Curriculum

High school students planning to study biochemistry and biophysics (BB) at OSU should prepare for college by taking as much physical science and mathematics as possible-four years of mathematics and at least one year each of physics and chemistry. AP and IB credit in biology and math give students a particular leg up over their peers. Coursework in biological science, foreign language, and English is also highly desirable. High school students, community college, and other transfer students interested in the BB program are encouraged to contact Dr. Kevin Ahern, the head advisor for advice about preparatory courses before they attend or apply to OSU. He can be reached at 541-737-2305 or ahernk@onid.orst.edu and he welcomes opportunities to meet with potential students and their families. Tours of BB facilities are also available through Dr. Ahern.

Required courses in the BB curriculum include three terms of Biochemistry lecture (BB 490,491,492); three terms of Biophysics lecture (BB 481,482,483); three terms of Biochemistry Laboratory (BB 493,494,495), and a writing intensive course entitled Scientific Theory and Practice (BB 317). The program also requires one year each of general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and physical chemistry, as well as three quarters of biology, four quarters of calculus, one quarter of genetics and two quarters of experimental chemistry. In addition, OSU requires at least two quarters of a foreign language for all students or two years of a foreign language in high school. Each graduating senior must also meet the Baccalaureate Core Curriculum requirements of 9 units ofwriting/communication, 15 units of Perspectives courses, a 3-unit Fitness course, and 6 units of Synthesis courses (Science, Technology, and Society and Contemporary Global Issues). Students should consult the OSU General Catalog for further information about Baccalaureate Core requirements.

A large proportion of B.S. graduates in Biochemistry and Biophysics go on to graduate school or professional school. Preparation for postgraduate work normally requires a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. It is imperative that students consult frequently with faculty advisors during their studies. It is also important for each student to become personally acquainted with the faculty because recommendations are an essential part of applications for postgraduate schools. Serious students are urged to seek part-time employment in the department, do research with one or more faculty members, and participate in departmental seminars.