School of Arts and Sciences
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Department of Physical Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
s级素人鈥檚 biochemistry program is organically interdisciplinary as the curriculum includes coursework in general, organic, analytical, physical and biochemistry in addition to general, advanced, and molecular biology all while being supported by calculus and physics courses.
The awe of biology and the how of chemistry combine in biochemistry
Each and every day chemistry is happening and is responsible for amazing biological processes such as turning the food we eat into usable energy so we can walk, run, or simply breathe. Biochemistry provides the underlying physical answers to questions like, 鈥淗ow are our tears designed to help prevent eye infections?鈥 and 鈥淗ow do babies in the womb obtain oxygen from the mother?鈥 So if you have a natural curiosity and appreciation for what makes up God鈥檚 creation, you might find yourself most in your element pursuing a degree in this field.
Credits120
Sample Careers
- Physician鈥檚 Assistant
- Medical Doctor
- Researcher
Financial Aid
The average undergraduate student award is $16,603.
Learn about financial aidSTEM Designated
Prepares you for in-demand careers
Program Overview
The aim of Concordia’s program is to prepare you for a career in the biochemical industry or to pursue graduate studies to earn a PhD, an MD, or a PharmD. Expect to be challenged on a regular basis. Our professors have designed a rigorous curriculum to help you advance as a scientist and develop analytic reasoning.
What to Expect
A significant portion of your studies will take place in our recently constructed laboratories, with state-of-the-art technology and equipment. Whenever possible, our faculty take a hands-on approach to learning, so you can expect to quickly become comfortable in a lab setting. You’ll gain a thorough foundation in the various areas within chemistry, including organic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry and within biology, including molecular biology. And s级素人 students aren’t limited to the required courses for developing their skills. If you have a particular area of interest, you have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a faculty member in conducting an undergraduate research project.
Please note there is a chemistry placement exam that you will need to take before you start your biochemistry sequence.
Please note there is a chemistry placement exam that you will need to take before you start your biochemistry sequence.
Undergraduate
Undergraduate Application Steps
Admit. Commit. That’s it!
For first-time freshmen and transfer students:
- Submit your
- Send Official High School Transcripts (College Transcripts if Applicable).
- Send your official ACT or SAT scores
For those that would like to be considered as test optional in the admissions process, please contact your admission counselor. Students with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 are required to submit an ACT/SAT. You will receive an email and a phone call from your dedicated Admission Counselor. Please reach out to your counselor if you have any questions regarding the application process. We review each application on an individual basis using a holistic approach.
Jon J. Barnett
Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Office: Loeber Hall LO012E
Phone: (262) 243-4394
Bio
Dr. Barnett is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and teaches Introductory, General, Analytical, and Inorganic Chemistry at s级素人.
Education
- Ph D - Inorganic Chemistry, Auburn University (2002)
- BS - Chemistry, University of Montevallo (1996)
Research Interests
- Porphyrin and Metalloporphyrin Synthesis
- Chemical Kinetics
Teaching Interests
- Analytical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
Jordan P. Beck
Ph. D.
Professor
Phone: (262) 243-4267
Bio
I am an associate professor of chemistry at Condordia University Wisconsin. My areas of specialty are physical chemistry and chemical education.
Education
- Ph D - Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2011)
- BS - Chemical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2005)
Contributions
- Beck, J. & Miller, D. (2022). Encouraging Student Engagement by Using a POGIL Framework for a Gas-Phase IR Physical Chemistry Laboratory Experiment. Journal of Chemical Education.
- Beck, J., Muniz, M., Crickmore, C. & Sizemore, L. (2020). Physical chemistry students' navigation and use of models to predict and explain molecular vibration and rotation. (2 ed., vol. 21, pp. 597-607). Chemistry Education Research and Practice.
- Muniz, M., Crickmore, C., Kirsch, J. & Beck, J. (2018). Upper-division chemistry students鈥 navigation and use of quantum chemical models. (19 ed., vol. 2018, pp. 767). Chemistry Education Research and Practice.
- Beck, J., Gaigeot, M. & James, L. (2013). Anharmonic vibrations of N-H in Cl-(N-methylacetamide)1(H2O)0-2Ar2 cluster ions. Combined IRPD experiments and BOMD simulations. (39 ed., vol. 15, pp. 16736-16745). Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics.
