BS in Biochemistry
74-76 units
Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary field of study that includes topics within chemistry and biology, with a focus on understanding chemical processes in living systems.
The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry provides a rigorous curriculum and strong foundation in core chemistry and biology courses. Additional course requirements provide a foundation in related fields (physics and mathematics), as well as breadth to the study of biochemistry.
The BS in Biochemistry program provides excellent preparation for graduate and professional studies in a variety of health fields, including but not limited to medicine, dentistry, optometry, chiropractic medicine, veterinary science, and pharmacy. Students interested in a professional medical career may also consider APU’s Premedical/Dental/Veterinary Studies.
The BS in Biochemistry program also provides excellent preparation for entry-level positions as a researcher or laboratory technician, and for graduate studies in fields such as, but not limited to, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, biotechnology, food science, forensic science, and environmental science. Students who attend graduate school and obtain a master’s or doctoral degree may find employment at a university or in the private or government sectors.
Students in the BS in Biochemistry major are strongly encouraged to collaborate with science faculty in a research project or participate in an off-campus internship.
BS in Biochemistry Requirements
All of the following requirements must be met to continue as an allied health, biological sciences, biochemistry, or chemistry major. A student’s failure to maintain these requirements will result in him or her being dropped from the major. Reentry to the major is by department petition only.
- Must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all biology, chemistry, biochemistry, math, and physics courses required for the major.
- Must complete each course required for the major with a C- or higher for the course to meet a degree requirement in the Department of Biology and Chemistry.
- Any single course within the major can be taken only two times at APU; students must change to a major outside the department after two unsuccessful (below C-) attempts in a single required course.
- Only two courses total within the major can be repeated; students must change to a major outside the department after unsuccessful (below C-) attempts in any three required courses.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Biochemistry | ||
| BIOC 270 | Biomolecular Chemistry | 4 |
| BIOC 370 | Biomolecular Metabolism | 4 |
| Biology | ||
| BIOL 151 | General Biology I 1, 2 | 4 |
| BIOL 152 | General Biology II 3 | 4 |
| BIOL 260 | Genetics 4 | 4 |
| or BIOL 410 | Molecular Biology | |
| BIOL 280 | Cell Biology | 4 |
| BIOL 396 | Topics in Biology and Christian Thought 3 | 1 |
| BIOL 496 | Ethics and the Sciences | 3 |
| Chemistry | ||
| CHEM 151 | General Chemistry I 1, 2 | 4 |
| CHEM 152 | General Chemistry II 2 | 4 |
| CHEM 251 | Organic Chemistry: Theory I | 3 |
| CHEM 261 | Organic Chemistry - Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 252 | Organic Chemistry: Theory II | 3 |
| CHEM 262 | Organic Chemistry - Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 300 | Quantitative Chemical Analysis - Theory | 2 |
| CHEM 310 | Quantitative Chemical Analysis - Laboratory | 2 |
| Math | ||
| MATH 165 | Calculus I 2 | 4 |
| MATH 166 | Calculus II 2 | 4 |
| Physics | ||
| PHYC 145 | Physics Laboratory I 1, 2 | 1 |
| PHYC 146 | Physics Laboratory II 2 | 1 |
| Select one of the following course pairs: | 6-8 | |
| Physics for Life Sciences I and Physics for Life Sciences II 1, 2 | ||
| Physics for Science and Engineering: Mechanics and Physics for Science and Engineering: Electricity and Magnetism 1, 2 | ||
| Select 10 units (at least one 4-unit course or specified 4-unit combination of lecture/lab, and at least one CHEM course) from the following: | 10 | |
| Genetics 4 | ||
| Regional Human Anatomy 5 | ||
| Mammalian Physiology | ||
| Molecular Biology 4 | ||
| Instrumental Analysis | ||
| Physical Chemistry I | ||
| Physical Chemistry II and Physical and Inorganic Chemistry Lab | ||
| Inorganic Chemistry and Physical and Inorganic Chemistry Lab | ||
| Directed Research Internship 6 | ||
| Directed Research Internship 6 | ||
| Total Units | 74-76 | |
- 1
Meets the APU Core: Natural Science general education requirement.
- 2
This course may be waived with an appropriate Advanced Placement test score.
- 3
BIOL 152 meets this requirement if taken at APU.
- 4
Courses taken in the Core cannot count towards the 10 required Elective units.
- 5
BIOL 346 can only count toward major elective units if the student is also admitted into the Pre-Medical/Dental/Veterinary (Pre-MDV) Studies pathway.
- 6
Up to 3 units combined of BIOL 394 and CHEM 394 may count toward major elective units.