Biochemistry - B.S.
Purpose
Biochemistry is an exciting, cutting-edge field which directly works with the biomolecules needed for life's processes. The Biochemistry major is designed to integrate the Christian perspective into a rigorous background and training in biochemistry and to develop skills so that the student is well prepared for a wide variety of options in chemistry and the life sciences. The primary options include (1) entrance into graduate school to obtain a master's or Ph.D. degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, or the biomedical sciences — an option that prepares the student for a research and/or teaching career; (2) entrance into professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, or veterinary medicine; (3) entry-level positions in biochemical and related discipline research laboratories in academia or the pharmaceutical industry; and (4) entrance into a combined degree program such as an M.D.-Ph.D. program — an option that prepares the student for a clinical research and/or teaching career.
For students wishing to complete the Biochemistry major as part of a Pre-med program curriculum, it is advised that they have extremely strong aptitudes in math and chemistry. Students choosing this path must successfully complete the rigorous Biochemistry core plus complete key electives from the Biology major offerings in order to prepare for the professional school admission tests. These key electives typically include BIO-311, BIO-312, BIO-412, BIO-213, and BIO-440. As a result, completing the Biochemistry major with a competitive GPA for professional school admission requires exceptional abilities. Medical and other health care professions schools do not look upon a Biochemistry degree with more favor than a Biology or Chemistry degree. Instead, nationally standardized admissions test scores (e.g., the MCAT, DAT, and GRE) and GPA are given priority in admission decisions. These factors should be considered very carefully before pursuing the Biochemistry major/Pre-med program path.
Bachelor of Science Requirements
A Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry requires 68 hours of coursework in the Division of Natural Sciences and the Division of Mathematics and Computer Information Systems. A grade of "C" or better is required for all courses. The following courses must be included in the major:
Standards Required to Enter the Gateway Courses:
BIO-125 and CHE-125 are the first courses taken in the major. The standards required to take each of these courses are as follows:
BIO-125 - Completion of BIO-100 with a grade of "C" or better OR permission of instructor.
CHE-125 - Completion of CHE-110 with a grade of "C" or better OR one year of high school chemistry and one of the following acceptable scores: Math SAT (480 or above) or ACT (21 or above).
Requirements (68 credits)
Required Courses (47 credits)
CHE-125: Gateway Course
CHE-495: only two credits maximum apply toward major or minor
Prerequisite Courses (21 credits)
