Biochemistry
Program Description
The major in biochemistry is primarily intended for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor degree. Students who graduate with a bachelor degree in biochemistry will be able to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in chemistry, biology, and related fields. In addition, biochemistry majors will take coursework similar to that required for admission to medical, dental, veterinary, and pharmacy schools. Foothill College provides a welcoming and supportive environment that will prepare students well for the mastery of concepts and laboratory skills in the biochemistry AS degree program.
Learn more about the program on the Chemistry website.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will have knowledge of current theories and applications in the fields of chemistry and biology.
- Students will be able to effectively evaluate and assess scientific data and published work.
- Students will communicate effectively using the language of chemistry.
- Students will have facility in the safe handling of chemicals and the execution of common chemistry and biology laboratory techniques.
Career Opportunities
Biochemistry graduates will find an impressive array of opportunities for exciting careers in a wide range of fields due to their coursework in chemistry and biology. Potential careers include basic research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, forensic science, food science, environmental protection, new product and process development, and education. Aside from careers in research and development in the chemical industry, there is a need for technically trained people in non-traditional areas such as marketing and sales, scientific information, patent law, health and safety, and handling of hazardous materials. Academic careers for biochemists include university teaching and science teaching in secondary schools, an area that will expand greatly in the future. A bachelor degree can also provide a strong foundation for graduate study at medical, dental, veterinary, and pharmacy schools. Students with biochemistry degrees have been notably successful in these areas.
Award Type(s)
- AS = Associate in Science Degree
Units Required
- Major: 60
Associate Degree Requirements
A minimum of 90 units is required1 to complete the associate degree, including:
- Core courses for the major (60 units total)
- Completion of one of the following general education patterns:
- Foothill College General Education
- Summer Session 2025 only–CSU General Education Breadth (CSU GE Breadth)2
- Summer Session 2025 only–Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)2
- Beginning Fall Quarter 2025–California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)3
- 1
Additional elective course work may be necessary to meet the 90-unit minimum requirement for the associate degree.
- 2
Summer Session 2025 is the final term during which CSU GE Breadth and IGETC may be used. Please see a counselor for more information.
- 3
Cal-GETC begins in Fall Quarter 2025. Please see a counselor for more information.
Note: A grade of "C" (or "P") or better is required for all core courses used for the degree. In addition, the student must obtain a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Refer to the Associate in Arts & Associate in Science Degree Requirements page for complete information about graduation requirements and catalog rights.
Core and Support Courses
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| CHEM 1A | GENERAL CHEMISTRY | 5 |
| CHEM 1B | GENERAL CHEMISTRY | 5 |
| CHEM 1C | GENERAL CHEMISTRY & QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS | 5 |
| CHEM 12A | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY | 4 |
| CHEM 12AL | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY | 2 |
| CHEM 12B | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY | 4 |
| CHEM 12BL | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY | 2 |
| CHEM 12C | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY | 4 |
| CHEM 12CL | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY | 2 |
| And three courses from the following: | 15 | |
| CALCULUS | ||
or MATH 1AH | HONORS CALCULUS I | |
| CALCULUS | ||
or MATH 1BH | HONORS CALCULUS II | |
| CALCULUS | ||
| CALCULUS | ||
| DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS | ||
| LINEAR ALGEBRA | ||
| And two courses from the following: | 12 | |
| PRINCIPLES OF CELL BIOLOGY | ||
| FORM & FUNCTION IN PLANTS & ANIMALS | ||
| EVOLUTION, SYSTEMATICS & ECOLOGY | ||
| Total Units | 60 | |