The major is designed especially for those students planning a career in the health professions. The requirements for schools of medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and medical technology are met within this major. This program also prepares one for graduate school in a variety of bioscience programs. There are excellent opportunities for careers in biotechnical, pharmaceutical and environmental related businesses and governmental agencies.

What will I study?

Chemistry examines physical phenomena at the molecular level whereas biology attempts to understand the interacting parts of living systems. Thus the interdisciplinary discipline of biochemistry seeks to understand living systems at the molecular level. This major was developed to meet the needs of those Biola students interested in pursuing careers in health-related professions as well as those in the newer and rapidly growing fields of biotechnology. Those who wish to make an impact on people by applying biblical knowledge and Christian faith to these very significant professions in our world may wish to consider this major. Integral to the major is a significant laboratory experience that provides the skills and knowledge of the tools to do biological work at the molecular level. Examples of methodologies included in the laboratory at Biola are protein isolation and characterization, gene amplification through cloning and PCR, cell culture and histology, microbiological techniques and many others. Numerous opportunities exist in the Los Angeles area for internships and research in hospital, clinical, industrial, government and other academic laboratories.

[Degree Requirement Sheets]

Admissions Requirements

• High School biology, chemistry, and physics
• 4 years of High School math

The Science Department suggests an SAT score of at least 500 (or the ACT equivalent) to pursue this major.

You will be required to take a Chemistry and/or Physics Placement exam.

What can I do with a degree in Biochemistry?

• Crime lab analyst
• Medical School
• Environmental Scientist
• Lab Technician
• Biomedical Research (graduate studies)
• Pharmacy School

Why choose Biochemistry at Biola?

Biola University's program in biochemistry is characterized by the following:

• A vigorous integration of the Christian faith and practice into the sciences
• A faculty dedicated to helping students grow in their field of study, career preparation and their faith
• Smaller class sizes and thus a greater opportunity to interact and be mentored by faculty and other students
• Hands-on experience with modern scientific equipment such as a high performance liquid chromatograph, an electron microscope, an x-ray diffractometer, a high speed centrifuge and many others
• Well-equipped chemistry and biology labs
• All the courses necessary for acceptance to medical, dental and other health professions
• Internships and part-time jobs in the local area for upper division students
• A health professions advisor who is an MD and a pre-med committee to provide: resources for taking qualifying exams like the MCA, mock interviews, tag-alongs with health professionals and general advice for applying to post graduate medical programs
• Student support groups like the Pre-med club

What are BU Biochemistry graduates doing now?

Biola graduates from the Biochemistry major have gone on to study at the following graduate schools:

California State University Fullerton, Vanderbilt University, University of California Los Angeles and medical schools such as UCLA, Loma Linda and Yale.