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:

1. Demonstrate a foundational understanding of organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry, and advanced knowledge in biochemistry.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in basic and advanced biochemistry laboratory techniques and conduct laboratory experiments safely.
3. Collect, interpret, and analyze quantitative data.
4. Communicate scientific results effectively, especially through written reports and oral presentations.
5. 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.

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Degree Overview:

Saint Louis University's Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry 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. The program provides excellent preparation for students interested in working in biochemistry, molecular biology or biotechnology. The chemistry department at Saint Louis University emphasizes participation in undergraduate research, and majors have ample opportunities to involve themselves in research projects under the close mentorship of a full-time faculty member. Students can use a variety of specialized equipment and computers in their instructional and research laboratories. Each year, the department hosts several social events and sponsors a chemistry club for interested students.

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Program Highlights:

• A rigorous program that makes graduates competitive for employment in STEM areas.
• Opportunities for students to strengthen their scientific communication skills through research activities that pair an undergraduate with a faculty researcher.

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Outline:

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First Year:

• General Chemistry 1 and 2
• Calculus I and II

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Second Year:

• Organic Chemistry 1 and 2
• Analytical Chemistry 1

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Third Year:

• Biochemistry 1 and 2
• Chemistry Literature
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry 1 and 2
• Physical Chemistry Lab
• Undergraduate research

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Fourth Year:

• Principles of Genetics
• Undergraduate research

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Teaching:

The chemistry department at Saint Louis University emphasizes participation in undergraduate research, and majors have ample opportunities to involve themselves in research projects under the close mentorship of a full-time faculty member. Students can use a variety of specialized equipment and computers in their instructional and research laboratories.

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Careers:

Career options in biochemistry include:

• 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
• Opportunities in the public health sector
A Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry is good preparation for students who want to continue their education in graduate school studying chemistry, biochemistry and health-related areas such as pharmacology and toxicology, as well as in professional school studying medicine, law, pharmacy or dentistry.

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Other:

Selected undergraduate students may have opportunities to work with faculty members as assistants in undergraduate laboratories and receive a stipend. The benefits of SLU's biochemistry program also include many internship and career opportunities. In addition, undergraduates who study biochemistry at SLU can attend professional meetings and present their research results. SLU students have presented numerous talks and poster presentations at regional and national meetings of the American Chemical Society and other scientific conferences in recent years.

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Graduates will be able to demonstrate:

• A foundational understanding of organic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry, and advanced knowledge in biochemistry.
• Proficiency in basic (general, organic, analytical and physical) and advanced biochemistry laboratory techniques and conduct laboratory experiments safely.
• The ability to collect, interpret and analyze quantitative data.
• The ability to communicate scientific results effectively, especially through written reports and oral presentations.
• The ability to design and conduct independent research.

Saint Louis University

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Overview:

Saint Louis University (SLU) is a Jesuit Catholic university with a rich history spanning over 200 years. It is known for its commitment to academic excellence, student-centered approach, and research-driven environment. SLU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including arts and sciences, business, education, health sciences, law, medicine, nursing, and more.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

SLU provides a vibrant and supportive campus community with a strong emphasis on student involvement. Students can participate in a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities, including athletics, service learning, and cultural events. The university also offers resources for student well-being, such as counseling services and wellness programs.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic Excellence:

SLU is recognized for its high-quality academic programs and dedicated faculty.

Experiential Learning:

The university emphasizes hands-on learning through internships, research opportunities, and study abroad programs.

Supportive Community:

SLU fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment where students can connect with peers, faculty, and staff.

Billiken Promise:

This program offers admitted undergraduate students a range of benefits, including virtual internships, guaranteed study abroad opportunities, and flexible scholarships.

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Academic Programs:

SLU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate:

94 bachelor's degree programs

Graduate:

88 master's degree programs

Professional:

Programs in law, medicine, and other fields

The university is particularly known for its strengths in the following areas:

Health Sciences:

Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, and other related fields

Business:

Finance, Marketing, Management, and Entrepreneurship

Law:

Legal studies and practice

Arts and Sciences:

Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences

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Other:

SLU has a beautiful residential campus located in Midtown St. Louis, Missouri. The university also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, offering study abroad opportunities for students.