Biochemistry (B.A.)

Program Overview

The Biochemistry Major emphasizes a molecular understanding of biological processes. A fascination with atomic and molecular structure and function, as it controls the processes of life itself, is a sure indication that this major may be the one for you. Courses in this major explore the structure and function of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, and how these molecules mediate chemical processes in the cell. In addition, biochemistry majors will learn both qualitative and quantitative methodologies needed to fully probe how molecular structure causes changes in biological processes. The application of both classical and modern genetics to living systems, and the transformation of molecular information in biological systems completes this major.

This major provides considerable versatility to a student, who will be well qualified to work in any area of biochemistry, molecular biology, or biotechnology. In addition, the hands-on use of analytical instrumentation throughout this program will allow a student to easily succeed in a career in chemical analysis. These positions are abundant for Bachelor’s level scientists and include applications in environmental chemistry and forensic science. Furthermore, this major is well suited for students planning to pursue medical school or an allied health profession. Finally, the Biochemistry major is outstanding preparation for a student planning to attend graduate school in biochemistry or molecular biology, as well as in interdisciplinary areas such as biophysics, neuroscience, genetics, cell biology and immunology.

This B.A. degree in biochemistry has the fewest number of required courses and incorporates more choice among elective options. Students often choose this path in preparation for further education in medical school, or another allied health field.  It is most easily combined with a double major or minor.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Biochemistry program can:

1. Describe the fundamental principles and applications of chemistry.
2. Describe the structure and composition of matter.
3. Describe the major reaction types in chemistry.
4. Apply the laws and principles of equilibrium, thermodynamics, and kinetics to chemical systems.
5. Apply mathematical tools to the study of chemical systems.
6. Describe the chemical processes that enable living systems to function.
7. Work effectively and safety in the laboratory.
8. Apply central techniques for characterizing chemical compounds and mixtures.
9. Integrate personal Christian faith to the discipline of chemistry or biochemistry.
10. Compose abstracts, written lab reports or research summaries according to the standards of the American Chemical Society.
11. Obtain, organize, and present information from the primary literature.
12. Identify careers in chemistry that connect with one’s vocational call.
13. Analyze and respond ethically to case studies that demonstrate common moral dilemmas in the chemical or biochemical workplace.

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

At least three credits from the following:

Three or four credits from the following:

One of the following sequences (total of 8 credits):

a.

b.

6-8 credits electives from the following:

All of the courses in this major are vital to our program. If you plan to study abroad, or graduate early, you must talk to your advisor early and make plans to take the required courses when they are offered. Directed study will not be offered for any lab courses, and will only be granted in extreme circumstances for non-lab courses.

General Education Requirements