Advising

We recommend that students start by speaking to a peer advisor first. Contact Jacky Chow (jchow1@binghamton.edu) for an appointment. These students will answer most of the questions you have about which classes to take, and when to take them, more accurately than faculty. Students are the best resource simply because they have more first hand knowledge of the rest of the university than faculty.

If you would rather speak to a faculty advisor, the director of the program is Susan Bane and the assistant director is Maura Loew.
 

Dr. Bane has office hours in Science II 320: Tuesdays and Thursdays 12-1 And by appointment: sbane@binghamton.edu Maura has office hours By appointment only: mloew1@binghamton.edu

To Declare Biochemistry as your Major

If you would like to declare a major in biochemistry, we ask that you fill out the forms below and schedule a meeting with a peer advisor before meeting with the director. Contact Jacky Chow (jchow1@binghamton.edu) for an appointment.

• Application for admission to the biochemistry program
• Sample Schedule for Biochemistry Majors
• Biochemistry B.S. curriculum plan

 

To Register for Independent Study in Biochemistry (BCHM 497)

 

Independent study in biochemistry is participation in original research in a chemistry or biology lab. Independent study is a powerful resume booster for medical school, and is fast becoming a requirement for graduate school. Biochemistry majors may do independent study with a professor in the biology or chemistry department. Read the descriptions of faculty research to find an advisor whose work you are interested in. The biology department has an application process that allows you to apply to multiple labs with one form. If you are interested in working with a chemistry department professor, contact that professor directly to meet with them.

One thing to bear in mind when choosing an advisor is that if you want to complete an honor's thesis in biochemistry, your research needs to be related to biochemistry in some way.

In general, you should apply to labs the semester before you plan to start working. Most professors ask that you spend approximately 15 hours in the lab each week, and you should plan your schedule accordingly. Once you have been accepted into a lab, please fill out this form and bring it to Dr. Bane.

 

Some advising resources to look over:

 

• Biochemistry Degree Requirements
• Binghamton University Bulletin
• A biochemistry scheduling outline
• Other Important BU Links