- Beck, J., Cimas, A., Lisy, J. & Gaigeot, M. (2013). O-H anharmonic vibrational motions in Cl-...(CH3OH)1-2 ionic clusters. Combined IRPD experiments and AIMD simulations. (vol. 119, pp. 12-17). Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy.
Presentations
- Beck, J. (2022). Encouraging student engagement in scientific practices through a gas-phase IR POGIL physical chemistry laboratory experiment . Oral Presentation. Biennial Conference on Chemical Education . Purdue University.
- Beck, J. (2019). Upper-division chemistry students' navigation and use of quantum chemical models. Oral Presentation. s级素人 Faculty Research Seminar. s级素人.
Research Interests
- Chemical Eduation
- Computational Chemistry
Teaching Interests
- Physical Chemistry
- General Chemistry
Katherine A. Bichler
Ph.D.
Professor
Office: Loeber Hall 012A
Phone: (262) 243-4426
Bio
Dr. Bichler did her undergraduate work at Carroll College, a private institution similar to s级素人, and majored in chemistry with minors in biology and German. She then completed her Ph.D. in bioorganic chemisry at Northwestern University and has been teaching chemistry ever since.
Education
- Ph D - Chemistry, Northwestern University (1994)
- BS - Chemistry, Carroll College (1990)
Contributions
- Lewandowski, N., Bichler, K., Fisher, L., Sullivan, B., Korman, M., Paz, E., Imhoff, A. & , . (2020). Process Development of the Weiss鈭扖ook Reaction for the Preparation of cis-1,5-Dimethylbicyclo[3.3.0]octane-3,7-dione in the Undergraduate Organic Laboratory. In Tom Holme (Ed.), (10 ed., vol. 97, pp. 3835-3838). On-Line: Journal of Chemical Education.
- McGraw, J., Bichler, K. & Cherney, M. The Relative Role of CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 in Eplerenone Metabolism. Mequon.
Presentations
- Switzer, J., Hoefs, M., Bichler, K. & McGraw, J., (2020). Palmitoyl Asparagine Synthesis and Analysis. Poster. Spring 2020 National Meeting of the American Chemical Society. Philadelphia, PA (cancelled due to COVID).
Research Interests
- Laboratory Pedogogy
- CYP 450 Metabolism
Teaching Interests
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Joseph B. Fisher
Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Office: Siebert Hall SH007C
Phone: (262) 243-4584
Bio
After obtaining a BS from SNC and a PhD from MCW I did 6 years of postdoctoral research, and have been teaching for the last 3 years.
Education
- Ph D - Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin (2010)
- BS - Biology, Saint Norbert College (2004)
Contributions
- Meyer, A., Stelloh, C., Pulakanti, K., Burns, R., Fisher, J., Heimbruch, K., Tarima, S., Furumo, Q., Brennan, J., Zheng, Y., Viny, A., Vassiliou, G. & Rao, S. (2022). Combinatorial genetics reveals the Dock1-Rac2 axis as a potential target for the treatment of NPM1;Cohesin mutated AML. In Georg Kaimann (Ed.), (8 ed., vol. 36, pp. 2032鈥2041). Online: Leukemia.
- Heimbruch, K., Fisher, J., Stelloh, C., Phillips, E., Reimer, M., Wargolet, A., Meyer, A., Pulakanti, K., Viny, A., Loppnow, J., Levine, R., , ., Pulikkan, J., Zhu, N. & Rao, S. (2021). DOT1L inhibitors block abnormal self-renewal induced by cohesin loss. In George Garinis (Ed.), (7288 ed., vol. 11(1), pp. 12). Scientific Reports.
- Meyer, A., Rao, S. & Fisher, J. (2017). Cohesin mutations: contributors to myeloid malignancies. (46 ed., vol. 8, pp. 80107-80108). Oncotarget.
- Fisher, J., Pulakanti, K., Rao, S. & Duncan, S. (2017). GATA6 is essential for endoderm formation from human pluripotent stem cells.. (7 ed., vol. 6, pp. 1084-1095). Biology Open.
- Fisher, J., McNulty, M., Burke, M., Crispino, J. & Rao, S. (2017). Cohesin Mutations in Myeloid Malignancies.. (4 ed., vol. 3, pp. 282-293). Trends in Cancer.
