Distinction in Biochemistry

First, the student must have a transcript showing an overall cumulative GPA of 3.4, and must also have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 in all natural sciences and mathematics courses taken at S.U.

Second, the student must have taken a minimum of 6 credits of BCM 460.

Third, before completion of the final semester at Syracuse University, the student must make an oral presentation (either poster or platform) based on his/her research, at one of the following: (1) the Syracuse University biology department Undergraduate Research Conference in April; or (2) an external conference sponsored by an outside (non-S.U.) educational institution with its own accredited 4-year biochemistry degree program; or (3) an external conference sponsored by a nationally-recognized scientific society with a biochemistry component (e.g. ACS, FASEB, Biophysical Society). A symposium specifically designed for undergraduate researchers from multiple institutions and sponsored by a regional or local chapter of a national scientific society is understood to qualify as external, even if it is physically located at Syracuse University.

Fourth, the written thesis must be judged to be of high quality by a committee of readers selected from among the biochemistry program faculty listed in the Syracuse University Course Catalog. The student is responsible for selecting potential readers and obtaining their consent to serve. The committee of readers should include the research supervisor, but in any case must include at least one member whose primary appointment is in Syracuse University’s biology department, and one member whose primary appointment is in Syracuse University's chemistry department.

For further information, contact the biochemistry major advisors (James C. Dabrowiak, 443-4601, jcdabrow@syr.edu or Samuel H. Chan, 443-3182, shchan@syr.edu).