Biological Chemistry

The program in Biological Chemistry offers Tulane undergraduates an opportunity to obtain a broad educational background with emphasis on the chemistry of biological systems. Biological Chemistry, or biochemistry, is the study of life at the molecular level. The major in Biological Chemistry focuses on providing training so students can apply the concepts and methods of the physical sciences to the solution of biological problems.

The program is operated jointly between the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology. The major involves taking selected science courses in both these departments as well as in physics and mathematics. In addition, students are required to participate in two semesters of research. This gives you the opportunity get involved in a research project in any area of your choice. Students have worked with research groups not only in the Chemistry and Cell Molecular Biology departments but also Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, Physics and various departments in the Medical School.

Department of Cell & Molecular Biology

Department of Chemistry

Learn About the Biological Chemistry Major

Click the headings below to learn about the requirements for the major in Biological Chemistry. Students should also consult the Tulane catalog for the most up-to-date information and to learn more about required courses.

A major in Biological Chemistry must include the cell and molecular biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics courses in the lists under Requirements in the catalog. At least two elective courses, selected from Requirements list, also must be included. In addition, an appropriate six-credit special project integrating the student’s biological and chemical studies is required.

Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the Biological Chemistry major, students in this program may not minor in chemistry, cell and molecular biology, or ecology and evolutionary biology.

The suggested degree path document offers a guide for when to take each required course throughout your time at Tulane.

These courses meet the requirements for the Biological Chemistry Major. These do not include
Newcomb Tulane College requirements or minor requirements. Talk to your advisor about adjustments to the suggested degree path.

Transfer credit requests are reviewed by the department whose class you are requesting credit for. For example, a request for CHEM 1080: General Chemistry II transfer credit would be reviewed by the department of chemistry and a request for CELL 4010: Cellular Biochemistry would be reviewed by the department of Cell and Molecular. Each department has their own process for requesting transfer credit.

Below are links to the transfer credit policies of SSE departments with required courses for the Biological Chemistry Major:

Declare a Major in Biological Chemistry

If you are ready to declare a major in Biological Chemistry, please fill out this form, and submit it to the Department of Chemistry in-person (Stern Hall, Room 2015) or email it to chemistry@tulane.edu. The form will be signed and returned to you, and you can send it along to NTC Advising. Please note that it is your responsibility to send this form to your NTC advisor.

You will also receive an invitation to join the Canvas site for Biological Chemistry majors that has much more detailed information relevant to the major.

You and your major advisor will be copied on an email to connect. If your major advisor does not reach out, you may want to contact them to introduce yourself or to set up a meeting.

Major Declaration Form