Curriculum

An outline of how the next four years will go here in Biochemistry. 

ASBMB Accreditation

Our department's curriculum is accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). ASBMB accreditation is a national, independent, outcomes-based evaluation mechanism that recognizes excellence in B.S. or B.A. degree programs in biochemistry and molecular biology and related disciplines.

This means as a biochemistry student at Virginia Tech, you'll be assured knowing that the courses you're taking align with the fundamental concepts and critical reasoning skills necessary for biochemistry and molecular biology careers, will provide training in communication, teamwork, and safety and ethics, and will provide you with an opportunity to complete independent, mentored research or cooperative experiences and internships.

Additionally, as a biochemistry student, you will have the option to take the ASBMB degree certification exam to further demonstrate competitiveness against peers from across the nation independent of institutional prestige. 

Coursework

Below you'll find a sample biochemistry coursework schedule. The bolded classes are courses that you can move around to other semesters, so don’t stress if you can’t fit them exactly where they are listed on the sample schedule.

Did you know that approximately one-third of Biochemistry students pursue a health professions program after graduation? If you are planning to go to medical, pharmacy, dental, vet, or another health profession program after you earn your biochemistry degree, please let a biochemistry advisor know. The biochemistry major fulfills most requirements for health profession programs, and with the help from your advisor, you can incorporate the other requirements into your academic plan.

If you want to explore an option that is not listed on this webpage, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with a Biochemistry advisor. For double major options, you will need to find and communicate with an advisor in the department that corresponds to your second major.

For questions about our sample schedules or which classes best align with your academic and career goals, reach out to a peer mentor or one of our academic advisors: Amy Rasor and Jen Stewart.

Undergraduate Teaching Assistants

In addition to coursework, students can serve as undergraduate teaching assistants, providing an opportunity to improve communication skills and understanding of Biochemistry. 

The Department of Biochemistry employs qualified undergraduate teaching assistants (TAs) to assist with these courses: BCHM 2024, 2114, 3114, 4115, 4116, and 4124. TAs are advanced students who have taken the course they are assigned to and can provide assistance to the faculty teaching the course. 

TAs are paid by the Department of Biochemistry and usually work between 5-10 hours each week during the semester. If you are interested in serving as an undergraduate TA, please contact Lisa Jones.