Program: Biochemistry, B.S.
Program Description
The B.S. degree in Biochemistry is designed for students who desire: (a) pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy, or pre-veterinary preparation, (b) graduate study in biochemistry, or (c) careers in the life sciences that require an understanding of biological phenomena at the molecular level.
The curriculum for the B.S. degree in Biochemistry has been reviewed by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and meets its requirements for approved programs.
Students in the Biochemistry, B.S. may not declare a double major/option within the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Program Requirements
1. Lower Division Required Courses (32 units)
BIOL 106/BIOL 106L Biological Principles I and Lab (3/1)
BIOL 107/BIOL 107L Biological Principles II and Lab (3/1)
CHEM 101/CHEM 101L General Chemistry I and Lab (3/1)
CHEM 101D Problem Solving in General Chemistry I (1)
CHEM 102/CHEM 102L General Chemistry II and Lab (3/1)
CHEM 102D Problem Solving in General Chemistry II (1)
MATH 255A Calculus for the Life Sciences I (3)
MATH 255B Calculus for the Life Sciences II (3)
PHYS 220A Mechanics (3)
PHYS 220AL Mechanics Lab (1)
PHYS 220B Electricity and Magnetism (3)
PHYS 220BL Electricity and Magnetism Lab (1)
2. Upper Division Required Courses (43 units)
BIOL 380 Cell Biology (3)
CHEM 321/L Chemical Analysis I and Lab (2/2)
CHEM 333/L Organic Chemistry I and Lab (3/1)
CHEM 333D Problem Solving in Organic Chemistry I (1)
CHEM 334/L Organic Chemistry II and Lab (3/1)
CHEM 334R Problem Solving in Organic Chemistry II (1)
CHEM 351 Physical Chemistry I (4)
CHEM 352 Physical Chemistry II (4)
CHEM 401 Inorganic Chemistry (3)
CHEM 422/L Chemical Analysis II and Lab (2/2)
CHEM 461/L Biochemistry I and Lab (3/1)
CHEM 462/L Biochemistry II and Lab (3/1)
CHEM 465 Topics in Biochemistry (3)
3. Upper Division Electives (9 units)
A minimum of 3 units of upper division electives selected from the following courses:
CHEM 403 Real-World Applications of the Elements (3)
CHEM 411/CHEM 411L Synthesis and Laboratory (1/2)
CHEM 423 Forensic Chemistry (3)
CHEM 433/CHEM 433L Organic Analysis and Laboratory (1/2)
CHEM 470SC Science Careers (3)
CHEM 495A-C Directed Undergraduate Research (1-3)
CHEM 499A-C Independent Study (1-3)
In addition, 500-level chemistry and biochemistry courses are allowed as electives, contingent upon prerequisite fulfillment and availability of space in the class.
A minimum of 6 units of electives selected with approval of major advisor from upper division courses in Biology.
4. General Education (43 units)
Undergraduate students must complete 43 units of General Education as described in this Catalog, including 3 units of coursework meeting the Ethnic Studies (E.S.) requirement.
13 units are satisfied by the following courses in the major: MATH 255A satisfies Basic Skills Area 2 Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning; CHEM 101 satisfies Area 5A Physical Science; BIOL 106 satisfies Area 5B Biological Science; CHEM 101L satisfies Area 5C Science Laboratory Activity; and CHEM 333 satisfies Area 5 Physical and Biological Sciences, Upper Division.
5. Campus Requirements (6 units)
Undergraduate students must complete 6 units of Campus Requirements as described in this Catalog.
Total Units in the Major: 84
General Education Units: 30
Campus Requirement Units: 6
Total Units Required for the B.S. Degree: 120
Contact
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chair: Paula Fischhaber
Eucalyptus Hall (EH) 2102
(818) 677-3381
chemistry@csun.edu
Program Learning Outcomes
Students receiving a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry will be able to:
- Demonstrate basic knowledge in the following areas of chemistry: analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, physical.
- Organize and communicate scientific information clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
- Effectively utilize the scientific literature, including the use of modern electronic search and retrieval methods, to research a chemistry topic or to conduct chemical research.
- Work effectively and safely in a laboratory environment, including the ability to follow experimental chemical procedures and maintain a proper lab notebook.
- Effectively utilize modern chemical instrumentation to obtain data and perform research.
- Perform qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis, including the application of computer technology for such analyses.
- Describe the impact of chemistry on our world, including the environment, the economy, and medicine.
- Demonstrate an ability to determine the scientific validity of a claim that pertains to consumer products, the environment, or the life sciences.