Biochemistry
Dr. Isabelle Haithcox, Chair, (650) 508-3496, ihaithcox@ndnu.edu
The Natural Sciences Department offers a Bachelor of Science in
Biochemistry, both a Bachelor of 
Science and a Bachelor of Arts
in Biology, and minors in Biology, Biochemistry, and Chemistry. A Master of Arts in Teaching
Biology is available in collaboration with the School of Education
and Leadership.
Degrees in the Department lead directly to employment, graduate study, or entrance into professional schools in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, allied health, or education. The Department offers a selection of courses satisfying Core Curriculum Requirements and encourages students in other majors to pursue a minor in the Natural Sciences.
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, pharmacy, 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 most medical schools.
Bachelor of Science: Biochemistry
| In addition to major requirements, students must meet Core Curriculum Requirements and General Degree Requirements. | ||
| Core Major | Units | |
| BIO11O1/1101L | General Biology I | 3/1 |
| BIO1103/1103L | General Biology II | 3/1 |
| CHE1202/1202L | General Chemistry I | 3/1 |
| CHE1204/1204L | General Chemistry II | 3/1 |
| MTH1320 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MTH1321 | Calculus II (recommended) | |
| PHY1304/1304L | Physics for Scientists I | 3/1 |
| PHY1306/1306L | Physics for Scientists II | 3/1 |
| BIO2252/2252L | Cellular and Molecular Biology | 3/1 |
| BIO2275/2275L | General Microbiology | 3/2 |
| CHE2203/2203L | Organic Chemistry I | 3/1 |
| CHE2205/2205L | Organic Chemistry II | 3/1 |
| CHE2210/2210L | Chemical Analysis and Instrumental Methods | 3/2 |
| CHE2370/2370L | Biochemistry I | 3/1 |
| CHE2375/2375L | Biochemistry II | 3/1 |
| CHE2884 | Research | 3 |
| MTH2502 | Statistics | 3 |
| Upper-division elective in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics approved by the advisor | _4 | |
| Total Major Requirements | 68 | |
| Other Degree Requirements*
and General Electives * Other degree requirements include Core Curriculum Requirements and General Degree Requirements (e.g., Career Development, U.S. History). |
56 | |
| Total Unit Requirement | 124 | |
| MTH1321 Calculus II, MTH1330 Calculus III, CHE2312 Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences, and courses in Computer Science are strongly recommended, especially for students planning graduate study. 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 Requirements: Biochemistry
| Required Courses | Units | |
| BIO1101/BIO1101L | General Biology I | 3/1 |
| BIO1103/1103L | General Biology II | 3/1 |
| CHE1202/1202L | General Chemistry I | 3/1 |
| CHE1204/1204L | General Chemistry II | 3/1 |
| CHE2203/2203L | Organic Chemistry I | 3/1 |
| CHE2205/2205L | Organic Chemistry II | 3/1 |
| CHE2370/2370L | Biochemistry I | 3/1 |
| CHE2375/2375L | Biochemistry II | 3/1 |
Minor Requirements: Chemistry
| Required Courses | Units | |
| CHE1202/1202L | General Chemistry | 3/1 |
| CHE1204/1204L | General Chemistry | 3/1 |
| Plus 11-13 upper-division units in Chemistry from the following, with the approval of the Program Advisor: | ||
| CHE2203/2203L | Organic Chemistry I | 3/1 |
| CHE2205/2205L | Organic Chemistry II | 3/1 |
| CHE2210/2210L or CHE2312 |
Chemical Analysis and Instrumental Methods (5) Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences (3) |
3-5 |