Why should I study biochemistry/molecular biology?

Biochemistry/Molecular Biology is an interdisciplinary field that applies the tools of chemistry and physics to biological systems in order to understand their chemical composition, function, and organization. Students will learn how to think independently, solve problems, and gain a broad understanding of the principles that govern biological systems at a molecular level.

Students have the opportunity for an education that is second-to-none, working alongside professors focused on teaching courses for and doing research with undergraduate students. Students will have all the benefits of two world-class departments, working alongside highly-qualified professors in Bethel's Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Chemistry. This challenging degree is pursued within a supportive, Christian environment.

What can I do with this degree?

Recent Bethel graduates earning the B.S. degree have gone on to Ph.D. programs in biochemistry, biology, and chemistry. Our graduates are employed in education and at companies such as 3M, R&D systems, Beckman Coulter, and Ecolab. The biochemistry major is extremely popular for students who go on to professional programs in medicine, physician assistant, dental school, doctor of osteopathic medicine, and optometry.

What skills will I develop?

• Real-world research skills in a broad range of areas
• Hands-on experience using research-grade instruments
• Quantitative data analysis
• Experimental design, implementation and interpretation
• Critical and creative thinking for solving problems
• Reading, writing, and presentation of scientific ideas and experimental results

What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?

All biochemistry/molecular biology majors participate in junior and senior research projects in collaboration with faculty from either the biological sciences or chemistry departments, including presenting their results at regional and national conferences. Many students participate in full-time paid summer research at Bethel or are accepted into research and internship positions across the country. Students will use state-of-the-art instrumentation in their courses and research. In addition to the core courses, there are also opportunities to study abroad and pursue coursework in special topics.

News Feed

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.

Josh Hahn '24 Carves His Own Path at Bethel

Throughout his Bethel journey so far, neuroscience major Josh Hahn '24 has found a family, discovered a career path that suits his gifts and passions, and deepened his faith. At the start of his junior year, he continues navigating his place in the world and in his family, who’s supporting him all the way from Portland, Oregon.

September 27, 2022 | 11:15 a.m.

Event Feed

DEC 7 2023

Primetime: Edgren Scholars - Lessons From a Bird Brain: What Songbirds Can Teach Us About the Motivation to Communicate

11:15 a.m. University Library

Join this Edgren Scholars team as they share the methods used to obtain gene expression data from brains of European starlings.