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

Course List

Code	Title	Units
English Proficiency
Select one of the following:
ENGL 1A	COMPOSITION & READING	5
ENGL 1AH	HONORS COMPOSITION & READING	5
ESLL 26	ADVANCED COMPOSITION & READING	5
or equivalent
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

Course List

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
MATH 1A	CALCULUS
or MATH 1AH	HONORS CALCULUS I
MATH 1B	CALCULUS
or MATH 1BH	HONORS CALCULUS II
MATH 1C	CALCULUS
MATH 1D	CALCULUS
MATH 2A	DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
And two courses from the following:		12
BIOL 1A	PRINCIPLES OF CELL BIOLOGY
BIOL 1B	FORM & FUNCTION IN PLANTS & ANIMALS
BIOL 1C	EVOLUTION, SYSTEMATICS & ECOLOGY
Total Units		60