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
Discovery on Display
The Nelson-Larson Science Center has taken scientific pursuits at Bethel to the next level—literally. The completed three-story, 18,000-foot space has expanded students’ view of what’s possible when faith informs scientific exploration.
June 10, 2021 | Noon
A Home for Beetles, Butterflies, and Beauty in Biology
From growing up as a missionary kid to pursuing a career in anthropology, Richard Swanson ’70 has gathered a collection of insects, snakes, and other reptiles from around the world. He recently donated 12 cases of insects to Bethel’s biology department as a teaching collection to use in classes he had taken 55 years ago.
April 22, 2021 | 9:15 a.m.
5 Things to Know About Jim Zupfer ’91 and His Ice Sculptures
Since graduating from Bethel, Jim Zupfer ’91 has touched numerous lives during a 30-year career as a seventh grade science teacher. But many around the Twin Cities may recognize him as a regular at the St. Paul Winter Carnival’s annual ice carving contest.
February 19, 2021 | 11:30 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.
224
biology grads accepted into health-related professional schools in past 10 years
23
full-time professors in biology and chemistry
91st
National percentile for student scores on field tests
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.
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