Research Interests
- Mechanisms that cause acute myeloid leukemia
- Biology of DNA mutations
Teaching Interests
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Molecular Genetics
Kurt D. Kolander
Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Office: Siebert Hall SH007D
Phone: (262) 243-4386
Education
- Ph D - Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin (2014)
- BS - Biology, Wisconsin Lutheran College (2006)
Contributions
- Mitzelfelt, K., McDermott-Roe, C., Grzybowski, M., Marquez, M., Kuo, C., Riedel, M., Lai, S., Choi, M., Kolander, K., Helbling, D., Dimmock, D., Battle, M., Jou, C., Tristani-Firouzi, M., Verbsky, J., Benjamin, I. & Geurts, A. (2017). Efficient Precision Genome Editing in iPSCs via Genetic Co-targeting with聽Selection.. (3 ed., vol. 8, pp. 491-499). Stem cell reports.
- Mitzelfelt, K., Limphong, P., Choi, M., Kondrat, F., Lai, S., Kolander, K., Kwok, W., Dai, Q., Grzybowski, M., Zhang, H., Taylor, G., Lui, Q., Thao, M., Hudson, J., Barresi, R., Bushby, K., Jungbluth, H., Wraige, E., Geurts, A., Benesch, J., Riedel, M., Christians, E., Minella, A. & Benjamin, I. (2016). The Human 343delT HSPB5 Chaperone Associated with Early-onset Skeletal Myopathy Causes Defects in Protein Solubility.. (29 ed., vol. 291, pp. 14939-53). The Journal of biological chemistry.
- Kolander, K., Holtz, M., Cossette, S., Duncan, S. & Misra, R. (2014). Epicardial GATA factors regulate early coronary vascular plexus formation. (1 ed., vol. 386, pp. 204-215). Developmental Biology.
Presentations
- Kolander, K. (2018). Investigating the Oxidative/Reductive Stress Spectrum with iPS-Cardiomyocytes.. Oral Presentation. Department Seminar Series. Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI.
- Kolander, K., Holtz, M., Cossette, S., Stephen, D. & Ravi, M., (2014). Epicardial GATA factors regulate coronary endothelial migration via Sonic hedgehog signaling. Oral Presentation. 8th Annual Wisconsin Stem Cell Symposium: Cell-Based Therapy for Heart and Vascular Disease. Madison, WI.
- Kolander, K., Holtz, M., Cossette, S., Stephen, D. & Ravi, M., (2013). Epicardial GATA factors regulate coronary endothelial migration via Sonic hedgehog signaling. Oral Presentation. Weinstein Cardiovascular Development Conference. Chicago, IL.
Research Interests
- Cardiac Development
- Gene Editing
Teaching Interests
- Biology
- Anatomy and Physiology
Jeffrey Potratz
Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Office: Loeber Hall Loeber 013C
Phone: (262) 243-2142
Bio
Jeffrey Potratz returned to WI in 2015 to teach at s级素人 after 8 years living in TX. He is happy to be part of an institution that values its mission statement and is Christ-centered. He enjoys spending time with his family and plays just about every sport imaginable.
Education
- Ph D - Biochemistry, University of Texas at Austin (2012)
- BS - Chemistry, Wisconsin Lutheran College (2006)
Contributions
- Potratz, J. & Russell, R. (2023). Tracking Native <i>Tetrahymena</i> Ribozyme Folding with Fluorescence. (22 ed., vol. 62, pp. 3173-3180). Biochemistry.
- Russell, P. & Potratz, J. (2023). Binding Interaction Activities Powered by Desmos. Journal of Chemical Education.
- Mowrer, E. & Potratz, J. (2020). Structural Insights into tRNA via Hypochromism. (11 ed., vol. 97, pp. 4179-4183). Journal of Chemical Education.
- Potratz, J. (2018). Making Enzyme Kinetics Dynamic via Simulation Software. (3 ed., vol. 95, pp. 482-486). Journal of Chemical Education.
- Pan, C., Potratz, J., Cannon, B., Simpson, Z., Ziehr, J., Tijerina, P. & Russell, R. (2014). DEAD-box helicase proteins disrupt RNA tertiary structure through helix capture.. (10 ed., vol. 12). PLoS biology.
Presentations
- Hollander, E., Paape, A. & Potratz, J., (2023). Mathematical Integrated Strategies in a Core Business Class Using Cognitive Science Methods as an Intervention Tactic to Increase Future Student Success at Concordia University of Wisconsin. Paper. 2023 Cross-Cultural Business Conference. Steyr Campus.
- Potratz, J. (2023). Tracking Tetrahymena Ribozyme Folding with Fluorescence. Oral Presentation. St. Edward's University. Austin, TX.
