2024 ASM Conference for Undergraduate Educators

Students interested in careers in the biomedical sciences often declare majors that require 9 semesters of chemistry including general chemistry I and II, organic chemistry I and II, and biochemistry. Chemistry, and specifically organic chemistry can be a barrier to a student pursuing a career in the biomedical sciences as it often lowers overall student GPA. We are interested in whether completing organic chemistry II is necessary for better student performance in upper-level biochemistry and molecular biology courses and success in future career endeavors. We are analyzing how two different student groups – students who have completed organic chemistry I and II and students who have only completed organic chemistry I compare in their 1) successful completion of upper-level biochemistry and molecular biology courses, 2) admission into professional or graduate programs, 3) success in professional or graduate level biochemistry courses and 4) success in earning professional or graduate degrees.