Here are the classes that we recommend you take during your first year as a Biochemistry major at Chapman.
For your first semester, we recommend taking 12-15 credits (most classes are 3 credits; those with labs are 4). You must be enrolled in at least 12 credits to be considered a full-time status student. The recommended courses below will put you at 13-15 credits per semester (fall and spring).
Introductory Math Requirement
As an incoming first-year student, you must take a math assessment. If you place into Math 101 (Developing Mathematical and Study Skills for STEM), then you must enroll in this course in your first semester. For more information, visit our Math Assessment webpage.
Math Sequence
Biochemistry majors must complete one of the two calculus course sequences offered:
Option 1 (complete in two semesters): Math 115 (4 units) + Math 116 (4 units) Note: this sequence is accelerated and should ONLY be taken if you have a strong mathematics background.
Option 2: (complete in three semesters): Math 110 (3 units) + Math 111 (3 units) + Math 210 (3 units)
General Education Classes
You can choose a General Education (GE) class from any GE category – it’s your choice. In general, the following GE areas are recommended to begin/complete during your first year:
- GE Language Study (strongly recommended)
- GE Quantitative Inquiry (satisfied with MATH 110, MATH 111, or appropriate AP credit)
Note: Some GE courses may “double count” with your major or minor. Students can share up to 9 credits between major and GE requirements and can share up to 6 credits between minor and GE requirements. Visit the General Education Program site to review the GE policies and see a list of approved courses for each GE area.
Note: When taking the GE WI Written Inquiry requirement, it is recommended to take ENG 205: Research - Based Writing.
You can learn more about general education on our General Education: How it Works page.
Pre-med
The department recommends taking BIOL 204/204L and CHEM 140/140L even if receiving AP credit. It is not recommended to skip CHEM 140/L unless you have a very strong chemistry foundation including extensive laboratory experience. Some medical schools require a college level courses with a letter grade and will not accept AP credit. It is the student’s responsibility to check the requirements for the medical schools they are interested in.
AP Scores
AP Chemistry: If you received a 4 or higher, take a GE course in the fall instead of CHEM 140/140L
AP Calculus AB: If you received a 4 or higher, take MATH 111 in the fall instead of MATH 110
AP Calculus BC: If you received a 4 or higher, take MATH 210 in either the fall or spring
Fall Semester
Biochemistry Majors are part of the Block Scheduling program for first-year students in the Fall 2023 semester. You will be pre-registered by the department in your major courses listed below in May/June. You can then build the rest of your schedule around these required major courses.
FFC 100B - Grand Challenges (Block Scheduled)
Credits: 3
Note: All first-year students at Chapman have to take First Year Foundations. The class will introduce you to college and there is a different topic for every major. As a biochemistry major, you must take an FFC 100B option from the Schmid and Fowler Colleges’ Grand Challenges in Science and Engineering category. You will be pre-registered into this class along with your other major courses.
CHEM 140/140L (Block Scheduled)
Credits: 4
MATH 101 or MATH 110 or MATH 115 (Block Scheduled, after Math Assessment completed)
Credits: 3 or 4
As an incoming STEM major, you will be pre-registered into your Math class depending on where you place after taking the Math Assessment (blocked into either MATH 101 or MATH 110).
If you place into MATH 110 (Calculus) after taking the Math Assessment, you have the option of taking MATH 115 instead (see note on MATH 115/116 sequence above). If you choose to do this, when the new student registration period opens in July, drop your pre-registered MATH 110 and add MATH 115 in its place. Please ask your Summer Advisor if you have any questions.
Note: If you need MATH 101, plan take MATH 101 in the fall and MATH 110 in the Spring.
BIO 204/204L (Block Scheduled)
Credits: 4
Spring Semester
SCI 150 - Grand Challenges cont.
Credits: 1
BCHM 100
Credits: 1
CHEM 150/150L
Credits: 4
MATH 116 or MATH 111
Credits: 4, 3
Note: If you need MATH 101/L, take MATH 101/L in the fall and MATH 110 in the Spring.
BIO 208/208L
Credits: 4