2016-2017 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Biochemistry - Program Description
For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section in this catalog.
The biochemistry program is administered by the Chemistry Department.
Website: www.gvsu.edu/chem
Biochemistry is a fascinating and diverse field that affects almost every area of our lives. The medicines we take and the food we eat are all affected by discoveries made through the study of biochemistry. Increasingly, biochemistry is being applied to other technologies, such as the production of biofuels and material development.
A biochemistry major is excellent preparation for students interested in attending biochemistry graduate school or in obtaining employment in biochemical and biomedical laboratories. This major is also appropriate for students interested in attending professional schools in the health professions, such as medical, dental, pharmacy, or veterinary schools.
The biochemistry program is housed within the Chemistry Department, which also offers a B.S. in chemistry as well as a B.S. in chemistry with an education emphasis for students interested in teaching high school chemistry.
For any degree program in chemistry or biochemistry, it is important to start the proper sequence of chemistry courses as soon as possible. Students who wish to major in biochemistry should meet with their Chemistry Department faculty advisors as soon as possible to plan programs that match their academic interests and career goals.
The Chemistry Department also offers a green chemistry certificate. This option can be added to any major or minor. It shows that students have taken a series of classes where they learn the principles of green chemistry and the production of chemicals and design of chemical processes in a manner that is environmentally sustainable.
The Chemistry Department also offers a chemistry minor. Students from other departments can add a chemistry minor to enhance their knowledge of chemistry and laboratory experience.
Accreditation
The Chemistry Department is approved by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society and offers ACS certified degrees in chemistry and biochemistry to qualified graduates.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Science in chemistry. Bachelor of Science in biochemistry. Bachelor of Science in chemistry with an education emphasis (secondary education certified major). Green chemistry certificate. Minor in chemistry (secondary education certified major). Masters of Education (general education, middle and high school emphasis, with a concentration in science) offered in cooperation with the College of Education.
Participating Programs
The College of Education offers a M.Ed. in general education with a concentration in science. This program is called Target Inquiry. Contact the chemistry office for more information.
The dual geology-chemistry major is offered by the Geology Department in cooperation with the Chemistry Department. For details, see the Program Description.
The following programs are available:
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Certificate in Green Chemistry
Master of Education in Instruction and Curriculum in Science