Program Overview

Introduction to Biochemistry

Biochemistry involves the study of life on the molecular level. Biochemists blend chemical and biological approaches to develop molecular models of life processes in organisms ranging from microbes to humans. Biochemists develop new technologies in areas ranging from biotechnology and genetic engineering to biomedical engineering.

Program Overview

The Biochemistry program is for students who enjoy chemistry and biology, and who want to explore how chemistry drives life processes. Many graduates in biochemistry go to professional schools in the health sciences, including medical school, dental school, or pharmacy school. Other students elect graduate school in chemistry, biochemistry, or related areas such as health sciences, food science, or environmental science.

Career Opportunities

• Students who choose to enter the work force directly may obtain research or sales and outreach positions in the pharmaceutical, food science, or consumer product industries.
  • Clinical research in hospitals or medical schools
  • Field research in agricultural or environmental sciences
• Biotechnology startups offer opportunities for entrepreneurs or those wishing to meld their interests in business and science.

Degree Options

The B.S. degree in Biochemistry is usually chosen by students who want to enter the chemical industry or graduate school in chemistry, biochemistry, or related areas. Recognizing the unique interdisciplinary aspects of Biochemistry, the B.S. degree in Biochemistry incorporates numerous biological science courses, in addition to chemistry and biochemistry courses.

Accreditation

The B.S. in Biochemistry was created in accord with American Chemical Society guidelines and is accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. This program is designed for students who wish to become professional scientists with a strong foundation in biochemistry.

Concentrations

Pre-health Sciences Concentration

The Pre-health Sciences focus allows students to specialize in a BS degree in Biochemistry by selecting advanced CHM, Mathematics, and related cognate courses that will make students competitive in the field. The Pre-health Sciences focus is for students looking to pursue postgraduate education in the medical field, such as an MD, DO, or PA.

Biotechnology & Computational Modeling Concentration

The Biotechnology & Computational Modeling focus allows students to specialize in a BS degree in Biochemistry by selecting advanced CHM, Mathematics, and related cognate courses that will make students competitive in the field. Students may also wish to add a complementary minor to help enhance their degree. The Biotechnology & Computational Modeling focus is for students looking to enter the rapidly advancing field of biotechnology start-ups and big data.

Learning Outcomes

At graduation, we expect that our majors can:

• Describe, synthesize, and critique the methodological approaches presented in primary references (peer-reviewed journal articles in chemistry/biochemistry) and/or generated in student-led research
• Explain and synthesize chemistry concepts presented in laboratory research scenarios
• Write well-organized, clear, logical, grammatically correct literature critiques and laboratory reports