Biochemistry, B.A. Program (120 units)
Program Description
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry provides a strong education in chemistry and biochemistry that prepares its students to function and thrive in society. The department attempts to increase the problem solving and critical thinking skills of all students. Non-science students learn about the scientific and chemical aspects of everyday life that allow them to understand issues related to the environment, energy production, disease prevention, and nutrition. Students of the sciences learn the fundamentals of chemistry that control the interactions of elements and molecules. Building on an understanding of mathematics, physics, and biology, biochemistry majors receive a background in the major disciplines of chemistry including inorganic, analytical, organic, and physical, and take in-depth coursework in biochemistry. Students learn the protocols and techniques for working safely with chemicals and biochemicals. The department recognizes the importance of the pursuit of new knowledge in the development of skilled scientists and productive members of society, and encourages its students to participate in research projects and cooperative educational opportunities.
The undergraduate programs offered by the department include: Chemistry, B.S.; Biochemistry, B.S.; Chemistry, Bioanalytical and Forensics Concentration, B.S.; Chemistry, B.A.; Chemistry, Chemistry Education Concentration, B.A.; Biochemistry, B.A.; Biochemistry, Chemistry Education Concentration, B.A.; and a Chemistry Minor. Descriptions of these programs and their requirements can be found under each degree listing. The department also offers a Chemistry, M.S. degree and a Chemistry M.S., Concentration in Biochemistry. See under program listings for descriptions.
The Biochemistry, B.A. degree prepares students for employment in biochemistry, biotechnology and related fields. It can also serve as preparation for professional health-related programs such as pharmacy or medicine. The Biochemistry, B.A.: Chemistry Education Concentration is designed for students interested in teaching chemistry at the high school level but also prepares graduates to work as biochemists in industry or government. This program prepares students to enter a single subject credential program.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry from Cal State East Bay will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge in the various areas of chemistry, including inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry.
- Use quantitative reasoning to analyze and solve chemical problems and evaluate chemical data.
- Work effectively and safely in a laboratory environment to perform experimental procedures and operate modern chemical/biochemical instruments.
- Design, carry out, record and analyze the results of chemical and biochemical experiments.
- Communicate chemical or biochemical issues clearly.
Program Roadmaps
These program roadmaps represent recommended pathways through the program. Please see an advisor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs.
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4-Year Freshmen Roadmaps
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Mission Statement
It is imperative that Cal State East Bay chemistry students possess sufficient theoretical and practical training in chemistry and biochemistry so that they will be able to assume the significant technical responsibilities required by the chemical and biotechnology industries that will employ them. It is important that students are not only trained in chemistry (and biochemistry), but that they will become respected scientists and research technicians. In addition, it is important that students planning for entrance into Ph.D. programs or pre-professional programs are adequately prepared.
Career Opportunities
Analytical Chemist • Biotechnologist • Biochemist • Biophysicist • Dietitian • Food and Drug Inspector • Geochemist • Health Professional • Materials Scientist • Perfumer • Petrologist • Pharmacist • Pharmaceutical Chemist • Pollution Control • Quality Control Technician • Teacher • Water Purification Chemist
Features
Laboratory equipment and instruments in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry include a 500 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer, a capillary gas chromatograph with mass-spectral detection (GC/MS), Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometers (FTIR), an inductive coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES), high performance liquid chromatograph (HP), a fast protein liquid chromatograph (FPLC), a fluorescence spectrometer, a diode-array ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer, a plate reader, a molecular imager, thermocyclers and microwave synthesizers. A molecular modeling facility is also available for instruction and research.
The Alchemist Club, a student affiliate of the American Chemical Society, is available to students majoring in Chemistry. The club members are active in many aspects of the department, participate in fund-raising for special projects, and take interesting field trips to local industries.
Preparation and Prerequisites
Prerequisite courses for all chemistry courses must be passed with a grade of “C-” or better. Requests for Grade Forgiveness will be allowed only on a space-available basis.
Degree Requirements Unit-Outline
- The baccalaureate of arts degree requires a total of 120 units:
- The major requirements consists of 70-78 units;
- General Education (GE) & Graduation Requirements (GR) consists of 57 units;
- Free Electives may consist of 0 units (actual number of free elective units may depend on GE/GR units).
Note: It may be possible to double-count units within the graduation requirements or that a course may satisfy both a graduation requirement and a major requirement. Students should contact their program and AACE advisors for information.
Biochemistry (B.A.) Major Requirements (70-78 units)
The Bachelor of Arts degree, major in Biochemistry, is designed to prepare students for employment in biochemistry, biotechnology, and related fields. It can also be utilized by students as a preparation for professional health-related programs, secondary school teaching, or non-traditional career paths (e.g., computer science, bioinformatics, business administration, and pharmaceutical sales). Students electing to pursue the B.A. in Biochemistry Degree could also earn a minor in another appropriate discipline such as biology.
Lower Division Core
Take the following lower-division courses for 39 units:
Upper Division Core
Take the following upper-division courses for 25 units:
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