Ahmanson Science Center
Ahmanson Science Center is the heart of the sciences at Cal Lutheran—biology, bioengineering, chemistry, computer science, geology, and physics.
Academics
Geology
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biology
Chemistry
Environmental Science
⭐ Academics
As a student, you’ll work one-on-one with talented faculty as you pursue your goals.
Core-21 Curriculum
Core-21 is the backbone of your education. It will prepare you to adapt to the rapid changes of the 21st century — making it your biggest competitive advantage. Core-21 (your general education requirements) are the true strength of your degree. Some will overlap with courses in your major, while others will expose you to different areas of study.
4 to Finish
Cal Lutheran's "4 To Finish" Graduation Guarantee Program is designed to assist students in a timely four-year graduation. Students will not only have an opportunity to enter graduate school or get started in their careers earlier, but keep costs to a minimum, stay on track academically, and achieve their goals!
In order to participate in the California Lutheran University 4 to Finish program students agree to comply with the conditions outlined below. The University makes a commitment that graduation in four years will not be delayed by course availability. Students may cancel the agreement with the University at any time, with no penalty. Cancellation of the agreement is automatic if any of the terms listed below are not met.
Research Opportunities
Cal Lutheran students across all disciplines are given opportunities to participate in research and creative scholarship, allowing them to make original contributions to their fields while they study.
Faculty-mentored, self-directed work is facilitated through our research programs, which serve both our undergraduate and graduate students. Their accomplishments include all types of scholarship — traditional lab research, creative works, quantitative research and qualitative explorations. Giving them invaluable experience for the future, students are called to present their research to their peers and the community during our annual conferences and exhibits.
⭐ Geology
Geology is the scientific study of the Earth and how it works. You'll learn how our planet and its life forms have changed through time.
Well-trained geologists can help the nation and the world chart an environmentally and economically sound course into the future.
The Curriculum
You'll spend a lot of time outdoors as a geology major, as extensive fieldwork among Southern California's unique geological features will make up a large part of your learning.
You'll work closely with other related disciplines—chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and geography—as you expand your knowledge on exploring for energy and economic resources, analyzing geologic hazards, and mitigating the human impact on the environment.
Your Future
Along with being accepted in graduate schools around the country, many Cal Lutheran geology majors have entered careers in petroleum geology, geophysics and the environmental geology fields.
In both the public and private sectors, geologists are hired to study groundwater pollution, earthquake hazards and landslides. They also work in the mining and petroleum industries, or in research laboratories.
Our alumni study at:
California State University, Northridge
Northern Arizona University
Stanford University
Texas A & M
University of Michigan
University of Notre Dame
University of Nevada Las Vegas
University of Southern California
University of Texas of the Permian Basin
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Our alumni work for:
California State Parks
Cardno ERI
Exxon-Mobil
Fugro West, Inc.
Geolabs-Westlake Village
Grover-Hollingsworth & Associates, Inc.
Petrolog
Southern California Soil and Testing, Inc.
Trey Resources, Inc.
U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Career paths:
Geologist
Staff Geologist
Geological Technician
Senior Geologist
Project Manager
Sample Catcher
⭐ Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biochemists and molecular biologists study the chemistry of life. This includes protein structure and function, metabolism, and the mechanics of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis. Our program serves students whose end goal is a bachelor of science degree, as well as those seeking entry into medical or graduate school.
The Curriculum
From the start, you will have access to the key instruments and techniques commonly employed in molecular laboratories. You will also gain extensive experience in the use of recombinant DNA techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing to study gene structure and function.
Our program emphasizes genomics and bioinformatics—two important methods that you will use as you design and carry out your own experiments. During the first two years of study, you will focus on basic concepts and theories. Then, during the next two years, you will apply these concepts and principles to the broader study of biotechnology. Throughout, you will have the opportunity to conduct original research with faculty advisors and present your findings at research conferences.
You will also be encouraged to apply for summer research work. Students who have done so have garnered recognition through California Heart Association grants, National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation summer research posts, and internships at local biotechnology firms such as Amgen and Baxter—among the nation's top biopharmaceutical corporations.
Your Future
Many of our biochemistry majors are accepted into medical, dental, pharmaceutical, and graduate schools throughout the United States.
As part of a growing field, you will have many career possibilities. You could work on the frontiers of science in the heart of America's biotechnology industry, practice medicine, participate in cutting-edge research, unlock the secrets of recombinant DNA, or break new ground in genomics and proteomics.
Our alumni study at:
California Institute of Technology
Colorado State University
Harvard University
Loyola University of Chicago School of Medicine
Scripps Research Institute
UC, Berkeley
UCLA
UC, San Francisco
UC, San Diego
University of Nevada School of Medicine
University of Southern California (USC)
Our alumni work for:
Amgen
Baxter Bio Science
BioSource International
Dako
Hirauo Optometric
Integrity Bio
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Invitrogen
Career paths:
BioTech Manufacturing Associate
EMT
Pharmaceutical Research Chemist
Pharmacist
Quality Control Chemist
Science Teacher
⭐ Biology
Biologists study many aspects of how life operates – from the molecular details of cells to how entire ecosystems function.
You’ll examine all aspects of the biological world, preparing you for a successful career in health, research, or teaching.
The Curriculum
Learn the fundamentals, then expand your scope
Your first courses will give you a solid understanding of biological systems from the molecular to ecological level. With this foundational knowledge, you’ll be able to explore more advanced subjects, including:
Marine biology
Genetics
Immunology
Neuroscience
Evolution
Ecology
Biochemistry
Cancer biology
Microbiology
Molecular biology
Developmental biology
Physiology
We emphasize “doing” science. Throughout your classes, you’ll work side-by-side with your professors in the lab and field to discover key insights about your subjects — gaining invaluable hands-on experience along the way.
