Dec 19, 2024  
2024-2025 BACKUP Catalog 
    
2024-2025 BACKUP Catalog

Biochemistry Major, BA


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This BA degree program acts as a core curriculum for students who are preparing to incorporate biochemistry into broader careers such as pharmacy, dentistry, or medicine. This program is also an appropriate major for students seeking endorsement in teaching high-school chemistry.

A BS is recommended for students who anticipate pursuing a graduate degree in biochemistry or a biochemistry position requiring greater depth of knowledge in other chemistry disciplines. See a faculty advisor in the Department of Chemistry as soon as possible to develop a course of study and to determine which degree program to pursue.

Teaching Endorsement Requirements:
This major partially satisfies the criteria for a teaching endorsement in chemistry (5-12), qualifying students to teach chemistry at the high school, middle, or junior high levels. Students who successfully complete the Chemistry BA and STEM Teaching Program (an alternative to the Professional Education Program) are eligible to apply for Washington State teacher certification. Teacher certification candidates must receive a C grade or higher in all major and STEM Teaching Program courses, have a GPA of at least 3.0 for either the last 45 graded quarter credits or overall CWU/transfer cumulative, and meet all Washington State teacher certification requirements. See the chemistry teaching advisor as soon as possible to develop a course of study.

Chemistry Program Requirements


Students must have earned a grade of C- or higher in all prerequisites to be admitted to a course. To graduate, all chemistry majors are required to achieve at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA and a 2.25 GPA in courses required for the major. To receive a minor in chemistry, students are required to achieve a 2.25 GPA in courses required for the minor.

Lab Fees
All chemistry labs have fees associated with them that must be paid when registering for the course.

Biochemistry Program Learner Outcomes


Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • demonstrate proficiency in the concepts and skills designated in curriculum learner outcomes for courses in the relevant disciplines of chemistry and biochemistry;
  • communicate clearly and accurately, using the language and style appropriate to the field of biochemistry;
  • demonstrate critical thinking skills that will allow for the explanation of chemistry- and biochemistry-related principles and techniques, as well as quantitative problem solving, and demonstrate the ability to design experiments to test hypotheses;
  • retrieve and critically analyze chemical literature, demonstrate the ability to use software-based tools for bioinformatics and data analysis, and use computers to interface with scientific equipment in a lab environment; and
  • utilize established safety protocols for standard chemistry procedures and locate available tools to establish new safety protocols.

Required Courses


General Biology Credits: 15


Calculus Credits: 5


Department-approved Electives Credits: 10


Some courses in this section contain additional prerequisites. Students are encouraged to work closely with their advisors to develop a plan for completion of this requirement.

Total Credits: 87


College and Department Information


Chemistry Department  
College of the Sciences  

Program Codes
Major plan code: BIOLCHBA

Online Availability
The program does not have a designated online only option.

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