Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Biochemists and molecular biologists study the chemistry of life. This includes protein structure and function, metabolism, and the mechanics of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis.
Our program serves students who want to receive a bachelor of science degree, as well as seek entry into medical or graduate school.
Real-world equipment and techniques
From the start, you will have access to the key instruments and techniques commonly employed in biology and chemistry laboratories. You will also gain extensive experience in the use of recombinant DNA and genetic engineering technology to study gene structure and function.
An education founded on research
Our program emphasizes techniques utilized in genomics and bioinformatics—two important focus areas that you will use as you design and carry out your own experiments. During your first two years, you will focus on basic concepts and theories. Then, in your third and fourth years, you will apply these concepts and principles to the broader study of biotechnology. Our lab classes are research-based, allowing you to gain experience by conducting original research with faculty. Many of our students have the opportunity to perform independent research with faculty advisors on campus and present their findings at research conferences such as the annual Festival of Scholars or travel to conferences off campus.
Year-round research opportunities
You will also be encouraged to apply for summer research work. Many of our students participate in programs sponsored by our Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship. Students have also garnered recognition through California Heart Association grants, National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation summer research posts, and internships at local biotechnology firms such as Amgen and Baxter—among the nation’s top biopharmaceutical corporations.
Programs
Offered as a major (BA or BS).
Popular Minor Pairings
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I was lacking in laboratory experience. What I have been able to do through organic chemistry has been very unexpected and exciting. I am getting confident to a point where I do not need to constantly refer to my procedure because I know how to conduct certain processes.
Alexis Fetzer '25
The biochemistry program, and the biological sciences in general at Cal Lutheran, is made excellent by the opportunities for relationships with expert faculty. Ample research opportunities for students exist across a wide variety of topics within the discipline of biological sciences. Additionally, the biochemistry curriculum allows sufficient flexibility for students to choose a number of interesting electives depending on his or her interests.
Cordray Crabbe '22
Many of our biochemistry majors are accepted into medical, dental, pharmaceutical, and graduate schools.
As part of a growing field, you will have many career possibilities. You could work on the frontiers of science in the heart of America’s biotechnology industry, practice medicine, participate in cutting-edge research, unlock the secrets of recombinant DNA, or break new ground in genomics and proteomics.
Our alumni study at:
- California Institute of Technology
- Colorado State University
- Harvard University
- Loyola University of Chicago School of Medicine
- Scripps Research Institute
- University of California, Berkeley
- UCLA
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, San Francisco
- University of Nevada School of Medicine
- University of Southern California
Our alumni work for:
- Amgen
- Baxter Bio Science
- BioSource International
- Dako
- Hirauo Optometric
- Integrity Bio
- Invitrogen
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
Career paths:
- BioTech Manufacturing Associate
- EMT
- Pharmacist
- Quality Control Chemist
- Researcher
- Physician
of Cal Lutheran graduates find a job or enroll in graduate school within nine months
The greatest preparation for grad school that I received from Cal Lutheran came from working under a Darling Summer Research Fellowship. Working in the Organic Chemistry lab, doing both computational studies and wet chemistry, I got a taste of graduate level research and learned first-hand about the hard work and dedication is required to make progress. This has certainly made the transition to graduate school easier.
Michael Mayers '14
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major
Ph.D. student, The Scripps Research Institute
Associate Professor and Chair, Chemistry Department
Assistant Professor of Biology, Biochemistry Coordinator
Professor of Biology
Professor, Chemistry Department
Assistant Professor of Biology
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Professor and Fletcher Jones Professor of Developmental Biology
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Let us know and we'll send you information about our academics, campus life, admission process, and more!