Department of Biology
Department of Chemistry

Biology-chemistry, also sometimes called biochemistry, combines the study of matter (chemistry) with the study of life (biology). The field includes the study of how chemical structures, reactions, and interactions affect living things. Biology-chemistry is an ideal area of study for students who want to pursue careers in medical, dental and veterinary work. It is also very useful for students planning careers in biochemical or pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, environmental regulation, or science writing.

Overview

Point Loma’s interdepartmental major in biology-chemistry has been designed for those students whose academic needs and interests include both biology and chemistry. The major was instituted because a large segment of contemporary scientific investigation lies at the intersection of these two fields. Areas well served by this preparation include medicine, dentistry, and several graduate disciplines, including biochemistry, physiology, and molecular biology. This major earns a Bachelor of Science degree.

Special Features:

• Biology-chemistry is an interdepartmental major that has been designed to prepare students for graduate study or careers in biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology, pharmacology, physiology, medicine, and dentistry.
• Biology-chemistry students have the opportunity to work side-by-side with their professors doing faculty-assisted research projects, and may become co-authors on scholarly papers in national and international scientific journals.
• Many students present research at scientific conferences. Students also have sophisticated instrumentation and computational resources at their fingertips for use in science courses and research labs.
  

Career Opportunities:

Students who graduate with a degree in biology-chemistry leave PLNU prepared for graduate schools or careers in industry. Over the last 25 years, approximately 80 percent of PLNU’s applicants have gained acceptance to medical schools (roughly twice the national average), and the acceptance rate for biology and chemistry students applying to graduate (M.A., M.S., and Ph.D.) and dental school programs is over 95 percent.