Program Overview

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Biochemistry, B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry at Saint Louis University is designed for students interested in the applications of chemistry to the life sciences. This program prepares students for professional schools, such as medicine, dentistry, law, and pharmacy, and provides excellent preparation for those interested in working in biochemistry, molecular biology, or biotechnology.

Program Highlights

• A rigorous program that makes graduates competitive for employment in STEM areas.
• Students can strengthen their scientific communication skills through research activities that pair an undergraduate student with a faculty researcher.
• A unique mentoring program that lasts from freshman to senior year provides guidance and support for students to reach their professional goals.
• Monthly and annual department-hosted social events and a chemistry club for interested students.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum includes:

• First Year: General Chemistry 1 and 2, Calculus I and II, Principles of Biology I and II.
• Second Year: Organic Chemistry 1 and 2, Analytical Chemistry 1.
• Third Year: Biochemistry 1 and 2, Engineering Physics I and II.
• Fourth Year: Principles of Genetics, Physical Chemistry 1 or 2, two chemistry electives.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Selected undergraduate students may be considered to work with faculty members as assistants in undergraduate laboratories and receive a stipend. Undergraduates who study biochemistry at SLU can attend professional meetings and present their research results.

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.

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. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicants file.

Tuition

The undergraduate tuition is $56,960 per year. Additional charges may apply.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep education affordable. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership, and financial need. Financial aid is provided through grants and loans.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

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

Requirements

Biochemistry students must complete a minimum total of 59 credits for the B.A. major. The course list includes:

• University Undergraduate Core: 32-35 credits.
• Major Requirements:
  • BIOL 1240 & BIOL 1245: General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution and Principles of Biology I Laboratory.
  • BIOL 1260 & BIOL 1265: General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter and Principles of Biology II Laboratory.
  • CHEM 1130 & CHEM 1115: General Chemistry 1 for Majors and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory.
  • CHEM 1140 & CHEM 1125: General Chemistry 2 for Majors and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory.
  • CHEM 2200 & CHEM 2205: Analytical Chemistry 1 and Analytical Chemistry 1 Laboratory.
  • CHEM 2430 & CHEM 2435: Organic Chemistry 1 for Majors and Organic Chemistry 1 Lab for Majors.
  • CHEM 2440 & CHEM 2445: Organic Chemistry 2 for Majors and Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory for Majors.
  • CHEM 3330: Physical Chemistry 1 (or CHEM 3000 or higher).
  • CHEM 3340: Physical Chemistry 2 (or CHEM 3000 or higher).
  • CHEM 4610 & CHEM 4615: Biochemistry 1 and Biochemistry 1 Laboratory.
  • CHEM 4620: Biochemistry 2.
  • MATH 1520: Calculus II.
  • PHYS 1610 & PHYS 1620: University Physics I and University Physics I Laboratory.
  • PHYS 1630 & PHYS 1640: University Physics II and University Physics II Laboratory.
  • Required biological elective.
  • Select 3 credits of electives from the approved list.
• General Electives: 30-33 credits.
• Total Credits: 120.

Non-Course Requirements

All School of Science and Engineering B.A. and B.S. students must complete an exit interview/survey near the end of their bachelor's program.

Continuation Standards

Students must earn a "C-" or better in CHEM 1110 General Chemistry 1 or CHEM 1130 General Chemistry 1 for Majors and a "C-" or better in CHEM 1120 General Chemistry 2 or CHEM 1140 General Chemistry 2 for Majors, or the equivalent in transfer. Students who do not earn a "C-" in any of the identified courses must retake the course at SLU in the following semester. If a "C-" is not earned on the second attempt, the student will be dismissed from the major.

Roadmap

The roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for programs and assumes full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted. Courses and milestones designated as critical must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

Year One:

• Fall: CHEM 1130 General Chemistry 1 for Majors, CHEM 1115 General Chemistry 1 Laboratory, MATH 1510 Calculus I, BIOL 1240 General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution, BIOL 1245 Principles of Biology I Laboratory, University Core.
• Spring: CHEM 1140 General Chemistry 2 for Majors, CHEM 1125 General Chemistry 2 Laboratory, MATH 1520 Calculus II, BIOL 1260 General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter, BIOL 1265 Principles of Biology II Laboratory, University Core.

Year Two:

• Fall: CHEM 2430 Organic Chemistry 1 for Majors, CHEM 2435 Organic Chemistry 1 Lab for Majors, CHEM 2200 Analytical Chemistry 1, CHEM 2205 Analytical Chemistry 1 Laboratory, University Core.
• Spring: CHEM 2440 Organic Chemistry 2 for Majors, CHEM 2445 Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory for Majors, University Core, General Electives.

Year Three:

• Fall: CHEM 4610 Biochemistry 1, CHEM 4615 Biochemistry 1 Laboratory, PHYS 1610 University Physics I, PHYS 1620 University Physics I Laboratory, University Core.
• Spring: CHEM 4620 Biochemistry 2, PHYS 1630 University Physics II, PHYS 1640 University Physics II Laboratory, University Core, General Elective.

Year Four:

• Fall: CHEM 3330 Physical Chemistry 1 (or CHEM 3000 or higher), Required biological elective, University Core, General Electives.
• Spring: Completion of Exit Interview, CHEM 3340 Physical Chemistry 2 (or CHEM 3000 or higher), CHEM 3XXX Elective, General Electives.

Program Notes

Engineering Physics (PHYS 1610 University Physics I-PHYS 1640 University Physics II Laboratory) is recommended. However, Physics (PHYS 1310 College Physics I-PHYS 1340 College Physics II Laboratory) also fulfills the physics requirement. 2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution.