Biochemistry, BA

Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Engineering

97-113 credits

Introduction

This major is part of an interdisciplinary program between the biology and chemistry departments at Western. The BA degree in biochemistry (with greater emphasis on the biochemistry fundamentals and laboratory applications) is offered via the chemistry department. The requirements for the BA in biochemistry are listed below.

Why Consider a Biochemistry Major?

The Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry is specifically designed for students who seek admission to medical programs or employment in biochemistry or molecular biology after graduation.  The major provides many benefits to students through coursework and research opportunities and is designed to meet diverse career goals. There is close student-faculty contact and relatively small classes. The students have direct access to modern laboratory equipment and instrumentation, and there are opportunities for research work under the direction of a faculty advisor.

Contact Information

Chemistry Department Chair P. Clint Spiegel Chemistry Building 270A 360-650-3137 spiegep@wwu.edu

Chemistry Program Coordinators Chemistry Building 270 360-650-3070 chemistry@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

Chemical/Pharmaceutical Sales | Physician | Crime Lab Analyst | High School Teacher | Industrial Chemist | Technical Writing | Dentist | Forensic Scientist | Quality Assurance Specialist | Research Scientist | Occupational Safety Specialist | Veterinarian | Science Lab Technician | Biochemist | Biotechnology Scientist | College Professor | Environmental Scientist/Consultant

Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Admission to the Bachelor of Arts major in biochemistry is selective and based upon preparation, prior academic performance, and responses to a series of written prompts. Application may be made through the chemistry department, Morse Hall (CB) 270. Admission to the biochemistry major will be in two phases. Students will be designated Phase I majors until they have completed CHEM 161, CHEM 162, CHEM 163, CHEM 351, CHEM 352, and BIOL 205. Students will be admitted to Phase II based on their performance in Phase I coursework as well as their responses to the written prompts in the application. Students with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in the Phase I courses will be given preferential admission to Phase II. Students with a grade point average below 3.0 will be considered on a case by case basis for remaining spaces in the major. Note that neither completion of the prerequisites nor attainment of any specific GPA guarantees admission to Phase II. See the department’s website at cse.wwu.edu/chemistry for more details.

A typical four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in biochemistry is described on the department’s website.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.