Catalog

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

Dr. Isabelle G. Haithcox
Chair
(650) 508-3540
naturalsciences@ndnu.edu

The undergraduate degree in Biochemistry is a foundation for careers in laboratories either in industry such as biotechnology or in the academic world. The major prepares the student for graduate study directed toward biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacological, or other biomedical areas of specialization. Pre-medical, pre-dental, and pre-pharmacy students will also find that the Biochemistry major provides a good preparation for those professional schools.

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Learning Outcomes

At the completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry, a graduate will have:

  • Developed the ability to communicate effectively through oral and written formats;
  • Acquired an appreciation of the impact of science on society;
  • Identified, explored, and developed a career and continuing education plan;
  • Developed critical thinking skills and laboratory techniques so as to be capable of designing, carrying out, and interpreting scientific experiments;
  • Developed a thorough understanding of the function of biological molecules through the study of their molecular structure;
  • Developed a thorough understanding of the chemical and regulatory interrelationship between major cellular synthetic and catabolic pathways.

Degree Requirements

In addition to major requirements, students must meet Core Curriculum requirements and General Degree requirements.

Prerequisites   Units
BIO1101/1101L  General Biology I with Lab (3/1) 4
BIO1103/1103L General Biology II with Lab (3/1) 4
CHE1202/1202L General Chemistry I with Lab (3/1) 4
CHE1204/1204L General Chemistry II with Lab (3/1) 4
MTH1320 Calculus I 4
MTH1321 Calculus II (recommended) (4)
MTH2502 Statistics 3
PHY1304/1304L Physics for Scientists I with Lab (3/1) 4
PHY1306/1306L Physics for Scientists II with Lab (3/1) 4
     
Total Prerequisites 31
     
Major Requirements Units
BIO2252/2252L Cellular and Molecular Biology with Lab (3/1) 4
BIO2275/2275L  General Microbiology with Lab (3/2) 5
CHE2203/2203L Organic Chemistry I with Lab (3/1) 4
CHE2205/2205L  Organic Chemistry II with Lab (3/1) 4
CHE2210/2210L Chemical Analysis and Instrumental Methods with Lab (3/2) 5
CHE2370/2370L Biochemistry I with Lab (3/1)  4
CHE2375/2375L Biochemistry II with Lab (3/1) 4
CHE2884 Research** 3
Upper-division elective in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics approved by the advisor 4
     
Total Major Requirements 37
     
Additional coursework strongly recommended for students planning graduate study:
MTH1321 Calculus II (4)  
MTH1330 Calculus III (4)  
CHE2312/2312L Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences with Lab (3/1)  
Courses in Computer Science  
     
Other Degree Requirements* and General Electives 56
* Other degree requirements include Core Curriculum Requirements and General Degree Requirements (e.g. U.S. History).
Total Unit Requirement  124

** CHE2884 may be fulfilled by a CAR2990 internship involving laboratory work and an additional elective. Students anticipating graduate study or pharmacy school should consult the individual schools to which they intend to apply for specific undergraduate course requirements.

Minor in Biochemistry

Required Courses Units
     
BIO1101/1101L  General Biology I with Lab (3/1)   4
BIO1103/1103L    General Biology II with Lab (3/1) 4
CHE1202/1202L  General Chemistry I with Lab (3/1)       4
CHE1204/1204L  General Chemistry II with Lab (3/1)  4
CHE2203/2203L Organic Chemistry I with Lab (3/1)   4
CHE2205/2205L Organic Chemistry II with Lab (3/1) 4
CHE2370/2370L Biochemistry I with Lab (3/1)   4
CHE2375/2375L Biochemistry II with Lab (3/1)      4
     
Total Unit Requirement       32

Minor in Chemistry

Required Courses Units
CHE1202/1202L General Chemistry I with Lab (3/1) 4
CHE1204/1204L General Chemistry II with Lab (3/1) 4
CHE2203/2203L Organic Chemistry I with Lab (3/1)  4
CHE2205/2205L Organic Chemistry II with Lab (3/1)  4
Four to five upper-division units in Chemistry from the following, with the approval of the Program Advisor: 4-5
CHE2210/2210L Chemical Analysis and Instrumental Methods with Lab (3/2)  
CHE2312/2312L Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences with Lab (3/1)  
CHE2886 Special Topics (3-4)  
     
Total Unit Requirement  20–21