Program Overview

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Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry), BS

The Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry), BS program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the molecular processes of life and how medicines work at this level to benefit human health. The program is tailored for pre-health and pre-medical students, serving as a gateway to a dynamic career or medical school.

Program Description

Students in the Bachelor of Science program in biochemistry with a concentration in medicinal chemistry gain in-depth understanding of basic chemistry, biomolecular properties and function, and mechanisms that govern cellular function. They develop the knowledge required to apply chemical and biochemical principles to drug design and functionality, with a specific focus on medicinal chemistry.

At a Glance

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe or Online, ASU Local
• Second language requirement: No
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
• First required math course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
• Math intensity: Moderate

Curriculum

The curriculum comprises traditional coursework with a concentration in medicinal chemistry, combining lectures and laboratory sessions to provide a strong foundation in chemistry and biology. The program emphasizes the application of chemical and biochemical thinking to the design and mechanisms of medicines.

Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated Program Options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Attend Online

ASU Online offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

• Predict molecular structure and reactivity using knowledge from organic, inorganic, analytical, physical and biological chemistry.
• Clearly communicate their findings from a basic chemical experiment.
• Analyze chemical data using common statistical methods.

Global Opportunities

Each of the more than 300 Global Education program options provides an opportunity for students to develop a valuable skill set that can give them an advantage in career and personal enrichment. Studying abroad helps students build cultural competency skills as well as heightened skills in communication, critical thinking and leadership that enable them to stand out on their graduate school applications.

Career Opportunities

A solid undergraduate education in biochemistry with an emphasis in medicinal chemistry provides the necessary background for career paths in chemical, medical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries and for careers in governmental regulation, health care, research and other areas. This degree program is ideal for those who wish to make their applications to medical school more competitive. The program provides excellent preparation for advanced graduate study in biochemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacology and toxicology, as well as for careers in drug design and pharmaceuticals, medicine and health, research, food production, environmental protection and several other technical fields.

Example Job Titles and Salaries

• Dentist: 4.1% growth, $172,790 median salary
• High School Teacher: -1.6% growth, $64,580 median salary
• Medical Doctor (MD): 3.3% growth, $236,350 median salary
• Medical Lab Technician: 1.7% growth, $61,890 median salary
• Medical Scientist: 8.7% growth, $100,590 median salary
• Optometrists: 8.0% growth, $134,830 median salary
• Pharmacist: 4.6% growth, $137,480 median salary
• Physician Assistant (PA): 20.4% growth, $133,260 median salary
• Scientist/Biochemist: 5.8% growth, $103,650 median salary
• Veterinarian (Vet): 9.6% growth, $125,510 median salary