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Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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

Lessons from a bird brain

Edgren Scholars Emily Schmidt ’24 and Professor of Biological Sciences Melissa Cordes study gene expression in European starlings, with the hope of better understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders.

April 15, 2024 | 9:15 a.m.

The Story of Quadruple—maybe Quintuple—Major Michael Opheim ’24

Many students—about 30%—pursue more than one major at Bethel. But only one is pursuing four. With broad interests and an eye toward his future, Michael Opheim ’24 is currently pursuing four majors—neuroscience, history, computer science, and chemistry—and may add a fifth in mathematics.

June 01, 2023 | 12:45 p.m.

Surgeon Uses Her Gifts to Support Students at Bethel and Beyond

Dr. Krista Kaups ’79 fondly remembers the close connections she built with her highly skilled and dedicated professors at Bethel. Today, not only is she dedicated to ensuring students can have similar experiences at Bethel, she is sharing her expertise as a surgeon with learners at home in California and around the world.

November 28, 2022 | 9 a.m.

Event Feed

MAY 11 2024

Science Research Symposium

1:30 p.m. Brushaber Commons Atrium

Come support and celebrate our Bethel Science students! Find out about their research and internships during their presentations at our Science Research symposium.

Bethel students working in the biology lab

#5

best research university in Minnesota

- Academic Influence

19

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, 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 multiple times in its history; the all-science honor society Sigma Zeta—host of several national conventions; and Pre-Med 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)

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 Clinic College of Medicine and Science
  • Howard University