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Biochemistry lab

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Bachelor of Science

88% of 2009–2013 graduates who applied to graduate programs in biochemistry, molecular biology or another science were accepted.

Overview

Understanding what living things are made of and how they function is part of fulfilling God’s command to take care of the earth. At BJU you’ll take an in-depth look at living things on both the cellular and the molecular levels, so you’ll be equipped for a career in biomedical research, molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceuticals, genetics, cancer research or one of many other options.

Additionally, you’ll learn how to think like a scientist by working through significant problems. You’ll discover that thinking biblically about your field contributes both to your understanding and to your success in the vocation you choose.

student in lab

Program

BJU’s biochemistry and molecular biology program gives you a solid groundwork in biology before tackling the chemistry of living things, including proteins, nucleic acids, electron transport and cellular regulatory systems. The program is highly interdisciplinary, so you’ll build a foundation in core subjects, such as mathematics and physics.

Additionally, each week you’ll put into practice what you’re learning in the lab. During your time in the lab, you’ll learn how to work well with your peers, and you’ll become adept in lab procedures and in using standard lab equipment. Your lab work will culminate in a research project during your senior year. In this project, you’ll use what you’ve learned to formulate an original research proposal and then implement it.

Throughout your courses you’ll also learn about the evolutionary framework of science so that you can understand how evolutionists think, and more importantly, how a biblical worldview gives more reasonable explanations of science than what an evolutionary worldview has to offer.

BJU Core

The BJU Core will further prepare you to excel in what God has for your future, both in your career and in your personal life. You’ll improve your skills in communication, organization and critical thinking through subjects such as English, history and science.

Through the BJU Core you’ll learn more about the world around you so you’ll be able, like Jesus was in His time on the earth, to make biblical truths understandable to people from a wide variety of backgrounds. And you’ll learn how your work ethic itself can be a witness—a reflection of God and His glory.

Electives

Biochemistry and molecular biology is a highly specialized program with all your electives being part of the BJU Core. If you would like to take additional electives, you can explore taking classes over the summer online or increasing your class load during the semester.

Success

Your Future

Jobs

We equip our students in the biochemistry and molecular biology program for further studies in graduate programs and entry-level positions in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, forensics, medical research or related industries.

  • Biochemist
  • Biomedical Researcher
  • Biotechnologist
  • Cellular Physiologist
  • Geneticist
  • Immunologist
  • Medicinal Chemist
  • Molecular Biologist
  • Patent Researcher
  • Professor
  • Proteomics Researcher
  • Research Scientist

Graduate Schools

Our biochemistry and molecular biology graduates have been accepted into graduate schools such as:

  • Clemson University
  • Duke University
  • University at Albany—SUNY
  • University at Buffalo—SUNY
  • University of Maryland College of Pharmacy
  • University of Missouri
  • University of North Carolina – Greensboro
  • University of South Carolina
  • University of Virginia School of Medicine
  • Washington University

Graduate Experience

Our graduates have gone into top companies and have obtained valuable positions in companies and are becoming leaders in their fields. They are ready to use what they’ve learned at BJU to serve God in whatever capacity He directs them. Organizations include:

  • Lab Manager and Research Technician, University of Notre Dame
  • PhD Candidate—Medicinal Chemistry and Biochemistry Teaching Assistant (Buffalo, N.Y.)
  • Quality Control Lab Analyst, Ortec Incorporated
  • PhD Student—Molecular Cell Biology, Washington University (St. Louis, Mo.)
  • PhD Student—Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina

Career Support Assistance

BJU offers students a variety of ways to network with employers and organizations. A multitude of job opportunities are posted each year on CareerCentral, our online placement service. In addition, over 60 businesses and 150 Christian schools/mission boards/Christian organizations come on campus to recruit students through on-campus interviews and job/ministry fairs. The Career Services office also helps students by holding seminars on resume preparation and interview techniques.

student in lab

Learning Experience

Chemistry lab

Chemistry Labs

Our chemistry laboratories house a wide range of significant scientific instrumentation that you’ll get to use throughout your studies. These include:

Fourier Transform Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer

NMR spectrometry is one of the most important methods of analysis used to determine molecular structure.

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer

Gas chromatography is used to analyze mixtures of organic compounds; the mass spectrometer is a sensitive and selective detector that considerably enhances the utility of the GC.

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer

IR spectrometry enables the chemist to identify key functional groups on molecules as well as to examine their vibrational fingerprints.

Atomic Absorption/Flame Emission Spectrometer

This instrument is used to analyze metals in samples that have been introduced into a stable, geometrically controlled flame.

High Pressure Liquid Chromatograph

Liquid chromatography is one of the most important standard methods of analysis used in laboratories in a wide range of commercial and research contexts. This instrument is equipped with a variable-wavelength UV (ultraviolet) detector that enables the detection of a wide range of substances.

Voltammograph

This electroanalytical instrument is used to study oxidation-reduction processes with experimental techniques known as cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and chronovoltammetry.

American Chemical Society

You also have the option of joining the American Chemical Society and attending meetings of the Western Carolinas section.

Research Opportunities

You can also apply for one of a limited number of summer positions available in the BJU Research Immersion for Undergraduates program or in BJU’s cancer research lab.

Faculty

Photo of Brian Vogt
Brian Vogt
Division of Natural Science

View Faculty

All biology and chemistry faculty have earned PhDs from research institutions in subject areas that include microbiology, analytical chemistry, plant physiology, biological sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, analytical chemistry, entomology and agrobiology, and agrochemistry.

Several have more than 30 years of teaching experience, and all have published articles in peer-reviewed research journals. Almost all have participated in multiple summers of the BJU Summer Institute in Teaching Science. Since joining the faculty at BJU some have participated in summer research and done consulting for commercial companies, other universities, or the U.S. military.

Courses & Objectives

Program Objectives

Each student will:

  • Critically analyze scientific data and ideas.
  • Account for the chemical and physical properties of proteins, nucleic acids, and other molecules in terms of chemical concepts and principles.
  • Employ the scientific method in designing experiments in the laboratory to answer scientific questions.
  • Solve scientificproblems.
  • Execute standard biochemical laboratory techniques.
  • Compose reports that communicate conclusions drawn from the analysis of biochemical data.

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