The heart of the biology major is experimentation, and you’ll do lots of it. You’ll design your own experiments, collect scientific data, perform statistical analysis, and share your conclusions through research papers and presentations.
Your Future
Careers in biology are available in both the private and public sector. These include positions in research, teaching, and the pharmaceutical and medical equipment industries.
The growing areas of genetics and biotechnology also provide many career opportunities. The global biotechnology companies Amgen and Baxalta are located near Cal Lutheran and hire graduates each year.
Many biology majors are accepted into medical, dental, and graduate schools. As an undergrad, you’ll benefit from resources like our Pre-Med Advising Program, which prepares students for the challenges of medical school and allied health programs.
Our alumni study at:
Colorado State University
Harvard University
Johns Hopkins University
Loma Linda University
Marshall University
Mayo Medical Clinic
Midwestern University
Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
Tufts University
UC Davis
UCLA
University of Southern California
Western School of Health Sciences
Our alumni work for:
Amgen
Baxter Bioscience
BioSource International
CA Institute of Molecular Medicine
Conejo Valley Veterinary Hospital
DAKO, Inc.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Invitrogen
Mobile Marine Lab
Sea World
Thermo-Fisher Scientific
Ventura County Crime Lab
Career paths:
Biotechnology Associate
Community Health Coordinator
Lab Technician
Medical Assistant
Nursing
Peace Corps/Community Service
Pharmacy Technician
Physician
Research Associate
Quality Control Analyst
Veterinary Science
⭐ Chemistry
Chemistry is the core science—the study of the properties, composition, and changes that occur in matter. When you study chemistry, you analyze issues that influence every aspect of life on Earth.
The Curriculum
Throughout your courses, you will regularly work with the modern instruments in our campus laboratories. This equipment includes infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and atomic absorption spectrophotometers. Separations equipment includes capillary electrophoresis, gas chromatography, high pressure liquid chromatography, and fast protein liquid chromatography equipment. Detectors range from mass spectrometers, electron capture, and flame ionization to rapid-scan UV-Vis spectrometers. You will also learn skills in computation and presentation of data.
While the theoretical training you’ll receive in lectures is important, you will also be encouraged to explore, discover, and ask questions in your laboratory training. Through integrated research questions and hands-on exploration in courses, you will be involved in discovering and contributing new knowledge to the scientific community.
Independent studies or full-time summer research is excellent preparation for real-world scientific or health-related work post-graduation. Explore the frontiers of chemistry with one of our research active faculty, stretch yourself with an internship in the Ventura County Crime Lab, Amgen, or a research experience off-campus.
Our research labs are entirely staffed with student researchers to generate data that is published in international journals and presented at national conferences. Talk to us about whether there is an open project in our labs!
Your Future
Our chemistry program has a 100% placement record into graduate schools, many of them among the most respected in the nation.
Students not going on to graduate programs in chemistry often opt for health-related programs such as medical or pharmacy school, or physician’s assistant programs, while others seek out teaching credentials. Chemistry majors who enter the workplace after graduation begin their careers in fields such as environmental controls management, consumer product research, drug discovery, toxicology, and forensic chemistry.
Our alumni study at:
Emory University
Boston University
Cornell University
UCLA
University of Colorado Health Sciences Center
University of Maryland
University of Notre Dame
University of Oregon
University of Rochester
Our alumni work for:
Baxter International Inc.
BioSource International
Cosmetic Technologies
Fruit Growers Laboratory
Gilead Sciences
Los Angeles County Crime Lab
NuSil Technology
Unity Lab Services
Career paths:
AP Chemistry Teacher
Chemical Technician
Chemist
Criminalist
Production Associate
Quality Control Chemist
Supervisor, Veterinary Clinic
⭐ Environmental Science
Environmental science is the application of scientific information in order to solve conflicts resulting from humans' use of our planet's resources. Through this interdisciplinary study, you will gain an understanding of the sustainability of natural systems and resources, the interrelationships between these systems, and the human impact on the environment.
The Curriculum
Our degree in environmental science is designed to provide you with the tools to critically examine environmental issues from a variety of perspectives.
Environmental science is an inherently interdisciplinary field, using and combining information from disciplines including biology, chemistry, geology, economics, political science, law, and ethics.
Beyond the required foundational science courses, the program provides a broad range of science and humanities courses to select from, allowing you to tailor the program to your interests. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, which provides you with opportunities to actively engage in research.
Here are just a few of the courses you can choose to take that align with your own interests:
Marine Biology
Environmental Chemistry
Invertebrate Paleontology
Field Studies in Water Resources
Geophysics
Environmental Ethics
Economics of the Environment
Environmental Law and Policy
Your Future
Many students who obtain the B.S. degree in environmental science are planning careers in environmental protection and management, risk assessment, environmental law, or education. The program also prepares students to pursue graduate studies in various environmental fields.
Our alumni study at:
Arizona State University
California Lutheran University
Evergreen State College
Tufts University
University of East Anglia
Western Washington/Southern Oregon
Our alumni work for:
Baxter International
Chevron Environmental Management Company
Klamath Bird Observatory
Law Offices of Kempur & Kempur
Pacific Disaster Center
Sea World San Diego
U.S. Forest Service
Andersen Environmental
Sierra Club
Career paths:
Law Office Assistant
Education Counselor
U.S. Forest Service Assistant
Environmental Field Technician
Water Resource Educator
Non-Profit Regional Organizer
Manufacturing Technician
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