Warning! Your browser is extremely outdated and not web standards compliant.
Your browsing experience would greatly improve by upgrading to a modern browser.
Visit Apply Contact

< Back to Programs

Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the study of how chemical processes foster life...the chemistry of the living world. As a biochemistry major you will use laboratory techniques and research to study exciting frontiers of science that impact almost every aspect of our lives. You will learn also how to think critically, independently and creatively - skills that will enhance your education and your future career!

Accredited by ASBMB

Why Grand View?

  • Guaranteed research experience, beginning as early as your first year
  • Experienced faculty researchers to learn from
  • Strong collaboration with other science programs
  • Personal advising to help you achieve your research and career goals

Program Details

Course Requirements (66-71 credits)

Requirements for the Major:

BIOL 101 General Biology I 4 credits
BIOL 360 Genetics 4 credits
BIOL 380  Cell Biology 4 credits
BIOL 415 Molecular Biology 4 credits
CHEM 111 General Chemistry I 4 credits
CHEM 112 General Chemistry II 4 credits
CHEM 321 Organic Chemistry I 5 credits
CHEM 322 Organic Chemistry II 5 credits
CHEM 341 Quantitative Analysis 4 credits
CHEM 351
Biochemistry
3 credits
CHEM 450
Senior Seminar
2 credits
CHEM 452
Advanced Biochemistry
3 credits
CHEM 453
Biochemical Techniques
3 credits
CHEM 499 Research in Chemistry 1-3 credits
MATH 212 or
MATH 231 or
STAT 241 or
STAT 261
Applied Calculus or
Calculus with Analytic Geometry I or
Principles of Statistics or
Applied Statistics
3 or
5 or
4 or
3 credits
PHYS 131 & 132 or
PHYS 241 & 242 
General Physics I and II or
Classical Physics I and II

 8 or
10 credits

Choose ONE of the following:

BIOL 325
Plant Physiology
4 credits
BIOL 335
Physiology
4 credits
CHEM 361
Physical Chemistry
4 credits
CHEM 399
Internship 1-4 credits
CHEM 430
Special Topics 3-4 credits

These courses will be counted in computing the 2.20 GPA for the major.

1025

Chemistry Minor

The chemistry minor provides a solid background in chemistry for students choosing to pursue other major fields and careers in the health sciences. Having a degree will look great to a potential employer, however, when it comes to your education, the more accolades you accumulate, the more appealing it will become. A minor will boost your regular degree over other candidates and demonstrate that you are willing to go above and beyond. More importantly, it shows potential employers that, when it comes to learning, you are eager to learn as much as you can and are willing to put in the extra effort.

Course Requirements (20-22 credits plus 3 prerequisite credits)

Prerequisite Course:

MATH 121 College Algebra 3 credits

Required Courses:

CHEM 111
General Chemistry I
4 credits
CHEM 112 General Chemistry II
4 credits
CHEM 321
Organic Chemistry I
5 credits

Take seven or more credits from:

CHEM 322 Organic Chemistry II
5 credits
CHEM 341
Quantitative Analysis
4 credits
CHEM 351
Biochemistry
3 credits
CHEM 361
Physical Chemistry 4 credits
CHEM 430
Special Topics
3-4 credits
CHEM 452
Advanced Biochemistry
3 credits
CHEM 453 Biochemical Techniques 3 credits

1025

View Elings Hall in our Virtual Tour

Launch Elings Hall

NET PRICE CALCULATOR

Get an early estimate of your financial aid and costs by entering some basic information. The more accurate your inputs, the more reliable your estimate will be. Keep in mind that these figures are approximations. Your actual financial aid package will be determined based on the details provided in your FAFSA.

Calculate It

Tuition & Scholarships

At Grand View University, your tuition supports instruction delivered by knowledgeable and experienced faculty who uphold our tradition of exceptional teaching. Additionally, we are dedicated to offering a high-quality education at the most affordable cost.

Transfer Credits

No matter what major you’re thinking about, you may be able to transfer in as many as 75 credits from a community college or junior college. If you have an A.A. or A.A.S. from an Iowa community college, you will be automatically admitted at junior status.

Compare Schools Cost Calculator

Use this calculator to compare your potential costs at Grand View to those of other colleges and universities. It is most useful after you've received your financial aid award letters.

Compare Now

What is the Research Experience Like?

Research Experience

  • Every student participates in at least one research experience and presents at the GV RISE scholarship symposium
  • Numerous students travel to a national ASBMB meeting to present their research
  • Students may start as early as their first year
  • Students will conduct authentic research with a faculty mentor
  • Many students pursue paid summer research at external institutions

100% of students who applied for paid summer research experiences at research-intensive institutions have been accepted.

REU Institutions Attended

  • University of Nebraska
  • Iowa State University
  • University of Iowa
  • Friends of Thailand
  • University of Montana
  • University of Oklahoma

(REU: Research Experiences for Undergraduates)

Future Outcomes of Biochemistry Graduates at GV

Graduate Outcomes (since 2011)

  • 100% acceptance rate into graduate school
  • 100% acceptance to veterinary school
  • 100% acceptance to dental school
  • 100% job placement in science careers

Schools Grand View Biochemistry graduates have gone on to attend include Iowa State University, Ohio State University, Purdue University, University of Buffalo, University of California - City of Hope, and Washington University, along with dental schools at Creighton University and University of Iowa.

Job placements of recent Biochemistry graduates

  • Corteva Agriscience
  • Eurofins
  • Harvard Research Group
  • Kemin Industries
  • Pharmacy Tech
  • Phigenics
  • Scribe America
  • Scripps Research

Awards & Accomplishments

ALUMNI

Anani Perez went on to be a researcher at Fred Hutch Cancer research institute.

FACULTY

Laura Salazar received the Distinguished Faculty Service Award in 2018.

OTHERS

Instrumentation grant was awarded for $354,000 in April 2015.

Grow Iowa Value Fund grant for diabetes research was awarded for $50,000 in July 2011.

News