- Potratz, J. (2023). Tracking Tetrahymena Ribozyme Folding with Fluorescence. Oral Presentation. Concordia University Texas. Austin, TX.
- Potratz, J. (2021). A Card Game Reveals the Scientific Method. Oral Presentation. Association of Lutheran College Faculties (ALCF) 85th Annual Conference. Austin, TX.
- Potratz, J. (2018). KinTek Explorer: Getting the students' feet wet. Oral Presentation. National ACS Meeting. Boston, MA.
Research Interests
- RNA Folding
- Technology in the Classroom
Teaching Interests
- Biochemistry
- Kinetics
Thomas J. Saleska
Ph.D.
Professor
Phone: (262) 243-4258
Bio
Tom Saleska teaches General Biology, General Science and Science Education Methods. His scholarship interests focus on techniques that improve teaching and learning.
Education
- Ph D - Urban Education, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (2000)
- MA - Science education, University of Houston (1983)
- BA - Science education, Concordia River Forest (1979)
- Science education, St. John's Lutheran Junior College (1977)
Contributions
- Saleska, T. & Lovern, S. (2021). "Teaching Lessons from the Pandemic: What to Keep and What to Leave Way Behind. " In Jon Crylen <jon.crylen@magnapubs.com> (Ed.), No. Madison WI: Teaching Professor.
Presentations
- Saleska, T. & Lovern, S. (2023). Teaching Science with the Brain in "Mind". Oral Presentation. Concordia Summit for Lutheran Teachers. 12800 N. Lake Shore Dr. Mequon WI.
- Saleska, T. & Lovern, S. (2019). Lecture is Not a Dirty Word: Strategies that transform lectures into Dynamic Learning experiences. Oral Presentation. Lilly Conference. Miami OH.
- Saleska, T. & Lovern, S. (2017). How Can I Encourage Students to Connect with Course Content After Class?. Oral Presentation. Magna 20 Minute Mentor Video Production. Madison WI.
- Lovern, S. & Saleska, T. (2017). How can I get my students to think and understand before class begins?: Brain-friendly pre-class preparation for your students. Oral Presentation. Magna 20 Minute Mentor Video Production. Madison, WI.
- Saleska, T. & Lovern, S. (2017). What Brain-Based Techniques Can I Use to Engage Students During Class?. Oral Presentation. Magna 20 Minute Mentor Video Production. Madison WI.
Research Interests
- Strategies that transform lectures into dynamic learning experiences
- Active instruction
Teaching Interests
- Biology
- Curriculum and Methods of Science Teaching
Justin Speck
Ph.D., MB(ASCP)
Assistant Professor
Office: Loeber Hall 020
Phone: (262) 243-4377
Education
- Ph D - Microbiology, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (2015)
- BS - Biological Sciences, Bethel University (2004)
Presentations
- Ball, P., Speck, J., Schmitz, M. & McGraw, J., (2023). Omega-3 Fatty Acid Synthesis in Bacterial Isolates of Walleye Gastrointestinal Tracts. Poster. Milwaukee-area Undergraduate Biological Research Conference. Wisconsin Lutheran College.
- Wardenburg, C., Olson Hartwig, O. & Speck, J., (2022). Complete Genome Sequence of a New Genus of 尾-Proteobacteria Isolated from Solanum tuberosum Baby Potatoes. Poster. UW-System Symposium for Undergraduate Research, Scholarly & Creative Activity. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Research Interests
- Role of sulfur metabolism in effective plant-microbe interactions
Teaching Interests
- Microbiology
- Medical Microbiology
Dylan J. Thompson
Associate Professor
Phone: (262) 243-2019
Bio
Dr. Thompson is an Inorganic Chemist and has been teaching at s级素人 since obtaining his Ph.D. from Purdue university in 2014.
Education
- Ph D - Purdue University (2014)
- BS - Chemistry, Hillsdale College (2009)
- CueNET (2018)
Contributions
- Thompson, D. (2019). Science and the Church Militant. Athanatos Publishing Group.
Presentations
- Thompson, D. (2021). The Nature of Truth, Connecting Faith and Science: An Active Learning Exercise. Oral Presentation. CCLE XXI .
