Biochemistry majors complete courses that allow exploration of other areas of biological science. Each of the Options and Minors is achievable by taking extra courses or by judicious selection of electives.

• Biotechnology Option*

  Biotechnology is an application of biochemistry and biological sciences to improve food and fiber production; to develop novel sources of pharmaceuticals; to the exploration and potential treatment of diseases; and to the use of traditional crops and animals for production of "genetically-engineered" products.

  Biochemistry majors earn the Biotechnology Option by successfully completing the majors courses and BCHM 4784 (Biotechnology Applications).

• Emphasis in Genomics and Bioinformatics, Minor in Computer Science*

  Genomics is part of the newly developing area of structure / function prediction in biology and has applications to drug discovery, gene therapy and "molecular medicine." Bioinformatics is the study and development of information technology and its application to solving problems in the biological sciences.

  Complete sequences of genes, genomes and proteins are now available in print and electronic media. These sequences allow comparisons of gene structure and organization within and among families of organisms. This emphasis is being developed by the department but requires the student to complete a Computer Science minor.

• Minor in Chemistry

  Students completing the Biochemistry major automatically meet the requirements for a minor in Chemistry, but must request the minor on a "major change" form.

• Articulation agreement with Johns Hopkins School of Nursing*

  A formal agreement between Virginia Tech and the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing allows students who successfully complete three years of the biochemistry majors curriculum to be eligible for admission to the school of nursing program. Students who: (a) maintain a GPA over 3.0; (b) earn a grade of at least "C" in each required preprequisite; (c) work with the Premedical Advisor and complete application requirements; will be given preferential consideration. Following completion of two years of additional work at the School of Nursing the student earns the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Virginia Tech and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Johns Hopkins.

• Second Degrees and Minors

  Students may earn second degrees or minors not listed in this information.

A 5-Year Bachelor’s/Master’s program in Biochemistry is available.

• Application to this program is open to students who have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.50 and completed a minimum of 75 hours of undergraduate coursework at the time of application. It permits up to 12 hours of graduate study while enrolled as an undergraduate student. In order to receive graduate credit, the student must be accepted for graduate study before taking the graduate courses. Note that some colleges and departments may require that application be delayed until the student completes more credit hours of undergraduate study or require a higher GPA.

• The graduate courses taken will be accepted in lieu of courses for the completion of the B.S. degree, meaning that the courses taken will count toward both undergraduate and graduate degrees. The application must consist of:

  1. The general application for graduate study at Virginia Tech;
  2. Three letters of recommendation as required by the application (please have writer place in envelope, seal, and sign over seal);
  3. An official transcript;
  4. A program of study detailing what courses will be taken as a graduate student that will also be accepted in lieu of undergraduate courses. The student and the department must agree to specific graduate courses to be taken and which courses in the undergraduate curriculum they will replace. The department must approve this program of study BEFORE the application will be forwarded to the graduate school; and
  5. A check for $45 for the application fee.

  Restrictions:

  1. There will be no exceptions to the 3.50 GPA rule or the 75 hour rule;
  2. Please note that the use of the name "5-year" is not meant to ensure the completion of the master's in precisely five years. While in most cases this should be possible, the number of graduate hours completed while an undergraduate, the number of hours required for the M.S. and the uncertainty of thesis research may require a specific student to take longer than five years. A student should not seek to enroll in this program unless he or she is reasonably sure that such work will enhance and shorten graduate study;
  3. Colleges and departments may, at their option, increase the requirements for application to the program, for instance, they may require a higher GPA or more house of undergraduate research before application; and
  4. Departments and colleges may not reduce the requirements without the introduction of new legislation to the relevant Commissions and the University Council.

Talk to your advisor or Dr. Sitz, Undergraduate Program Coordinator, for complete details. These individuals will have full details concerning all options, minors and majors.

*Detailed information is available