Biochemistry is the study of the molecules of life and the reactions that these molecules undergo. These chemical reactions normally take place inside the cell, as well as, in the intercellular materials.

Biotechnology is the use of biological systems for the development of useful products which can be used in a variety of applications.

Currently, there is still a great need for chemists and biochemists in the Philippines. Some of the latest technological advancements in a number of fields such as medicine require a good background of biochemistry and its techniques, such as gene therapy, stem cell, and other forms of treatments which use biotechnology. The study and understanding of numerous diseases go to the cellular and molecular level which can be used for both diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, a strong background in biochemistry makes a good preparation for those who wish to pursue medical education and profession.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Medicine – Pharmaceutical Science – Forensics – Agriculture – Food and Beverage – Cosmetics – Oil and Petroleum – Environmental Assessment – Academe and Research

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

The program is designed with two major tracks. The first track is intended as a 2-year preparatory course for medicine, the first and only accelerated medicine program in the Philippines with a strong chemistry and biochemistry preparations. After completing the 165 units of undergraduate foundation courses in two years, the students shall be admitted to the Doctor of Medicine Program of the Institute provided they satisfy the requirements set by the College of Medicine of De La Salle Health Sciences Institute and that they pass the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT).

Another track of this program leads to the academe, industry and research. The students have the option to finish a three-year trimestral BS Biochemistry program with 207 total units. Graduates can work in the academe as college instructors/professors and do basic and applied science researches in chemistry. The licensure examination for teachers (LET) is required, if they want to pursue teaching in the secondary education. This properly designed track allows graduates to take the Licensure Examination for Chemists, allowing them to work as chemists or laboratory analysts in government and private industries. The industries, where licensed chemists and biochemists could work, are those that deal with agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, cosmetics, oil and petroleum, environmental analysis, textile, quality control, chemical manufacture, and research (i.e. research and development, basic and applied research, medical research).

Graduates without a profesional license may also pursue careers in RM-Laboratory jobs such as Science Communication, Technical Writing, Marketing and Management, Product Sales, Health and Safety and so forth.

If they could meet the grade and NMAT requirements, and if they could finish the 3-year program of the college, they could still pursue the Doctor of Medicine program of the Institute and other medical institutions in the country.