Biochemistry, B.S.

Departmental Requirements

Students majoring in Biochemistry are required to complete a total of 120 credit hours of university courses. This requirement includes a minimum of 40 credit hours of General Education Requirements, 48 credit hours of Core Requirement courses, 14 credit hours of Program Elective courses, 15 credit hours of Supportive courses, and 3 credit hours of Free Electives courses.

Objectives

The goal of the Biochemistry Program is to prepare students to enter graduate and professional schools with the intention of obtaining terminal degrees (such as PhD, MD, PharmD, DVM, DOM, DDS). This goal is supported by the following objectives to:

• train students through demonstration, mentoring and personal experience to gain knowledge and develop skills necessary to conduct scientific research;
• impart students with contemporary laboratory techniques and skills required to conduct scientific investigations; and
• provide students with the academic curricula necessary to develop a strong understanding and knowledge of chemical theory and practice.

Career Opportunities

Students graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biochemistry will be employable in chemical, biological, or biomedical fields. They may opt to apply for admission to medical or other health professional schools such as Pharmacy, Physician Assistant, or Physical Therapy School. These students are also eligible to apply for admission to graduate school. Students who choose not to pursue a terminal degree can work in industry as chemists for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or environmental management companies. Graduates can also work for government agencies such as the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, National Institute of Standards and Technology, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Central Intelligence Agency. Websites which describe careers in chemistry include: the ACS website, Chemical Careers page, and Chemistry Guide: Job for Chemists. Students are encouraged to explore these agencies and websites.