Biochemistry - Associate of Science Degree
Overview
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:
- Explain terms, concepts and theories of introductory-level science
- Read, write and communicate effectively and creatively across academic disciplines
- Demonstrate developing critical, creative thinking and problem-solving skills
- Follow laboratory guidelines, processes and protocols
- Demonstrate developing research skills
- Apply developing quantitative reasoning skills
- Apply the scientific method
- Use current and emerging technology
- Demonstrate collaborative skills in a multicultural environment
- Conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner in an academic environment
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to Selkirk College, as outlined in Policy 8600: Pre-Admissions Basic Skills Assessment (College Readiness Tool CRT), and Policy 8611: Admissions, Applicants to the University Arts and Sciences Program must meet the following requirements to be considered fully qualified:
Academic
a) Students entering UAS courses, with the exceptions in 2- below, require at least 60% or better in English Studies 12, or equivalent. 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.
b) French 102, Spanish 102, and English 51 do not require B.C. English Studies 12 or equivalent as a prerequisite. However, students enrolled in the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program wishing to take English 51 will be governed by the relevant policies and procedures of the International Education Program.
c) The English Studies 12 prerequisite may be waived for exceptional grade 12 students in the Transitions Program. Credit for transitions courses will be withheld until a grade of 60% or better in English Studies 12 is achieved.
d) Students whose first language is not English must fulfill the College’s English language proficiency requirement. See Policy 8611: Admissions.
e) Additional admission requirements may be necessary for particular certificate programs, diploma programs or associate degrees. Course prerequisites and program admission requirements are defined in the appendices at the end of this document, in the Selkirk College calendar, and on the College website www.selkirk.ca
f) Mature students must meet the English Studies 12 requirement and additional course requirements as specified in the college calendar.
- 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%
- 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.
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.
Associate Degrees
The Associate Degree is a formally established credential recognized province-wide. Graduation from this program requires the completion of sixty (60) credits of university-level study in selected areas with an overall GPA of 2.0. For details, see the B.C. Council of Admissions and Transfers at (www.bctransferguide.ca)
The School of University Arts and Sciences offers an Associate of Arts Degree program and an Associate of Science Degree program. It also offers specialized associate degree programs focusing on particular disciplines. The admission requirements, graduation requirements, and course of studies for each program are defined in the appendices at the end of this document, in the Selkirk College calendar, and on the College website at www.selkirk.ca
Courses
BIOL104 - Biology I
BIOL 104 Biology I is a course designed for those students who require first year Majors biology in their program of study or who wish to go on to further study in biology. The course includes cell biology, biochemistry, and an examination of the processes of life in the plant and animal body. A strong emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking skills through problem solving, a scientific research proposal, and laboratory analysis.
CHEM110 - Fundamentals Of Chemistry I
CHEM 110 Fundamentals of Chemistry I is an introductory general chemistry course leading into science or engineering programs for students who have taken CHEM 11 (or equivalent) or who need improvement to their chemistry background. It provides an extensive review of the fundamentals of chemical nomenclature, reactions and stoichiometry involving solids, gases and solutions. Current theories for atomic and molecular structure are introduced. The course ends with an investigation of intermolecular forces in liquids and solids. The lab portion of this course is the same as CHEM 122.
CHEM122 - General Chemistry I
CHEM 122 General Chemistry I is an introductory general chemistry course leading into science or engineering programs for students who have a solid chemistry background, including Chemistry 12 or equivalent. After a short review of fundamental chemistry, classical and quantum mechanical concepts are used to discuss atomic and molecular structure. The course ends with an investigation of intermolecular forces in liquids and solids. The lab work stresses scientific observations and measurements using chemical syntheses and quantitative analyses.
ENGL110 - College Composition
ENGL 110 introduces students to the world of scholarly writing -- reading it, thinking about it, and producing it as academic researchers. Students will explore how professional and/or academic writers across disciplines communicate to a variety of audiences. Students will practice active reading, writing and critical thinking skills by conducting scholarly research on a topic. This course aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to write effectively within academic contexts.
MATH100 - Calculus I
MATH 100 Calculus I is a course designed to provide students with the background in calculus needed for further studies. This course includes a review of functions and graphs; limits; the derivative of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions; applications of the derivative including related rates, maxima, minima, velocity and acceleration; the definite integral; an introduction to elementary differential equations; and applications of integration including velocity, acceleration, areas, and growth and decay problems.
PHYS102 - Basic Physics I
Physics 102 Basic Physics I is an algebra-based survey of mechanics. Course material includes basic concepts of vectors, particle kinematics and dynamics, energy, momentum, circular and rotational motion, thermal properties of matter, vibrations and sound, and fluids.
PHYS104 - Fundamental Physics I
Physics 104 Fundamental Physics I is a calculus based overview of the fundamentals of classical mechanics. This course is suitable for those interested in further study in the physical sciences and in engineering. Classical mechanics describes the physical phenomena occurring in the real world around us. We study linear and rotational motion of objects, and then consider how forces cause motion, using Newton's laws. We next use conservation of energy and conservation of momentum to describe the motion of objects. Finally we investigate heat transfer and simple harmonic motion. These topics form a basis for future physical science and engineering courses.
