Biochemistry (B.S.)

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. A thorough understanding of the biology of microorganisms, 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.

The B.S. degree has more specific requirements than the B.A. degree and includes the full sequence of Chemical Analysis.  This path is chosen by students wanting to attend top-notch medical schools, or wanting to work in industry or the biotech field.

 

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:

BIOL 170Cellular Foundations of Life

4

BIOL 260Genetics

4

CHEM 105General Chemistry I

4

CHEM 106General Chemistry II

4

CHEM 221Chemical Analysis I

4

CHEM 309Organic Chemistry I

4

CHEM 310Organic Chemistry II

4

CHEM 321Chemical Analysis II

4

CHEM 390Junior Chemistry Seminar

1

CHEM 410Biochemistry I

4

CHEM 412Biochemistry II

4

CHEM 437Physical Chemistry I

3.5

CHEM 490Senior Chemistry Seminar

1

MATH 111Calculus I

4

MATH 112Calculus II

4

PHYS 211General Physics I

4

PHYS 212General Physics II

4

SCIE 495Natural Sciences Capstone

3

PHIL 101Problems in Philosophy

3

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.

For students interested in health professions: 4 additional credits from BIOL 265 Microbiology recommended.

Three to four credits from the following:

BIOL 380Genomics and Disease

4

BIOL 416Cancer and Cell Biology

4

BIOL 418Immunology

3

BIOL 460Physiology

4

 

General Education Requirements

Experiential Learning requirement   0
General Education requirements   Credits
First Year Seminar IDFY 101/102H  3
Written Communication ENGL 110/110H 3
Oral Communication COMM 105 3
Mathematical and Scientific Ways of Knowing Mathematics (MATH 111) met/major
Science with Lab (BIOL 170 or CHEM 105) met/major
Social Scientific Ways of Knowing
Social Science 3
Cultural/Humanistic Ways of Knowing 24GE History 3
Literary & Aesthetic Ways of Knowing
Literature or Arts 3
Cultural/Humanistic Ways of Knowing
Philosophy or Religion 3
Cultural/Humanistic Ways of Knowing 1st and 2nd Level Language 6
Intercultural Perspectives Intercultural Global or International Cross-cultural or 3rd Level Language 3
Bible
24GE Bible 3
Christian Beliefs
24GE Christian Beliefs 3
Holistic Wellness
WELL 1xx 1
Ethics and the Common Good
24GE Ethics and the Common Good 3
Intercultural Perspectives
Intercultural U.S. or Domestic Cross-cultural 3
Common Learning
Experiential Learning  
General Education requirements   43
Major requirements (inclusive of concentration)   67.5-68.5
Free Electives    11.5-12.5
Total credits   123