Program Overview
Biochemistry, B.S.
Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at Saint Louis University is designed for students interested in the applications of chemistry to the life sciences. The program prepares students for professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, law, and pharmacy, as well as for careers in biochemistry, molecular biology, or biotechnology.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- Demonstrate a foundational understanding of organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry, and advanced knowledge in biochemistry.
- Demonstrate proficiency in basic and advanced biochemistry laboratory techniques and conduct laboratory experiments safely.
- Collect, interpret, and analyze quantitative data.
- Communicate scientific results effectively, especially through written reports and oral presentations.
- Design and conduct independent research.
Requirements
The program requires a minimum of 66 credits for the B.S. major. The course list includes:
- University Undergraduate Core (32-35 credits)
- Major Requirements:
- BIOL 1240: General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
- BIOL 1245: Principles of Biology I Laboratory
- BIOL 1260: General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter
- BIOL 1265: Principles of Biology II Laboratory
- CHEM 1130: General Chemistry 1 for Majors
- CHEM 1115: General Chemistry 1 Laboratory
- CHEM 1140: General Chemistry 2 for Majors
- CHEM 1125: General Chemistry 2 Laboratory
- CHEM 2200: Analytical Chemistry 1
- CHEM 2205: Analytical Chemistry 1 Laboratory
- CHEM 2430: Organic Chemistry 1 for Majors
- CHEM 2435: Organic Chemistry 1 Lab for Majors
- CHEM 2440: Organic Chemistry 2 for Majors
- CHEM 2445: Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory for Majors
- CHEM 3100: The Chemical Literature
- CHEM 3970: Independent Research in Chemistry (3 credits)
- CHEM 3330: Physical Chemistry 1
- CHEM 3345: Physical Chemistry Laboratory
- CHEM 3340: Physical Chemistry 2
- CHEM 4500: Inorganic Chemistry
- CHEM 4610: Biochemistry 1
- CHEM 4615: Biochemistry 1 Laboratory
- CHEM 4620: Biochemistry 2
- CHEM 4625: Biochemistry 2 Laboratory
- Additional CHEM 4000 Elective (3 credits)
- Required biological elective (3 credits)
- MATH 1520: Calculus II
- PHYS 1610: University Physics I
- PHYS 1620: University Physics I Laboratory
- PHYS 1630: University Physics II
- PHYS 1640: University Physics II Laboratory
- General Electives (21-24 credits)
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission, applicants must:
- Be graduating from an accredited high school or have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test.
- Demonstrate English language proficiency (for international students).
- Submit transcripts from all previously attended colleges (for transfer students).
Tuition
The tuition per year is $56,960. Additional charges may apply.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Saint Louis University offers scholarships and financial aid to help students finance their education. Students can apply for merit-based scholarships, and 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students receive financial aid.
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry has been continuously certified by the American Chemical Society since 2004.
Career Options
Graduates of the program can pursue careers in:
- Teaching at the university, college, or high school level
- Chemical research and development in industry or government laboratories
- Pharmaceutical research
- Drug discovery and drug development
- Biotechnology
- Environmental research
- Management and administration in the chemical industry
- Chemical and pharmaceutical sales
- Patent law and environmental law
- Public health sector
Research Opportunities
Selected undergraduate students may have opportunities to work with faculty members as assistants in undergraduate laboratories and receive a stipend. The program also provides many internship and career opportunities, and students can attend professional meetings and present their research results.