Biochemistry ACS - B.S.
Purpose
The Biochemistry ACS program is certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and meets rigorous standards set for graduates of premier programs. This proposed program is very similar to the existing BS Biochemistry degree, but with the added requirements that fulfill the accreditation requirements of ACS. The accredited degree benefits our graduates by designating their robust training on their transcript when applying to potential professional schools and employers.
Biochemistry is an exciting, cutting-edge field focusing on the biomolecules needed for life's processes. The Biochemistry ACS major integrates Christian perspective into a rigorous curriculum and training in biochemistry to develop the knowledge and skills needed to be well-prepared for a wide variety of options in chemistry and the life sciences. Primary options for students completing the Biochemistry ACS major include (1) entrance into graduate school to obtain a master's (M.S.) or doctorate (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 ACS major as part of a Pre-Health Care Sciences (Non-Nursing) program curriculum, it is advised that they have strong aptitudes in math and chemistry. Students choosing this path must successfully complete the rigorous Biochemistry ACS core in addition to key elective courses from the Biology major in order to prepare for 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 ACS major with a competitive GPA for professional school admission requires exceptional abilities.
Bachelor of Science Requirements
A Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry ACS requires 74 hours of coursework in the Division of Natural Sciences and the Division of Mathematics, Engineering, and Computer Information Sciences. 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 gateway courses are as follows:
BIO-125 - Math SAT 480 or above; OR RSAT 510 or above; OR ACT 20 or above; OR CHE-110 with a grade of "C" or better; OR permission of the 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 RSAT Math (510 or above); or ACT Math (21 or above).
Requirements (74-77 credits)
Required Courses (53-56 credits)
Prerequisite Courses (21 credits)
Strongly Recommended Courses
Optional; choose based on personal career goals.
