Biochemistry (BS)

Degree Type
Degree/Major
Area of Interest
STEM
Degree Level
Undergraduate
College
College of Engineering, Letters, and Sciences
Sample Plan

Viterbo's biochemistry program prepares students for healthcare and STEM-related careers by integrating foundational and humanistic knowledge with collaborative skills. This blended approach is critical as the problems in our world continue to increase in complexity and diversity. This integration is achieved through a curriculum that invites students to use knowledge in applied settings such as course-embedded research, service-learning, and community building both on and off-campus. Students will participate in an annual biochemistry symposium and related seminar course that showcase the complexity of science-related issues within our world.

 

Policy
  • Students majoring in biochemistry must maintain a biochemistry grade point average (GPA) of 2.25 to continue in and graduate from this program. The biochemistry GPA is based on all grades earned in the required and elective courses taken in biology, chemistry, and required support courses. Any student whose biology GPA falls below 2.25 will be placed on probation for one semester. If the biochemistry GPA is not raised during that semester, the student may not enroll in further biology or chemistry courses. An earned grade of a D or lower in any biology, chemistry, or support course will not be credited toward the biochemistry major.
  • Directed research must be faculty-approved, but may be conducted at an institution other than Viterbo University with prior approval. Special topics are offered periodically. Credit for these courses may substitute for one or more of the listed courses with faculty approval.
  • Because a biochemistry major program intrinsically contains significant work in both biology and chemistry, declared minors in biology and chemistry will not be granted.

 

Learning Outcomes
  • Problem Solving: Apply theory, laws, and experimental information to solve biochemical problems
  • Communication: Demonstrate effective written and oral scientific communication including situations requiring collaborative teamwork
  • Techniques: Demonstrate a basic understanding of the laboratory techniques used in biochemistry and related areas           
  • Data Analysis: Correctly analyze and interpret scientific data based on sound scientific reasoning      
  • Literature: Ability to understand and appreciate the primary literature in biochemistry and be able to extract the salient features and advances from journal articles

    Complete one Franciscan Values and Traditions course (VUSM-100 level course). Transfer or re-entry students may have one or two mission seminars waived based on the number of transfer or completed credits.
    Complete one Living in a Diverse World course. Transfer or re-entry students may have one or two mission seminars waived based on the number of transfer or completed credits.
    Complete one Social Justice and Equity course.
    Complete one The Ethical Life course (VUSM-400 level).

    Complete three credits of historical analysis.
    Complete three credits of literary analysis.
    Complete four credits of scientific reasoning in the natural sciences.
    Complete three credits of scientific reasoning in the social sciences.
    Complete three credits of artistic engagement.
    Complete three credits of theological inquiry.
    Complete three credits of integrating faith and practice.
    Complete three credits of philosophical and moral inquiry.

    Complete 11 credits of natural science and/or mathematics. (Courses that qualify for Scientific Reasoning in the Natural Sciences or Quantitative Literacy credit within the LIVE program may also count toward the total.)

    Complete a minimum of 40 upper division credits (300/400).
    Complete a minimum of 120 college-level credits.

Those students interested in graduate work in biochemistry should follow the recommendations of the American Chemical Society which requires specifically MATH 220, 221, and 320; PHYS 260 and 261.