Program Overview

Biochemistry Degree with Teacher Certification

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry with Teacher Certification is a four-year major designed to prepare students to teach sciences at the high school level in the areas of biochemistry, chemistry, and biology. Additionally, the program serves well those who wish to go into medicine, dentistry, or other biologically related professional programs of study.

Program Details

• Program Type: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science with Teacher Certification
• Major: Biochemistry
• Teaching Certification: Available
• Format: On Campus
• Estimated Time to Complete: 4 Semesters (Concurrent With Your Degree)
• Credit Hours: 120

Program Description

UNT's Department of Biological Sciences offers the Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry to provide a strong foundation in biochemistry and molecular biology. Our B.A. program offers the flexibility to support careers in teaching, medicine, and other non-research focused pursuits.

Requirements

• Courses:
  • Cell biology
  • Chemical reactions
  • Compounds and solutions of chemical elements
  • Macromolecules
  • Metabolic pathways
  • Molecular biology of genes
  • Organic chemistry
  • Physical chemistry
  • Quantitative analysis in chemistry

Marketable Skills

• Oral and written communication
• Application of the scientific method
• Operation of modern analytical instrumentation
• Data organization and interpretation
• In-depth knowledge of biochemistry
• Scientific communication and presentation skills
• Teaching and learning strategies

Career Outlook

Many of our students complete the program in preparation for medical school. Other potential employers include:

• Agricultural chemical manufacturers
• Biotechnology companies
• Consulting agencies
• Cosmetic manufacturers
• Educational institutions
• Environmental organizations and labs
• Food manufacturers
• Independent research firms
• Pharmaceutical companies

Once you complete the program, you will qualify to test for secondary teaching certification and teach in public or private schools.

Courses You Could Take

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Gene (3 hrs)
  • Mechanisms and regulation of genetic expression, chromosome replication, mutagenesis, and DNA repair, and gene cloning in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems.
• Organic Chemistry (3 hrs)
  • Structure, nomenclature, occurrence, and uses of main classes of organic compounds; functional groups and their interconversion; character of chemical bonding; stereochemistry; structure and reactivity; acid/base reactions, resonance, inductive and steric effects; reaction mechanisms.
• Microbiology (3 hrs)
  • Survey of the microbial world; classification, ecology, morphology, and physiology of eukaryotic and prokaryotic microorganisms.
• Knowing and Learning in Mathematics, Science, and Computer Science (3 hrs)
  • Psychological foundations of learning. Problem-solving in mathematics, science, and computer science education, including utilization of technology. Principles of expertise and novice understanding of subject matter. Implications of high-stakes testing. Foundations of formative and summative assessment.
• Classroom Interactions (3 hrs)
  • Principles of delivering effective instruction in various formats (lecture, lab activity, collaborative settings). Examination of gender, class, race, and culture in mathematics, science, and computer science education. Overview of policy related to mathematics, science, and computer science education. This course requires approximately 10 hours of fieldwork in schools. Candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.
• Apprentice Teaching in a secondary school (7 hrs)
  • Teaching under supervision. Discussions include apprentice teaching experience. Contemporary critical issues in education. Preparation for the state certification exam. Must be able to pass a criminal background check.