Biochemistry, B.S.
Uncover the chemistry of life and prepare for impactful careers in medicine, research and biotechnology.
Biochemistry sits at the cutting edge of science, where curiosity meets discovery. As a biochemistry major at Lenoir-Rhyne, you’ll explore the molecular foundations of life while building the knowledge and skills to solve real-world challenges in health, the environment and industry. This dynamic, interdisciplinary program empowers you to think critically, work collaboratively and make a lasting impact through science.
Major Requirements
Lenoir-Rhyne University's Biochemistry major offers students a dynamic and interdisciplinary education at the intersection of chemistry and biology. Designed to develop both creative insight and analytical skills, the curriculum emphasizes the molecular principles underlying living systems and their real-world applications. This Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree provides a strong foundation for students pursuing careers in the life sciences, healthcare, or research. It also prepares graduates for advanced study in graduate or professional schools, including medical, dental and pharmacy programs. With its rigorous, hands-on coursework, the biochemistry major prepares students to enter one of the nation's largest and most impactful scientific fields, equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to solve complex biological and chemical challenges.
Honors
Students majoring in Chemistry and judged qualified by the faculty may, upon invitation, elect to pursue honors work in Chemistry. To graduate ''With Honors in Chemistry,'' students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and a minimum major GPA of 3.5, with no Chemistry grade lower than a B-/2.7. They must present their research in a setting outside the chemistry department
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General Education Requirements (37 hours)
Graduation Requirements (4 hours)
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Major Requirements (59 hours)
- BIO 121 - Principles of Biology I
- BIO 122 - Principles of Biology II
- BIO 240 - Cell Biology
- BIO 305 - Genetics
- CHE 103 - General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis I
- CHE 103L - General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis Laboratory I
- CHE 104 - General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis II
- CHE 104L - General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis Laboratory II
- CHE 201 - Organic Chemistry
- CHE 201L - Organic Chemistry Laboratory
- CHE 202 - Organic Chemistry
- CHE 202L - Organic Chemistry Laboratory
- CHE 271 - Caring for Chemicals
- CHE 272 - Reading Chemical Research
- CHE 321 - Analytical Chemistry I
- CHE 321L - Analytical Chemistry I Laboratory
- CHE 371 - Creating Research Plans
- CHE 372 - Prototyping Chemical Research
- CHE 411 - Biochemistry I
- CHE 411L - Biochemistry I Laboratory
- CHE 412 - Biochemistry II
- CHE 412L - Biochemistry Laboratory
- CHE 471 - Conducting Research
- CHE 472 - Communicating Research
Choose one 8-hour PHY sequence:
- PHY 121 - General Physics I
- PHY 122 - General Physics II
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- PHY 211 - Analytical Physics I
- PHY 212 - Analytical Physics II
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General Elective Credits
General Electives (20 hours) as needed to reach 120 hours overall.
Recommended electives:
- CHE 303 - Physical Chemistry Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics Hours: 4
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MAT 165 - Calculus I Hours: 4
- PSY 100 - Introduction to Psychology Hours: 3
- Upper Division Biology Electives Hours: 4+
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Total Credit Hours - Minimum 120 hours
On occasion, technical and/or program requirements may also meet specific General Education requirements. Please confer with your program advisor to determine which courses, if any, may be counted accordingly.
All bachelor's degree programs at Lenoir-Rhyne require at least 120 credit hours. If, in combination, General Education, technical, and program requirements do not generate at least 120 hours, additional credits must be completed to achieve 120 hours. These classes may be general electives, or a student may complete a minor or additional major.
Admission & Financial Aid
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Undergraduate AdmissionOur admission team is here to assist you in making the college search process as easy as possible. Our counselors are happy to provide the information and guidance you need to submit your application, apply for financial aid and scholarships, visit and tour our campus.
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Financial AidWe recognize that paying for college is a top concern for students and their families. Our financial aid staff is here to provide you with financial aid options and assistance to help you achieve your educational goals.
News & Events
Across ceremonies held in Hickory, Asheville and Columbia on May 7-9, LR celebrated 578 undergraduate and graduate students earning their degrees and stepping into their next chapters as alumni.
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SOURCE 2026 highlighted student excellence across a range of disciplines, featuring Honors Thesis Competition winners and the inaugural Bears Engage awards.
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