Biochemistry provides insight into the chemical processes that govern cells in everything from amoebas to humans. In this major, you'll learn to investigate and understand biological systems at the molecular level.
Why Study Biochemistry?
Biochemistry merges both biology and chemistry. It provides a framework to understand the origins of life, and the processes that sustain it. You can use that knowledge to develop new treatments for disease, contribute new insights to genetics, and more.
Biochemists study life at a molecular level. As a biochemist, you'll unravel the chemical processes that govern the very development of life through growth, aging, disease and death.
A biochemistry degree provides the skills and knowledge you'll need to gain admission into a graduate program in the field, to pursue further study in medical, dental and other professional schools.
Why Study Biochemistry at CSUN?
Real Labs. Real Experience.
As a Biochemistry major at CSUN, you'll train on the same state-of-the-art instruments you'll find in the best-equipped laboratories. Employers value that kind of experience.
And because you'll be in small classes, you'll get one-on-one attention from faculty. So when you graduate, you'll be prepared to move on to the next level, whether that's a job or graduate school.
Make Your Mark
Our faculty are experts in the field, but they're also completely accessible. Many undergraduates have the chance to collaborate with faculty on their research. If you do, you may publish your findings in peer-reviewed publications and present at local, national and even international conferences.
ACS Certified
CSUN's Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry is one of just 690 American Chemical Society-approved programs in the country. It's an exclusive seal of approval that denotes educational excellence.
What You'll Learn
As a Biochemistry major, you'll take required classes covering a broad introduction to both biology and chemistry. In addition to lab-intensive biochemistry classes, you'll also take courses in calculus and physics.
This program emphasizes the importance of communicating effectively. That's why you'll also take courses designed to improve your critical thinking and writing skills.
Careers & Outcomes
When you earn a degree in biochemistry you'll be prepared for graduate school, medical or professional school, or careers in industry.
Employers of recent alumni include:
- Amgen
- Eli Lilly
- UCLA
- Merck
- Gilead
- City of Hope
Our biochemistry graduates find jobs in fields including:
- Teaching
- Drug discovery
- Biotechnology
- Research & development
- Manufacturing
- Quality control
We're here to help.
The department coordinates with the Learning Resource Center (LRC) in the University Library to provide specialized, no-cost tutors in chemistry and biochemistry. These tutors have aced the classes you have questions about! More than 1,000 students use these resources every semester.