Academic Catalog 2024-2025

Biochemistry

College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Department Mission Statement

The California State University Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) Chemistry and Biochemistry department provides world class academic excellence across the chemical society by engaging a diverse student body and faculty that will strive for the finest quality of service in a dynamic learning environment to provide cutting edge research and from the University community prepare the next generation of critical thinkers, scientists, and industry leaders.

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry will prepare students for graduate work in chemistry or biochemistry; teaching chemistry in secondary schools; employment with industry or government; entry into professional schools such as medicine or dentistry; or entry into law school with a view toward specialization in patent or environmental law. The department is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS), 1155 Sixteenth Street, N.W., Washington, DC, 20036.

Features

The department is housed in well-equipped offices and laboratories with state of the art instruments on the third floor of the Natural Sciences and Mathematics Building. The faculty consists of full-time members who represent all the major areas of chemistry. Students generally benefit from the smaller class sizes and the individualized attention, which is seldom available at large universities. Students are introduced to modern instrumental techniques and are given many opportunities for "hands-on" experience.

Academic Advising

Students who are majoring in biochemistry should be advised once each semester, prior to registration. Permanent records of advisement are kept in the department office.

Preparation

High school students should include two years of algebra, one year of geometry and a one-year course in chemistry in their high school preparation. A course in high school physics also is recommended. Students who enter without this preparation must expect to delay their graduation beyond the minimum time-period of four years.

Community college transfers should have completed one year of general chemistry, one year of calculus and one year of physics.

Pre-Medical Professions Training in Biochemistry

Students who wish to apply to professional schools of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or other medical areas following graduation should consider completing the requirement for a B.S. degree in Biochemistry. In addition, students should complete the elective course that was not selected to fulfill the degree requirements.

The following courses are not usually required for admission to medical school, but it is recommenced that students consider them when planning their academic program. Many former students have found them to be a valuable introduction to courses that must be taken in many professional programs.

BIO 422Histology3
BIO 424Histology Laboratory1
BIO 453Endocrinology3
BIO 483Human Physiology3

Student Organizations

Membership in the Science Society of CSU Dominguez Hills is open to all students. The Society encompasses all of the scientific disciplines and is also a Student Affiliate Chapter of the American Chemical Society. It was founded to serve the interests and concerns of science students and sponsors scientific, educational, professional and social activities. The American Chemical Society has commended the Science Society for the high quality of its activities and programs. Contact the Department of Chemistry for further information.

Graduation With Honors

An undergraduate student may be a candidate for graduation with Honors in Biochemistry provided he or she meets the following criteria:

  1. A minimum of 36 units in residence at CSU Dominguez Hills;
  2. A minimum grade point average of at least 3.5 in all courses used to satisfy the upper division requirements in the major.