COURSE CURRICULUM

The Biochemistry major at California Lutheran University requires a total of 62 to 64 credits, with a minimum of 46 credits in core coursework and at least 30 upper-division credits. The core curriculum covers a comprehensive range of foundational and advanced topics in biology and chemistry. Students start with introductory courses such as Introduction to Cells and Organisms (BIOL 121), Introduction to Metabolism, Genes & Development (BIOL 122), and Introduction to Biological Experimentation II (BIOL 124L). They then progress to specialized courses like Biochemistry and Biochemistry Lab (BIOL 425/425L), Molecular Biology and Molecular Biology Lab (BIOL 426/426L), and choose between Genomics (BIOL 427) or Macromolecular Structure (BIOL 332).Chemistry courses are equally rigorous, starting with General Chemistry I and II with labs (CHEM 151/151L, CHEM 152/152L), followed by Quantitative Analysis and Lab (CHEM 305/305L), Organic Chemistry I and II with labs (CHEM 331, CHEM 332, CHEM 341, CHEM 342), and Physical Chemistry (CHEM 405). The program culminates with a capstone experience, which can be fulfilled through Junior and Senior Honors projects (BIOL 399/498/499) or a Capstone Seminar in Chemistry (CHEM 485).Supporting courses include Calculus I and II (MATH 251, 252) and a physics sequence where students select either General Physics I and II with labs (PHYS 201/201L/202/202L) or Physics for Scientists and Engineers I and II with labs (PHYS 211/211L/212/212L). Recommended electives provide further depth in subjects such as Genetics, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Virology, advanced Physical Chemistry, and Introduction to Computer Programming (CSC 210), allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career goals.Overall, this program offers a balanced blend of theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory experience, preparing students for careers in biochemistry, biotechnology, health sciences, or advanced graduate studies. The typical duration for completion of this undergraduate degree is four years.