, each student selects a research advisor and laboratory. Together with the advisor, the student also selects an advisory committee of three or four faculty members appropriate to the student’s intended degree including one from the prospective minor field (see below). This advisory committee guides and monitors the student’s subsequent independent work and guides the student’s selection of advanced courses. The biochemistry graduate program requires that each student meet with the advisory committee at least once per year.

Minor

The doctoral student in biochemistry may minor in any appropriate discipline or in a specialized track within the Biochemistry Program. For an internal minor, the minor shall consist of 6 credit hours of the courses listed in either track below.

(1) Cellular and Medical Biochemistry

Biochemistry:

• B507 Biophysical Analysis of Macromolecules
• B511 Duplicating and Expressing the Genome
• B601 Adv Nucleic Acid and Biochemistry
• B602 Advanced Protein Biosynthesis and Processing
• B605 Structure and Function of Membranes
• B680 Special Topics: Biological Light and Electron Microscopy
• B680 Special Topics: Structural Bioinformatics
• B680 Special Topics: Molecular Virology and Public Health

Biology:

• L585 Molecular Genetics
• L586 Molecular Analysis of Cell Biology

Medical Sciences:

• B801 Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
• B802 Metabolism and Signal Transduction
• (2) Chemical and Structural Biology

Biochemistry:

• B507 Biophysical Anallysis of Macromolecules
• B511 Duplicating and Expressing the Genome
• B603 Advanced Macromolecular Structure and Interactions
• B604 Structural Methods
• B605 Structure and Function of Membranes
• B680 Special Topics: Drug Design
• B680 Special Topics: Electron Microscopy
• B680 Special Topics: NMR
• B680 Special Topics: Structural Bioinformatics

Biology:

• L586 Molecular Analysis of Cell Biology

Chemistry:

• C540 Organic Reactions Mechanisms
• C612 Mass Spectrometry
• Grades

Every student must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2 in order to remain in good standing. Courses to be counted toward the Ph.D. degree must be passed with a grade of B– (2.7) or better.

Qualifying Examinations

In the fifth semester, students meet with their examination committee to review past performance and to evaluate plans for completing the Ph.D. Includes written, oral, and research components. All full-time Ph.D. students must take the qualify­ing examination by the end of the fifth semester.

Satisfactory Progress toward a Degree

After passing the preliminary examination, for a student to remain in “good standing” requires that sufficient progress be made toward completing a thesis. If the research advisory com­mittee judges progress to be unsatisfactory, probation may be recommended. At the end of the probationary period (usually a semester), probation will be lifted if the advisory committee judges the student’s progress to be satisfactory. If the advisory committee judges the student’s progress to remain unsatisfac­tory, then the student will be required to leave the program.

Final Examination

Oral, covering dissertation, major, and minor. The final require­ment is a Ph.D. thesis, which must be defended in a public research seminar and in a meeting of the research advisory committee.

Other Provisions

All students enrolled in the Ph.D. program will be required to serve as associate instructors for at least one semester, regard­less of their source of support; they must complete formal instruction in teaching methods in order to enhance their teaching skills. It is the conviction of the program that teaching experience is a vital aspect of graduate education, whether or not the student intends to pursue a teaching career after at­tainment of the desired degree.

Ph.D. Minor in Biochemistry

Students from other programs who wish to minor in biochem­istry must complete at least 6 credit hours of graduate course­work in biochemistry, excluding B502, B580, and B600, with an average of B (3.0) or above.

Ph.D. Minor in Biotechnology

Students who wish to minor in biotechnology must complete at least 6 credit hours from the following list below of graduate coursework in biotechnology, with an average of B (3.0) or above.

• T501 Topics in Biotechnology I: Biochemical Instrumentation (2 cr.)
• T502 Topics in Biotechnology II: Mammalian Tissue Culture (2 cr.)
• T508 Theory and Application of Biotechnology Lecture (3 cr.)
• T515 Theory and Application of Biotechnology Lab (3 cr.)
• T521 Research Design and Ethics (2 cr.)T525 Protein, Expression, Purification, and Expression Lab (3 cr.)
• T540 Structure and Function of Biomolecules (3 cr.)
• T680 Special Topics: Writing in Biotechnology (1 cr.)
• T680 Special Topics: Entrepreneurship and Research (2 cr.)

Requirements

• Application form (Online)
• A 300-500 word Statement of Purpose regarding your current goals, plans for your professional career, and reasons for selecting a field of study (upload to online application)
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended (uploaded online).
• Official results of the Graduate Record Examinations
• Three letters of recommendation (uploaded online by recommender)
• Your CV or resume with your timeline that includes your teaching, research and/or industrial experiences; a publications list, and any college or professional honors and awards.
• An application fee of $65 USD.
• If you are from a country in which English is not the primary language, you should also take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

Scholarships

• Associate Instructorships
• Graduate Assistantships
• Research Assistantships
• Grant-in-Aid of Doctoral Research

The Biochemistry undergraduate program at Indiana University Bloomington provides students with a comprehensive education in the chemical processes and substances that underpin living organisms. This program emphasizes a strong foundation in chemistry and biology, preparing students for careers in research, healthcare, education, and industry. The curriculum typically includes core courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics, alongside specialized biochemistry classes such as molecular biology, cell biology, enzymology, and metabolic pathways. Students have opportunities to engage in hands-on laboratory work designed to develop essential experimental skills and foster analytical thinking.

The program often offers research opportunities in state-of-the-art laboratories, allowing undergraduates to collaborate with faculty on current scientific projects. These experiences enhance practical skills and can prepare students for graduate school or careers in biomedical sciences, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and related fields. Indiana University Bloomington also provides resources such as career counseling, internships, and research grants to support student development.

Students may have the option to participate in interdisciplinary programs or pursue minors related to chemistry, biology, or health sciences, broadening their academic perspectives. The curriculum is designed to meet prerequisites for advanced studies in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or graduate research in biochemistry and molecular biology. The department offers various academic advising resources to guide students through their educational journey and help them achieve their professional goals.

Additionally, the university community promotes a vibrant, collaborative learning environment, with numerous student organizations, seminars, and scientific conferences related to biochemistry. The program prepares graduates with a solid understanding of biochemical principles, laboratory techniques, and critical thinking skills necessary for success in scientific careers or further education. Overall, Indiana University Bloomington’s Biochemistry program aims to cultivate well-rounded, scientifically literate individuals equipped to contribute to advances in health sciences, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology sectors.