Biochemistry B.S. + Biochemistry M.S.
Beach Expedited Degrees in Graduate Education (EDGE) programs merge existing baccalaureate and master's degree programs in similar disciplines into a single pathway. We will double count a specified number of units (no more than 7) in both programs so you can earn your graduate degree faster and with less cost! Learn more about Beach EDGE at É«ÖÐÉ«.
Students in the Beach EDGE Biochemistry program will complete the requirements for both the B.S. and M.S. in Biochemistry. Beach EDGE students in Biochemistry may double-count seven units of 500-level M.S. courses towards both their B.S. and M.S. degrees. These 500-level courses must be completed in residence at É«ÖÐÉ«. Transfer courses cannot double-count.
Double-Counting of Courses
Beach EDGE students may double-count 7 units of M.S. electives towards both their B.S. and M.S. degrees.
Advisor Contacts
Main email: Biochem-BeachEDGE@csulb.edu
Graduate Advisor: Dr. Vasanthy (Vas) Narayanaswami, Vas.Narayanaswami@csulb.edu
Undergraduate Advisor: Dr. Jason Schwans, Jason.Schwans@csulb.edu
Use the tabs below to view degree requirements.
Lower Division: 46 units
- CHEM 111A - General Chemistry (5 units)
- CHEM 111B - General Chemistry (5 units)
- CHEM 220A - Organic Chemistry I (3 units)
- CHEM 220B - Organic Chemistry II (3 units)
- CHEM 241 - Explorations in Biochemistry (1 unit)
- CHEM 251 - Quantitative Analysis (4 units),
or 4 units of electives chosen in consultation with an advisor - BIOL 211 - Introduction to Evolution and Diversity (5 units)
- BIOL 212 - Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology (4 units)
- MATH 122 - Calculus I (4 units)
- MATH 123 - Calculus II (4 units)
- PHYS 151 - Mechanics and Heat (4 units)
- PHYS 152 - Electricity and Magnetism (4 units)
Upper Division: 26 units
Take all the following courses:
- BIOL 340 - Molecular Cell Biology (3 units)
- CHEM 320L - Organic Chemistry Laboratory (2 units)
- CHEM 361 - Chemical Communications (3 units)
- CHEM 441A - Biological Chemistry (3 units)
- CHEM 441B - Biological Chemistry (3 units)
- CHEM 443 - Biochemistry Laboratory (4 units)
- CHEM 461 - Chemistry Capstone (1 unit)
And take either:
- CHEM 379 - Physical Chemistry for the Biosciences (4 units)
- or both of the following:
- CHEM 371A - Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Kinetics (3 units)
- CHEM 371B - Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy (3 units)
For official requirements, please see:
M.S.-level Courses that Double Count Towards the B.S. and M.S.: 7 units
- CHEM 541 - Biochemistry Core for Graduate Study (3 units)
- CHEM 697 - Directed Research (1 unit)
- and one of the following:
- BIOL 516 - Virology (3 units)
- BIOL 531 - Biology of Cancer (3 units)
- BIOL 532 - Stem Cell Biology (3 units)
- BIOL 533 - Developmental Biology (3 units)
- BIOL 573 - Molecular Genetics (3 units)
- BIOL 548 - Principles of Neurobiology (3 units)
- BIOL 574 - Bioinformatics (3 units)
After the first four years (3 semesters of Beach EDGE Program participation), students would have accumulated 120 units toward their B.S. degree. Seven of those units will be M.S.-level courses that will count both toward their B.S. requirements of 120 units and the major required units.
Required Lecture Courses
A minimum of 12 units in Biochemistry/Chemistry lecture courses in the 500 series (excluding CHEM 595):
- Must include CHEM 541 Biochemistry Core for Graduate Study (3 units)
- Three additional CHEM lecture courses in the 500 series* (3x3 units)
*In some circumstances, another 500-level program-related lecture course may be substituted with the approval of the Graduate Advisor.
Required Research/Seminar/Colloquium Courses
18 units of research/seminar/colloquium courses:
- CHEM 595 Colloquium (2 units)
- CHEM 660 Seminar in Chemistry (3 units)
- CHEM 695 Directed Reading (1 unit)
- CHEM 697 Directed Research (3 units)
- CHEM 697C Directed Research (3 units) (CR/NC)
- CHEM 698 Thesis (6 units)
Additional 400- and 500-level Science Courses
Additional 400- and 500-level science courses (excluding CHEM 595 and required courses in the B.S. Biochemistry degree program) as recommended and approved by the Graduate Advisor and the College's Associate Dean. Changes in the above pattern of course requirements may be made only at the discretion of the Graduate Studies Committee and the Graduate Advisor subject to approval by the College’s Associate Dean or designee.
For official requirements, please see:
Eligibility & Admissions
- Are a matriculated undergraduate student at É«ÖÐÉ«.
- Completed 60 units.
- Are in Junior standing or higher.
- Met their major specific requirements.
- Completed or have the following 12 discipline-specific upper division courses in progress at É«ÖÐÉ«: CHEM 320L (2 units), CHEM 441A (3 units), BIOL 340 (3 units), CHEM 361 (3 units), CHEM 496 (1 unit).
- Has a É«ÖÐÉ« BS Biochemistry GPA of 3.0.
- Has an overall É«ÖÐÉ« GPA of 3.25.
- A student can apply based on an anticipated grade, but in that case, admissions decisions will be delayed until the semester is over, and the final grades can be verified.
Please reach out to Biochem-BeachEDGE@csulb.edu for an application.
- Beach EDGE Application Form and Statement of Purpose (describe how pursuing the Beach EDGE program will help you meet your goals (~500 words). Use the cues below:
- What motivates you to apply for a graduate degree?
- Describe any biochemical research and practical experiences (if any).
- Describe your specific areas of interest in biochemistry.
- What are your personal goals and objectives for earning a master's degree in biochemistry?
- É«ÖÐÉ« unofficial transcript
- One letter of recommendation from undergraduate research advisor that will be emailed directly by the letter writer to Biochem-BeachEDGE@csulb.edu by the application deadline (April 15 for fall, October 1 for spring). The letter must include a statement indicating the faculty's willingness to continue research advising and support your transition from undergraduate to master's degree.
Submit application materials via email to: Biochem-BeachEDGE@csulb.edu.
April 15 by 11:59pm for potential enrollment beginning in the upcoming fall semester.
October 1 by 11:59pm for potential enrollment beginning in the upcoming spring semester.
Admitted students must sign the Beach EDGE agreement form. Please reach out to Biochem-BeachEDGE@csulb.edu for a copy of this form.
