Academic Catalog

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

English Proficiency
Select one of the following:
ENGL 1ACOMPOSITION & READING5
ENGL 1AHHONORS COMPOSITION & READING5
ESLL 26ADVANCED COMPOSITION & READING5
or equivalent
Ethnic Studies
Any course in the ETHN (Ethnic Studies) subject code, currently approved for Area F of CSU GE and Area 7 of IGETC
Mathematics Proficiency
College-level math course at or above the level of Intermediate Algebra

A minimum of 90 units is required1 to include:

  • Completion of one of the following general education patterns: Foothill General Education, CSU General Education Breadth Requirements or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)
  • Core courses (60 units)
1

Additional elective course work may be necessary to meet the 90-unit minimum requirement for the associate degree.


Note: All courses pertaining to the major must be taken for a letter grade. In addition, a grade of "C" or better is required for all core courses used for the degree.

Core and Support Courses

Core Courses
CHEM 1AGENERAL CHEMISTRY5
CHEM 1BGENERAL CHEMISTRY5
CHEM 1CGENERAL CHEMISTRY & QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS5
CHEM 12AORGANIC CHEMISTRY4
CHEM 12ALORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY2
CHEM 12BORGANIC CHEMISTRY4
CHEM 12BLORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY2
CHEM 12CORGANIC CHEMISTRY4
CHEM 12CLORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY2
And three courses from the following:15
CALCULUS
HONORS CALCULUS I
CALCULUS
HONORS CALCULUS II
CALCULUS
CALCULUS
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
And two courses from the following:12
PRINCIPLES OF CELL BIOLOGY
FORM & FUNCTION IN PLANTS & ANIMALS
EVOLUTION, SYSTEMATICS & ECOLOGY
Total Units60