Geneva College will offer a new full B.S. degree program in biochemistry starting in the fall 2009 academic year. Only a handful of Christian institutions offer chemistsry programs that are approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS), and Geneva College's program is one of the first to offer ACS-approved biochemistry.
Formerly offered as a concentration for chemistry majors, biochemistry is the study of chemical processes in living things. “The degree offers a lot of versatility for students,” says chemistry professor and department chair Dr. John Stahl. “A biochemist can work in many of the same careers that a chemist can, as well as careers in allied health fields and the emerging field of biotechnology.”
While biochemistry is not a new discipline, the field has grown rapidly over the last decade. “It’s becoming more and more apparent that this is where the action is,” says Dr. Rodney Austin, associate professor of chemistry and coordinator of the new program, “and a lot of students are looking for a Christ-centered college with the quality accreditation of the ACS.”
The biochemistry program is administered by the chemistry department, but draws on the strengths and expertise of both the chemistry and biology faculty. Course requirements include at least 12 credits in biology, seven in biochemistry and 38 in chemistry. Each student will carry out independent research with a faculty member on a biochemical topic as part of the new program.
Geneva College is a comprehensive Christian college of the arts, sciences and professional studies. Founded in the tradition of the Reformed Christian faith, Geneva prepares students to serve Christ in all areas of society: work, family and the church. Geneva is a founding member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).
Geneva graduates have an 80% acceptance rate when applying for entrance to medical school–well above the national average.
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