Biochemistry

major, minor

Academics / Departments & Programs / Chemistry & Biochemistry / Academics Biochemistry Major

Degree Overview

Study the chemical reactions that make life happen. Explore chemical systems of incredible beauty and complexity. Confront real-world challenges like disease and environmental change. A biochemistry degree is the gateway to careers in research, medicine, and industry.

Exciting Courses

Early courses in our major expose you to all types of chemistry and give you a strong foundation in chemical thinking and problem-solving. Our advanced courses help you see how biochemistry can be used to solve real-world problems. You can take classes like:

Metabolism and Metabolic Disease - Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions that occur in living organisms to produce energy and the molecules that are necessary to sustain life. This course will explore cellular metabolism with a focus on the relationships between key metabolic pathways and human diseases.
Venom - Living cells and organisms must respond to their environment, which allows them to adapt to a variety of external conditions. We will use the language of chemistry to explore systems of interactions and regulations within and between cells. We will then examine the biochemistry of how animals, insects, plants, and microbes employ toxins to disrupt signaling pathways as a means of defense or attack.
Proteins Gone Awry - Proteins play a multitude of roles in cell structure and function. To understand these roles, this class will go deeper into how the unique three-dimensional structures of proteins arise and influence their roles in catalysis, regulation, recognition, and information storage. Special attention will be paid to protein mutations and how alterations in structure confer on them new biological properties.

Program Distinctives

Rigorous faith - Calvin’s widely-respected program integrates rigorous academics with a distinctive Christian purpose. We see biochemistry as a way to improve lives and serve your community.
Meaningful experience - Conduct original, high-level research alongside your professors. Your research could lead to publication of your findings or presentation at a conference.
Valuable skills - Calvin’s biochemistry program teaches more than just information. You’ll learn to communicate well, collaborate effectively, and think creatively about problems.

Degree Information

major
  • Courses
    Loading...
  • Admission

    To pursue a biochemistry major, you’ll need to earn a minimum grade of a "C" (2.0) in two early chemistry courses you’ll take at Calvin: Chemistry 104 (General Chemistry) and one of these courses: Chemistry 201, 253, or 261. These foundational courses will help you confirm your interest in chemistry and make sure that chemistry is the right path to your career goals.

    Your biochemistry faculty advisor will help you understand this requirement and help you plan an academic path to your biochemistry major.

  • ACS Certification

    Adding American Chemical Society certification to your degree gives you additional research experience, and sets you up well for graduate studies. To learn how to add an ACS certification to a biochemistry major, please contact the chemistry and biochemistry department or consult with a faculty advisor.

minor

Interested in pre-med?

Calvin biochemistry graduates excel in medical careers. Students receive top-tier awards like the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and score well above average on the MCAT. Learn why a biochemistry degree is a perfect fit for Calvin’s pre-med program.

A female student measuing substances for testing in a laboratory.
A female student in a lab coat interacting with scientific machinery.

Combine biochemistry and engineering

Understand and improve the production of products people use every day with a chemical engineering major. In four years, you’ll graduate with the academic record and internship experience needed for a career in fields like biotechnology, environmental services, and many more.

EXPERIENCE Chemistry and Biochemistry AT CALVIN

PLAY VIDEO

Pie chart showing the amount of household debt accumulated by percentages of the graduating student body
Family income distribution for students applying for financial aid.

You can afford a Calvin education.

You’ve heard a lot about the high cost of a university education. But a Calvin education is much more affordable than you think. Most Calvin students pay far below the sticker price—and graduate with less debt than you might expect.

Explore affordability at Calvin »

U.S. News & World Report ranks Calvin as a Best Midwest Regional University for 2022.

A reputation for excellence.

There’s a reason Calvin gets top marks from U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, and more. Calvin graduates are in demand at grad schools, med schools, and careers in every field.

Discover the Calvin advantage »

SOCIAL MEDIA

The latest sights & sounds | #calvinuniversity

Female student wading in Plaster Creek, examining a sample of water, holding it up to the sky.

ACADEMIC OPTIONS

With over 100 majors and programs, you’re bound to find something you love.

Browse by category

× CLOSE DRAWER
A dramatic view looking up at the Calvin's Crossing bridge, with a perfect blue sky overhead.

Apply to Calvin

It all starts here! We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. All completed applications receive equal consideration.

Start your journey × CLOSE DRAWER
A female and male student walking side by side down the Calvin's Crossing bridge, conversing with each other.

Visit Calvin

Find the visit option that works best for you and get a taste for life at Calvin!

Browse Visit Options Launch the virtual tour × CLOSE DRAWER
Students huddled around, lighting sparklers with a beautiful evening sky behind them.

Request Info

Learn why Calvin’s dedication to faith and discovery have earned it the rank of #3 among regional Midwest universities.

Loading...
× CLOSE DRAWER
Graduates in their robes, tossing their caps high into the air, laughing.

Costs & Financial Aid

Families from all economic backgrounds—many just like yours—are making Calvin work. Scholarships, grants and loans are the tools that make Calvin possible.

Explore financial aid & Scholarships How much does Calvin cost? × CLOSE DRAWER
Top