While we recommend that first year students take courses in biology and chemistry, some students don’t realize their interest in biochemistry until later.  In fact, a few students have completed the major after taking essentially no courses in these areas during their first year.  Starting late often doesn’t require as heavy of a courseload as you might expect, and we would definitely encourage you to talk with the program directors or a member of the advisory committee to figure out a feasible plan to complete the major.  The biochemistry minor might also be a viable option for students who discover their passion for biochemistry later in their college careers and might also want to major in another field.