Research Interests
- Catalysis with polyoxometalate catalysts
Teaching Interests
- Discussing Faith and Science
Rochelle M. Van Hart
PhD
Associate Professor
Phone: (262) 243-4495
Education
- Ph D - Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (2009)
- MS - Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2003)
- BS - Biology, Mount Mary University (2001)
Contributions
- Lovern, S. & VanHart, R. (2022). Impact of Oxytetracycline exposure on the digestive system microbiota of Daphnia magna . San Francisco, California: PLOS ONE.
Scott Van Ornum
Ph.D.
Department Chair - Physical Sciences Department, Professor
Office: Loeber Hall 010
Phone: (262) 243-4488
Bio
Dr. Scott Van Ornum teaches Organic Chemistry I and II and Advanced Organic Chemistry. He is the Director of Concordia鈥檚 Master of Science in Product Development program where he teaches courses related to process chemistry. His research interests include the synthesis of polyquinanes via the Pauson-Khand reaction and synthesis of neuromuscular blocking compounds.
Education
- Ph D - Organic Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (1998)
- BS - Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (1992)
Contributions
- Lewandowski, N., Bichler, K., Fisher, L., Sullivan, B., Korman, M., Paz, E., Imhoff, A. & , . (2020). Process Development of the Weiss鈭扖ook Reaction for the Preparation of cis-1,5-Dimethylbicyclo[3.3.0]octane-3,7-dione in the Undergraduate Organic Laboratory. In Tom Holme (Ed.), (10 ed., vol. 97, pp. 3835-3838). On-Line: Journal of Chemical Education.
Research Interests
- Polyquinanes via the Pauson-Khand Reaction
- Neuromuscular Blocking Compounds
Teaching Interests
- Organic Chemistry
- Process Chemistry Development
Michael Young
Ph.D.
Department Chair - Life and Earth Sciences, Professor
Office: Siebert Hall SH007F
Phone: (262) 243-2046
Bio
I enjoy serving the church and students at all levels by helping people to articulate scientific concepts in a manner consistent with their faith in both secular and religious venues .
Education
- Ph D - Molecular Cell Biology, Washington University in St. Louis (2004)
- BS - Biochemistry, Zoology, Michigan State University (1998)
- Colloquy for LCMS teachers - Concordia University Irvine (2008)
Contributions
- Young, M. (2021). On the need for a thoughtful distinctively Lutheran perspective on creation. (3 ed., vol. XXX, pp. 35-40). Fort Wayne, IN: Logia.
- Young, M. (2021). The Science Behind Genotype, Contributor and Lead Editor of booklet that accompanies the board game Genotype. St. Louis, MO: Genius Games.
- Soper, R. & Young, M. (2015). "Methodological Cohesion in the Biological Sciences and Lutheran Theology. " In Scott A. Ashmon (Ed.), The Idea and Practice of a Christian University. St. Louis, MO: CPH.
Research Interests
- Yeast membrane domains defined by Sur7p
- Cohesion of Christianity and Scientific Thought
Teaching Interests
- Genetics
- CCE 140
Biochemistry Department Instrumentation
The biochemistry department has been blessed with modern equipment housed in our instrumentation room and also has access to equipment housed in the s级素人 School of Pharmacy. For example, the s级素人 SOP has a 500 MHz NMR.
UV-VIS Spectrophotometer
Spectroflourometer
High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC)
FT-IR Spectrometer
Gas Chromatograph
Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) OES
NMR Spectrometer
Biochemistry Faculty Research Projects
The biochemistry faculty at s级素人 involve undergraduate students in their research projects. This is an excellent way for students to engage more with their degree program, to learn to become independent scientists, and to get training applicable for graduate school or employment at a company. If this sounds interesting, check out the research projects below and contact the appropriate professor to discuss your interest. s级素人 also has a dedicated Undergraduate Research Program for all majors.
Active research projects
Biochemistry
- Using FRET to track the folding and misfolding process of ribozymes (Dr. Potratz)
- Investigation of the metabolic rates of drug-metabolizing enzymes (Dr. Bichler)
Computational
- Modeling cluster ion formation, isomerization, and spectroscopy (Dr. Beck)
Inorganic
- Catalytic applications of polyoxometalate complexes (Dr. Thompson)
Organic
- Organometallic microwave cyclization reactions (Dr. Van Ornum)
- Neuromuscular blocking analog preparations (Dr. Van Ornum)
Chemical Education
- Technology and active learning strategies using Desmos (Dr. Potratz)
- Understanding how students develop and interact with scientific models (Dr. Beck)
- Organic laboratory pedagogy (Dr. Bichler)