Biochemistry, B.S.

Mission

The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry is to train and mentor students to become skilled scientists who will glorify God and be good stewards of His creation as they serve others in research, health care, academia, and industry.

Degree Program

A Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry is offered upon completion of the University baccalaureate and major requirements. Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of living systems; thus this interdisciplinary program requires upper-division course work both in biology and chemistry. The Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry offers two concentrations. The premedical concentration is designed especially for those students planning a career in health professions and the requirements for schools of medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and medical technology can be met within this major. The General Biochemistry concentration prepares one for graduate school and careers in a variety of bioscience programs. Biochemistry majors have excellent opportunities for employment in biotechnical, pharmaceutical and environmental businesses and governmental agencies. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the foundational principles of biochemistry (ULO 1).
2. Demonstrate an ability to solve quantitative, mechanistic, and technical problems related to biochemistry (ULO 1).
3. Demonstrate safe laboratory technique, proper use of appropriate equipment, and suitable results and data analysis (ULO 1).
4. Obtain and use appropriate biochemical literature and resource materials (ULO 1).
5. Summarize the key issues in science and faith and recognize the harmony possible while studying God's creation (ULO 1, 2, and 3).

Each Program Learning Outcome (PLO) listed above references at least one of the University Learning Outcomes (ULO 1, 2, 3), which may be found in the General Information section of this catalog.

GPA Requirements

To continue in the program a student is required to have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in their first year of chemistry, physics and/or math courses taken at Biola. Depending on the major, these courses may include: CHEM 105, CHEM 106, CHEM 301, CHEM 302, CHEM 311, and CHEM 312.

Curriculum Requirements

Integration Seminar Requirement

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry degree program are required to take BBST 465 as Christianity and the Natural Sciences, or another approved Integration Seminar topic (see advisor).

¹

The prerequisite for CHEM 105 is a passing score on the Chemistry Placement Exam or CHEM 107 with at least a “B-”.

²

The prerequisite for PHSC 111 is a passing score on the Physics Placement Exam or PHSC 092 with a grade of “C” or better or 3 or above on any Advanced Placement (AP) Physics.

³

The prerequisite for PHSC 132 is a passing score on the Physics Placement Exam or PHSC 092 with a grade of “B” or better or 4 or above on any Advanced Placement (AP) Physics.

⁴

3 credits must be upper-division.

⁵

The following courses do not count as major electives: BIOS 100, BIOS 105, BIOS 110, BIOS 130.

⁶

See Core Curriculum Program section for details.

Concentration

Pre-Medical Studies

¹

The prerequisite for CHEM 105 is a passing score on the Chemistry Placement Exam or CHEM 107 with at least a “B-”.

²

The prerequisite for PHSC 111 is a passing score on the Physics Placement Exam or PHSC 092 with a grade of “C” or better or 3 or above on any Advanced Placement (AP) Physics.

³

The prerequisite for PHSC 132 is a passing score on the Physics Placement Exam or PHSC 092 with a grade of “B” or better or 4 or above on any Advanced Placement (AP) Physics.

⁴

3 credits must be upper-division.

⁵

See Core Curriculum Program section for details.

NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.

Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.

See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.

• Biochemistry
• Pre-Medical Studies

Biochemistry, B.S. (BCHM)

Note: If you have taken 2 years of the same language in high school, you have fulfilled your foreign language requirement. Otherwise, contact the Modern Language Department for placement test instructions. 

Biochemistry, B.S. Pre-Medical Studies (BCPM)

Note: If you have taken 2 years of the same language in high school, you have fulfilled your foreign language requirement. Otherwise, contact the Modern Language Department for placement test instructions.  

NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.

Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.

See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.

• Biochemistry
• Pre-Medical Studies

Biochemistry, B.S. (BCHM)

Note: If you have taken 2 years of the same language in high school, you have fulfilled your foreign language requirement. Otherwise, contact the Modern Language Department for placement test instructions. 

Biochemistry, B.S. Pre-Medical Studies (BCPM)

Note: If you have taken 2 years of the same language in high school, you have fulfilled your foreign language requirement. Otherwise, contact the Modern Language Department for placement test instructions.