Biochemistry, BS

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The Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry is designed to provide a strong foundation in the core aspects of biology and chemistry to further student understanding of the mechanisms that underlie biological processes of single cellular life as well as the integration of tissues and systems of multicellular life. Students in Biochemistry will learn to critically assess scientific results through statistical analyses, develop scientific writing and oral presentation skills, and develop laboratory skills. The goal of the Biochemistry program at Columbia College is to prepare students for advanced study in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Life Sciences as well as medical, veterinary, or dental fields. The degree also prepares students for a variety of careers in industrial, agricultural, or clinical settings.

Students who have completed a degree in biochemistry at Columbia College will:

Explain scientific vocabulary and knowledge.
Describe scientific principles, models and theories used to predict, understand and apply to biological/environmental phenomena.
Explain and demonstrate the scientific method and its applications.
Demonstrate proficiency in laboratory skills, including familiarity with the use of instrumentation, technology, and analytic methods commonly used in biological/environmental research.
Interpret and evaluate scientific results through the use of statistical analyses and critical thinking.
Demonstrate competence in finding, using, and evaluating scientific writing and primary literature.
Recognize key ethical issues in science.

Program CIP: 26.0202 - Biochemistry.

Program SOC: 19-1021 - Biochemists and Biophysicists

General Education Requirements (39-42 sem. hrs)

For a complete list of general education courses click here . For additional information on general education requirements click here .

Ethics Course Requirement (3 sem. hrs)

Core Requirements (67 sem. hrs)

Biology/Chemistry Electives (9-12 sem. hrs)

All must be completed with a grade of C or higher. Nine to twelve hours of courses with BIOL or CHEM prefixes, at the 200-level or above. Six of these hours must be upper-level courses.

Total Semester Hours: 120

Note(s):

Students are not allowed to double major or minor in Chemistry or Biology while also attaining a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry.
Students planning to pursue graduate study are strongly encouraged to take MATH 222 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II and CHEM/PHYS 401 Introduction to Physical Chemistry/Chemical Physics.