BIOL106 - Biology II
BIOL 106 Biology II. Along with BIOL 104 (Biology I), this course provides an overview of the study of living things. Biology 106 presents topics in population, community and ecosystem ecology, and classical and molecular genetics. Evolution provides a unifying theme for the course. A strong emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking skills through problem solving, case studies and laboratory investigation.
CHEM125 - Foundations Of Chemistry II
CHEM 125 Fundamentals of Chemistry II is the continuation for either CHEM 110 or CHEM 122. The course consists of two major units: physical chemistry and organic chemistry. The study of physical chemistry begins with an investigation of reaction rates (kinetics), followed by the principles of equilibria applied to pure substances and aqueous solutions, and an introduction to the laws of thermodynamics. The second major unit is a survey of the field of organic chemistry; topics include the physical and chemical properties of alkanes and alkenes, stereochemistry, and addition, substitution, and elimination reactions. The laboratory work involves the measurement of physical and chemical properties as well as chemical syntheses.
ENGL111 - Introduction to Literature
ENGL 111 Introduction to Literature is about living more intensely. Rather than providing answers, literature prompts us to ask better questions of ourselves and each other. Drama, poetry, short stories, and novels will guide us in discussion, reflection, and writing about literature.
MATH101 - Calculus II
MATH 101 Calculus II is a sequel to Math 100 for students who wish to major in science, math or engineering and includes the definite integral, applications of the definite integral to volume, arc length and surface area of revolution; inverse trig functions; techniques of integration; improper integrals; parametric equations and polar coordinates; linear first order differential equations; and an introduction to infinite series; convergence and power series; Taylor Polynomials.
PHYS103 - Basic Physics II
PHYS 103 Basic Physics II is an algebra-based survey of the basics of electromagnetism and modern physics. This course is suitable for those pursuing studies in the life sciences or others who do not plan to pursue careers in the physical sciences or engineering. We first study electrostatics of particles. This leads into electric circuits involving resistors and capacitors. Next we look at magnetism. Finally we investigate topics applicable to life sciences, such as electromagnetic waves, sound, and nuclear physics. The lab component of the course is an opportunity to reinforce concepts and content from the course, and to develop experimental method and reporting results.
PHYS105 - Fundamental Physics II
PHYS 105 Fundamental Physics II is a calculus-based survey of the basics of electromagnetism. This course is suitable for those interested in further study in the physical sciences and in engineering. Electricity and magnetism form the basis for all modern electrical devices we utilize today and design for the future. We first study electrostatics of particles and simple objects. Then we investigate circuits involving electrical devices such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors. We next study how electricity and magnetism interact with each other both in circuits and in waves. Finally we look at modern subjects in physics such as semiconductors or nuclear physics. These topics form a basis for future physical science and engineering courses.
BIOL204 - Cell Biology
BIOL 204 Cell Biology provides the student with a thorough knowledge of cell structure and function. Topics covered include biomolecules, membranes, organelles, cell movement, cell signaling, gene regulation, and transcription and translation. Experimental techniques used in modern cellular and molecular biology are also introduced.
CHEM212 - Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 212 Organic Chemistry I explores the relationship between the structures of carbon-containing molecules and their physical and chemical properties. Some topics from 1st-year general chemistry are reviewed briefly: alkanes, stereochemistry, alkenes, and nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions of alkyl halides. The correlation between structure and acidity is investigated, and the chemistry of alkynes and alcohols is examined. Structure-determination techniques, including IR and NMR, are explored. The laboratory work for this course provides practical experiences with separation/purification techniques, molecular synthesis, and qualitative analytical methods applied to organic compounds.
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.
Students transferring to SFU or TRU should choose CPSC 100 as their elective.
BIOL202 - Principles of Genetics
BIOL 202 Principles of Genetics. This course provides the student with a knowledge of classical and reverse genetics. Topics covered include Mendelian inheritance, chromosome theory of heredity, sex determination, mutation, the structure and function of genes, molecular genetics, and the genetic structure of populations. Experimental techniques used in molecular genetics are also introduced.
BIOL206 - Introductory Biochemistry
BIOL 206 Introductory Biochemistry provides an introduction to biochemistry including protein structure and function, and representative catabolic and anabolic pathways. Topics covered include water, enzyme kinetics and enzyme structure and function. Experimental techniques used in biochemistry and molecular biology are also introduced.
BIOL212 - Microbiology
BIOL 212 Introduction to Microbiology is a survey of the microbial world, with discussions of the medical and ecological significance of key organisms. The biology of micro-organisms (including bacteria and viruses) is a key focal point, but there will also be discussions of immunology and pathology. The laboratory component will build basic skills necessary to perform and interpret research in the fields of medical microbiology, industrial microbiology, environmental microbiology, immunology and virology. A basic knowledge of biology will be presumed, including basic cell biology, ecology, physiology, biochemistry and metabolism.
CHEM213 - Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 213 Organic Chemistry II is a continuation of CHEM 212. The survey of organic families is continued with a study of aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acid derivatives, aromatics and amines. The chemistry of a variety of compounds of biological interest is also discussed. The laboratory work involves synthesis and organic structure determination.
STAT206 - Statistics
STAT 206 Probability and Statistics is an introductory applied statistics course for math, science, and engineering students. Topics include: set theory, probability, discrete and continuous variables and their distributions, joint probability distributions, point estimates, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing based on one or two samples. If time permits, we will discuss ANOVA tests as well as correlation and regression.
Tuition & Fees
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