2025-2026 Academic Catalog
Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.
Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.
The Bachelor of Science in biochemistry is designed to provide students with a thorough foundation in chemistry and biology and an appreciation of how these sciences are integrated to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying biological processes. The plan of study prepares students for careers in medicine, veterinary medicine, biomedical research, agriculture, industrial biochemistry, or biotechnology. In addition, it provides the background for post-graduate studies in the life sciences or professional studies in medicine, nursing, veterinary medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and clinical chemistry.
The department offers the undergraduate biochemistry degree in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
The department supports students' interest in bioinformatics/genomics by providing instruction and laboratory experience in those areas. Students are advised of appropriate supporting courses in computer science that may be used toward a minor in Computer Science.
Satisfactory progress requirements toward the B.S. in Biochemistry can be found on the under the program curriculum within the university catalog.
To qualify for a major in biochemistry, the department requires that students maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average (GPA) for the hours passed in all required biochemistry, biology, and chemistry courses. In addition, the department requires that a student earn a C- or better in all required biochemistry, chemistry, and biology courses.
The plan of study allows time for qualified students to participate in undergraduate research (BCHM 4994 Undergraduate Research). Qualified students are strongly encouraged to initiate research activity prior to their senior year. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for enrollment in BCHM 4994 Undergraduate Research. Students participating in undergraduate research are encouraged to present a senior thesis. Students admitted to the Honors College may use undergraduate research credits toward an Honors Laureate Diploma.
Biochemistry majors may participate in the Cooperative Education Program that alternates academic study with employment experience. Additional information pertaining to the CO-OP program is included in the "General Information" section of this catalog. Summer internships with various businesses and governmental agencies are frequently available, particularly to rising seniors.
The minimum number of credits required for the B.S. in Biochemistry is 120.
The department also offers a graduate program leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. The Department of Biochemistry offers a route to earn a Master of Science in the Life Sciences for students currently enrolled in our B.S. program, who earn an accelerated B.S./M.S. degree combination. Twelve credits may be counted toward the requirements for both degrees.
Head: G. E. Gillaspy
Associate Head: P. Sobrado
Professors: D. R. Dean, G. E. Gillaspy, P. J. Kennelly, T. J. Larson, J. Li, B. Mukhopadhyay, P. Sobrado, Z. Tu, and J. Zhu
Associate Professors: R. F. Helm, M. W. Klemba, and D. Slade
Assistant Professors: K. D. Allen, B. J. Jutras, C. Lahondere, J. Lemkul, C. Vinauger
Professor of Practice: J. Tokuhisa
Research Assistant Professors: K. Phillips and E. Purwanti
Collegiate Professors: K. Hite, and S. Marine
Adjunct Faculty: D. Capelluto, B. Costa, C. Finkielstein, D. Good, J. Mahaney, D. Tholl, C. Thorpe
Academic Support Advisors: A. Rasor (231-8734) arasor@vt.edu, J. Stewart (231-077) jen2@vt.edu
Undergraduate Program Director: J. Zhu (231-3841) zhujin@vt.edu
Undergraduate Lab Coordinator: T. J. Larson (231-7060) tilarson@vt.edu
Study Abroad Program Director: M.W. Klemba (231-5729) klemba@vt.edu
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