Biochemistry/Molecular Biology is about more than studying living things. It’s about discovering meaning in the fabric of life.
The Biochemistry/Molecular Biology program prepares graduates who make world-shaping discoveries and understand the relationship between their faith and scientific study. Through experiences in the lab, field, and classroom, you’ll explore the grand diversity of what makes up our world.
Majors, Minors, and Programs
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Major |
News Feed
Why We Teach
One professor spent his spring sabbatical interviewing 15 winners of Bethel’s Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching. The resulting documentary illustrates the special relationship between Bethel faculty and students.
September 06, 2018 | 2 p.m.
New College of Arts & Sciences Professors Start this Fall
Bethel welcomes eight new professors to the community.
August 24, 2018 | 11 a.m.
The Campus Tree Project
Alumni often return to campus to visit a favorite professor or memorable space. Because of one outdoor biology research project, some return to visit the trees.
August 14, 2018 | 8:20 a.m.
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Studying the Breadth of God’s Creation
The biology program at Bethel gives students the space and tools to investigate the wonder and intricacies of life. You’ll prepare for careers on the cutting edge of biology by building a foundation in a range of fundamentals, such as genetics, ecology, cell biology, anatomy/physiology, microbiology, botany, and biochemistry. Have your pick of specialized areas of study including immunology, aquatic biology, animal behavior, molecular biology, neurobiology, wildlife management, and developmental biology. Through investigative work in the classroom, field, and lab, biology students are prepared to be Christians immersed in scientific discovery, ready to make a difference in their chosen fields.
91st
National percentile for student scores on field tests
23
full-time professors in biology and chemistry
224
biology grads accepted into health-related professional schools in past 10 years
Program Highlights
Integration of science and faith
You’ll cultivate a deeper understanding of God’s character, nature, and being through the thoughtful study of His creation.
We do science
At Bethel, we’re not content to just learn about science from a textbook. We also do science in fully-equipped facilities, including a biotechnology lab, and use multiple state-of-the-art chemical instruments.
Collaborative student research
Design and complete a research project with a professor, and possibly receive a summer scholarship for your work. Many students have presented their research findings at regional and national scientific conferences, with several earning top honors.
Outstanding faculty mentoring
Unlike large universities where professors teach only large lectures, Bethel professors work with students in classes and labs. Meeting face-to-face with students in these contexts provides for significant student/faculty interaction. Their expertise and work across diverse subdisciplines offer interdisciplinary preparation for students.
Gain practical experience
Bethel students intern at well-known institutions, including the Mayo Clinic, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, McNeely Conservatory, Medtronic, R&D Systems, and the National Institutes of Health.
Student clubs and organizations
Join Bethel’s TriBeta national biology honor society chapter—awarded the national Chapter Excellence and Outstanding Chapter awards 4 times in its history; the all-science honor society Sigma Zeta—host of several national conventions; and the environmentally focused Creation Restoration club to engage socially and professionally in your chosen field.
My college experience not only gave me the knowledge I needed to pursue a career in medicine, but also provided me with opportunities to gain real-life skills that increased my confidence as both a researcher and a Christian. Having this experience in a Christian environment allowed me to learn with others who share similar core values and reminded me that faith can exist in every aspect of our lives.
Hannah Manion '18
My favorite part of Environmental Studies courses was hands-on lab experience outside, connecting classroom learning to nature. Creation Restoration was a great way to put our coursework into practice on campus. Bethel's Environmental Studies program equipped me to steward Creation.
David Petry '13Grad School: M.S. in Biological Sciences at Eastern Illinois University
While working with the Conservation Corps, I found that Bethel's Environmental Studies program gave me a lot more experience and made me more well-rounded than many of the other environmental studies students.
Kevin Berens '13Current job: Park Overseer, Parks and Trails Division of Minnesota DNR
Bethel chemistry students not only receive a world-class education, but also training that incorporates the beauty of God's creation in every aspect of learning.
Brent Kobielush, Ph.D. '04Current job: U.S. Regulatory Affairs Manager at Cargill, Inc.
The biology department was integral in getting me where I am today. It provided research opportunities, unique experiences such as interim in the Galapagos Islands/Amazon Rainforest/Ecuador, personal relationships with professors, and the academic foundation to smoothly transition to medical school.
Nate Paulson '10Currently: University of Virginia Anesthesiology Resident; received M.D. from University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine
My foundational education at Bethel really influenced my choice to pursue academic medicine instead of just clinical care. I’m so appreciative of the professors and their gift of incredible dedication to their students, while always giving God the glory!
Jonathan Eliason '92Current Job: S. Martin Lindenauer Collegiate Professor of Vascular Surgery; Co-Director, CVC-Multidisciplinary Aortic Program; Associate Professor of Surgery, University of Michigan
The Environmental Studies program prepared me as a well-rounded student. I gained the field skills to study ecology, and also the ethical perspectives behind environmental stewardship. The professors are knowledgeable and passionate, which is passed on to their students.
David Petry '13Grad School: M.S. in Biological Sciences at Eastern Illinois University
The people at Bethel helped me determine the kind of person I wanted to be, before I knew what kind of doctor I would be. Bethel’s influence is essential to my work as a future physician and follower of Jesus.
Brett Einerson '06Current Job: Resident Physician at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine
What can I do with a biochemistry and molecular biology degree?
Students prepare for professional careers in a variety of industries and graduate programs ranging from medicine to subfields of biology or chemistry.
Careers
Biochemistry graduates pursue careers in the following fields:
- Medicine (M.D.)
- Osteopathic medicine (O.D.)
- Dentistry
- Veterinary medicine
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Podiatry
- Cell/molecular biology research
- Cytogenetics
- Genetics research
- Neuroscience
- Optometry
- Physician assistant
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Education (elementary, secondary, university)
- Environmental monitoring
- Restoration ecology (management of natural resources)
Graduate Fields
Our alumni study:
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic
- Osteopathy
- Other allied health professions
- Anatomy
- Ecology
- Genetics
- Physical chemistry
- Forensic science
- Molecular biology
- Animal physiology
- Water resources
- Public health
- History of science
Graduate Schools
Our alumni attend
- University of North Carolina
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine
- Northwestern University, Chicago
- Penn State University
- Michigan State University
- University of Minnesota
- Harvard
- Yale
- Loyola
- University of Chicago
- Mayo Medical School
- Howard University