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. Solve quantitative and conceptual problems related to the foundational principles of biochemistry (ULO 1).

2. Display safe and proper use of equipment and chemicals, suitable data analysis in laboratory work, and competency in experimental design (ULO 1).

3. Obtain, understand and use appropriate chemical literature and resource materials to communicate and apply scientific knowledge (ULO 1).

4. Articulate key issues in science and faith in order to integrate their scientific and theological knowledge (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 102, CHEM 105, CHEM 106, CHEM 115, CHEM 116, 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 4653 Integration Seminar: Christianity and the Natural Sciences, or another approved Integration Seminar topic (see advisor).

Concentrations

Standard Biochemistry

¹

CHEM 107 is waived for students who meet the qualifications to enter CHEM 102 or CHEM 105. See the current Placement Options for CHEM 105 or the department for more information.

²

CHEM 107 must be passed with a C- or higher.

³

All students who do not meet one of the Physics 111 Placement Options must enroll in PHSC 100.

⁴

Fulfills the BBST 465 Biblical and Theological Studies Integration Seminar requirement.

⁵

The following courses do not count as major electives: BIOS 100, BIOS 105, BIOS 120, BIOS 130.

⁶

See Core Curriculum Program section for details.

Pre-Medical Studies

¹

CHEM 107 is waived for students who meet the qualifications to enter CHEM 102 or CHEM 105. See the current Placement Options for CHEM 105 or the department for more information.

²

CHEM 107 must be passed with a C- or higher.

³

Fulfills the Behavioral Science Core Curriculum requirement.

⁴

All students who do not meet one of the Physics 111 Placement Options must enroll in PHSC 100.

⁵

Fulfills the BBST 465 Biblical and Theological Studies Integration Seminar requirement.

⁶

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.

• Standard Biochemistry
• Pre-Medical Studies

Biochemistry, B.S. Standard Biochemistry (BCSB)

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.

• Standard Biochemistry
• Pre-Medical Studies

Biochemistry, B.S. Standard Biochemistry (BCSB)

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.