A variety of learning experiences

Biochemistry – Associate of Science Degree

Program Details

Length: 2 years

Total Credits: 60

Intake Terms: Fall, Winter, Spring

Campus: Castlegar

Student Loans: This program is eligible for student loans

Credential Received

Associate of Science Degree Biochemistry

Overview

Program Summary

Are you fascinated by living organisms and their biological molecules? Also called “biological chemistry,” this growing field of scientific study explains how living organisms survive and thrive through their internal chemical processes. Biochemical research is one of the most successful fields at examining living processes and today is part of almost all areas of life sciences research. As a professional biochemist, you will make valuable contributions to this vital research and set your path for career success.

Take this program if you are fascinated by living organisms and how their biological molecules contribute to the functioning of their entire beings. Take this program if you are fascinated by life in general and want to understand its complex scientific inner workings and play an active role in discovering more about living beings’ interconnectedness.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of an Associate of Science program, learners will be able to:

  1. Explain terms, concepts and theories of introductory-level science
  2. Read, write and communicate effectively and creatively across academic disciplines
  3. Demonstrate developing critical, creative thinking and problem-solving skills
  4. Follow laboratory guidelines, processes and protocols
  5. Demonstrate developing research skills
  6. Apply developing quantitative reasoning skills
  7. Apply the scientific method
  8. Use current and emerging technology
  9. Demonstrate collaborative skills in a multicultural environment
  10. Conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner in an academic environment

Program Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to Selkirk College, applicants to the University Arts and Sciences program must meet the following requirements to be considered fully qualified:

  • Minimum grade of 67% in Math 12 or Pre-Calc 12
  • Minimum grade of 60% in English 12 or English 12 First Peoples or equivalent.
  • Biology 12, Chemistry 12, and Physics 11 with a minimum grade of 67%

Additional Requirements

  • Students whose first language is not English must fulfill the college’s English language proficiency requirement. See Policy 8611: Admissions.
  • Students who do not meet this requirement must write the Language Proficiency Index (LPI) test and achieve a minimum of level 4 to attain equivalency.
  • Mature students must meet the English 12 requirement.
  • Students who lack the admission requirements may still gain admission to the program by taking a combination of Academic Upgrading and university courses during the first year. This mode of entry may extend the length of their program.

Graduation and Promotion

All Associate of Science students are required to complete:

  • Six semester courses in science at the 100-level or higher
  • Six semester courses in second-year science in two or more subject areas
  • Of the above, at least one course must be a lab science. Geology courses and Geography 130 and 232 are considered lab sciences.
  • Two semester courses in math. At least one math course must be in calculus. Students may choose statistics for the second math course.
  • Two semester courses in first-year English
  • Two semester courses in Arts other than first-year English
  • Two semester courses in Arts, Sciences or other areas*
  • Students must achieve a GPA of 2.00

* Each course must transfer for three or more credits to at least one of SFU, UBC (Vancouver or Okanagan), UNBC or UVIC. See the BC Online Transfer guide at www.bc.transferguide.ca.

Program Courses

Term 1

CodeTitleCreditsTotal Hours

Required Courses

CodeTitleCreditsTotal Hours
BIOL104Biology I

3.00

90
 

CHEM110Fundamentals Of Chemistry I

3.00

120
Or

CHEM122General Chemistry I

3.00

90
 

ENGL110College Composition

3.00

45
MATH100Calculus I

3.00

75
 

PHYS102Basic Physics I

3.00

90
Or

PHYS104Fundamental Physics I

3.00

90

Term 2

CodeTitleCreditsTotal Hours

Required Courses

CodeTitleCreditsTotal Hours
BIOL106Biology II

3.00

90
CHEM125Foundations Of Chemistry II

4.00

105
ENGL111Introduction to Literature

3.00

45
MATH101Calculus II

3.00

75
 

PHYS103Basic Physics II

3.00

90
Or

PHYS105Fundamental Physics II

3.00

90

Term 3

CodeTitleCreditsTotal Hours

Required Courses

CodeTitleCreditsTotal Hours
BIOL204Cell Biology

3.00

90
CHEM212Organic Chemistry I

3.00

90

Elective Courses

The following is a suggested selection of courses. Students are advised to meet with a Selkirk College counsellor to discuss course options.

Take:

two (2) 100- or 200-level Arts elective

one (1) 100- or 200-level General elective

See the UAS Courses by discipline page for course selections.

CodeTitleCreditsTotal Hours

Students transferring to SFU should choose CPSC 100 as their elective. Students transferring to UCBO should choose CHEM 222 as their elective.

Term 4

CodeTitleCreditsTotal Hours

Required Courses

CodeTitleCreditsTotal Hours
BIOL202Principles of Genetics

3.00

67.5
BIOL206Introductory Biochemistry

3.00

90
BIOL212Microbiology

3.00

67.5
CHEM213Organic Chemistry II

3.00

90
STAT206Statistics

3.00

75

Additional Program Policies

Effective Term:

Grading Table: