The Biochemistry Major capstone is designed to ensure that a student achieves a level of comprehension within the field of biochemistry wherein they are competent to critically evaluate experimental data, design an independent research project, and put into relevant context this knowledge. This requirement can be satisfied by any one of three options.

1. A student successfully completing Biochemistry 491 or 492 (Directed Research in Biochemistry I and II) with a grade of B or better will satisfy the capstone requirement. Successful completion includes conducting an independent research project under the guidance of a faculty member and preparing an appropriate manuscript-style document (as defined by their mentor) describing the accomplishments of their research. A student may additionally present this research before an audience versed in the appropriate field of study.

2. A student successfully completing Biochemistry 471 or 472 (Readings in Biochemistry I and II) for 3 credits with a grade of B or better will satisfy the capstone requirement if they prepare a document describing the Readings. Such a document (as defined by their mentor) will include a summary of the topic(s), the objectives of the research, the methods and instrumentation used in the experimental approach, and placing this research in a relevant context.

3. A student in their senior year enrolled in, or having completed, Biochemistry II lecture and laboratory courses (Biochemistry 384 and Biochemistry 386) can satisfy the capstone requirement by having one or more of the Biochemistry faculty approve an original topic for their further investigation via library research and a written analysis. The written analysis (as defined by their mentor[s]) will involve analyzing a topic of published biochemistry research, and will include the goals of the investigation(s), methods of analysis, instrumentation used in the analysis, critical analysis of the results, implications of the results, placing the research into a relevant context, and the possible direction(s) in which new research may proceed. The final written document will be approved by two Biochemistry faculty members.