Students interested in biochemistry ideally take the equivalent of two courses in chemistry.  In the fall, the most common introductory chemistry option is CHEM 105 or 105P, followed by CHEM 205 or CHEM 211 in the spring.  Students with a 4 or 5 on the AP exam can enroll instead in a one-semester accelerated version of introductory chemistry, CHEM 120, in the fall.  Students should also complete the first semester of biology  (BISC 110, 110P, 112, or 112Y) during their first year at Wellesley.  A new integrated interdisciplinary course premiered in the fall of 2016 and combined introductory chemistry and biology, called BISC116/CHEM116.  This double course provides an excellent introduction to the discipline of biochemistry.  Many students also take another course in mathematics or physics during the first year.  While not essential, these courses give students a valuable foundation for subsequent studies at the intersection of biology and chemistry.  For a student planning to major in Biochemistry, these courses are the prerequisites for Fundamentals of Biochemistry (CHEM 223), genetics (BISC 219), and/or cellular biology (BISC 220) which can be taken during her sophomore year. 

COURSE PLANNING GUIDE — put together for students by students!  It contains a diverse set of student schedules from current and previous majors as well as useful advice, so you can see just some of the many ways to be an amazing BIOC major at Wellesley College!