Biochemistry

Which Degree Is Right for You?

Central offers the option of either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and biochemistry. They are equally challenging at Central. The major courses are the same for both degrees and students in both tracks take their classes together. The pre-requisite courses to enter the major are the same. It’s the structure of the degrees that are slightly different.

The Bachelor of Science degree emphasizes lab work, hands-on experience and independent research. This degree is recommended for those intending to delve intensely into a technical or research-related career or graduate school for research. It typically has a higher level math requirement.

The Bachelor of Arts degree, with less required lab work, emphasizes a broad education and provides more flexibility than the Bachelor of Science degree. The Bachelor of Arts degree is recommended for those intending to enter law school, earn a teaching certificate or work in sales or business. It typically requires proficiency in a second language.

Research Opportunities

Besides internship opportunities, you'll be encouraged take responsibility for a research project. Faculty are involved in many ongoing projects and always willing to help nurture new ideas for research. Current projects include the study of mushroom extracts on cells and organic molecules that bind with phosphorylated compounds.

State-of-the-Art Equipment

You'll have direct access to classrooms and laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation and presentation technology, including:

• 300 MHz Bruker NMR
• Spectrum Rx Perkin Elmer ATR-FTIR Spectrometer
• HP 6890 GC with an HP 5973 quadrapole mass selective detector
• HPLC series 1100 with UV-Vis detector
• Two HP 6890 gas chromatographs with TCD

A Glowing Endorsement

Central is one of only seven Iowa private colleges and universities with a chemistry program endorsed by the American Chemical Society.

Off-Campus Experiences

Central students can study off-campus — both internationally or domestically in the United States. These opportunities give students the chance to prepare to be global citizens, equipped to compete in the global job market. Students can check out experiences led by Central faculty or attend select academic programs across the world that provide opportunities for study, service, internships and other types of experiential learning. Options include experiences in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Central America, Ghana, England, the Scottish Highlands and more.