Biochemistry

Major

What will I learn as a biochemistry major?

If you're interested in how cells develop, life grows and how characteristics pass through generations, a biochemistry major is for you.

Our biochemistry major offers you an in-depth understanding of how chemistry impacts our everyday life. Research is a core part of our program. You'll have the opportunity to create innovative tools to fight diseases like tuberculosis and improve methods of removing toxic metals in wastewater treatments. With research training, your skills and knowledge can help to improve the quality of human life. All biochemistry majors complete a thesis-based capstone, giving you research skills employers and graduate schools value.

You'll be a competitive candidate for chemistry and biochemistry internships. Our students have interned at companies such as Prism Analytical, Dow Chemical, Impact Analytical, Dupont and Corteva.

Biochemistry is an ideal major if you want a career in biotechnology, health professions, pharmaceutical industries and forensics, as well as in the traditional yet exciting fields of chemistry and biology.

The chemistry and biochemistry programs are approved by the American Chemical Society and Accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Highlights of our biochemistry major

As a biochemistry major, you'll:

• Help advance groundbreaking discoveries: Conduct research with a faculty member where you could design new therapeutic drugs or improve the life of lithium batteries.
• Contribute to scholarly publications: Publish in peer-reviewed journals and travel to present your work at regional or national scientific meetings.
• Collaborate across departments: Have the flexibility to work with faculty from various departments and colleges, including chemistry and biochemistry, biology, neuroscience and the College of Medicine.
• Create personal and professional connections: Have the opportunity to join student organizations centered around chemistry or biochemistry, like the American Chemical Society Student Members.