Bachelor in Biochemistry

Why pursue a biochemistry degree at North Central College?

In our investigative, interdisciplinary biochemistry degree program, you will gain a strong foundation in both biology and chemistry. You’ll prepare for a future in molecular life science, learn valuable techniques and use cutting-edge instruments as you explore how DNA and proteins interact to make up living cells. Original research with faculty mentors is a key component of our bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, the major; you’ll present your work in our seminar series and may be able to share your findings at a national conference or in a publication. Our graduates go on to top-ranked graduate and medical schools and to jobs with industry-leading employers.

You can also:

• Study current biomedical research and research ethics in our capstone course.
• Apply for our funded summer research program.
• Work with a dedicated pre-health advisor and the Pre-Health Organization student group.
• Join the Beta Beta Beta biological honor society or the Student Members of the American Chemical Society chemistry student group.
• Minor in bioinformatics, neuroscience, or environmental studies.
• Participate in our annual research symposium.
• Study abroad in a science-specific program in England or Scotland.

Biochemistry, BA

Biochemists study the molecules of life: proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. A B.A. degree in biochemistry prepares a student for employment in a private or government research laboratory; medical, dental, veterinary or law school; a position in a biotechnology or other scientific firm; or graduate study and research in both basic and applied sciences. The B.A. degree requires fewer advanced science courses than the B.S., allowing students room to gain more breadth by pairing their biochemistry studies with a minor or emphasis outside the sciences.

Major Requirements

• BCHM 365 - Principles of Biochemistry
• BCHM 465 - Advances in Biomedical Research
• BIOL 195 - Investigating Biology
• BIOL 210 - Cells and Systems
• BIOL 230 - Genes and Genomics
• BIOL 360 - Molecular Biology of Cancer
• CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I
• CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II
• CHEM 251 - Organic Chemistry I
• CHEM 252 - Organic Chemistry II
• CHEM 310 - Chemical Analysis
• MATH 151 - Calculus I

Physical Chemistry

One of the following:

• CHEM 340 - Thermodynamics and Kinetics
• CHEM 345 - Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy

Seminar Sequence

One of the following sequences:

Biology Seminars

• BIOL 290 - Seminar (must be taken twice)
• BIOL 490 - Seminar

Chemistry Seminars

• CHEM 391 - Seminar I
• CHEM 392 - Seminar II
• CHEM 493 - Seminar III

Physics Sequence

One of the following sequences:

Non-Calculus

• PHYS 131 - Physics I (Non-Calculus)
• PHYS 132 - Physics II (Non-Calculus)

Calculus-Based

• PHYS 161 - Physics I: Mechanics and Heat
• PHYS 162 - Physics II: Electromagnetism, Waves, and Optics

Additional Requirements for the BA Degree

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language.

Biochemistry, BSc

Biochemists study the molecules of life: proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. A B.A. degree in biochemistry prepares a student for employment in a private or government research laboratory; medical, dental, veterinary, or law school; a position in a biotechnology or other scientific firm; or graduate study and research in both basic and applied sciences. The B.S. degree requires additional advanced electives, allowing students to gain more depth in their science studies where they work to master the theoretical and applied aspects of biochemistry.

Additional Requirements for the BSc Degree

Twelve credit hours from the following:

• BIOL 315 - Animal Physiology
• BIOL 320 - Plant Growth and Function
• BIOL 330 - Evolution
• BIOL 340 - Infectious Disease
• BIOL 370 - Mechanisms of Development
• BIOL 450 - Environmental Ecology Through Models and Experiments
• CHEM 311 - Separation Methods
• CHEM 312 - Spectrometry and Spectroscopy
• CHEM 313 - Materials and Surface Analysis
• CHEM 315 - Spectral Interpretation
• CHEM 340 - Thermodynamics and Kinetics *
• CHEM 345 - Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy *
• CHEM 401 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
• CHEM 451 - Advanced Organic Chemistry
• CHEM 455 - Organometallic Chemistry
• CSCE 242 - Introduction to Bioinformatics

*if not already completed the major.

Major Requirements

• BCHM 365 - Principles of Biochemistry
• BCHM 465 - Advances in Biomedical Research
• BIOL 195 - Investigating Biology
• BIOL 210 - Cells and Systems
• BIOL 230 - Genes and Genomics
• BIOL 360 - Molecular Biology of Cancer
• CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I
• CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II
• CHEM 251 - Organic Chemistry I
• CHEM 252 - Organic Chemistry II
• CHEM 310 - Chemical Analysis
• MATH 151 - Calculus I

Physical Chemistry

One of the following:

• CHEM 340 - Thermodynamics and Kinetics
• CHEM 345 - Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy

Seminar Sequence

One of the following sequences:

Biology Seminars

• BIOL 290 - Seminar (must be taken twice)
• BIOL 490 - Seminar

Chemistry Seminars

• CHEM 391 - Seminar I
• CHEM 392 - Seminar II
• CHEM 493 - Seminar III

Physics Sequence

One of the following sequences:

Non-Calculus

• PHYS 131 - Physics I (Non-Calculus)
• PHYS 132 - Physics II (Non-Calculus)

Calculus-Based

• PHYS 161 - Physics I: Mechanics and Heat
• PHYS 162 - Physics II: Electromagnetism, Waves, and Optics

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.

Recent graduates in biochemistry are employed by:

• Sentient Flavor & Fragrance
• CGH Medical Center
• Loyola University Medical Center
• Northwestern Memorial Hospital
• Abbott Laboratories
• Morton Grove Pharmaceuticals
• Pierce Chemical Co.
• Sigma-Aldrich Chemical Co.
• Boston Scientific