Biochemistry

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Biochemistry is where chemistry and biology meet, helping you understand life at the molecular level. As a biochemistry major, you’ll build a strong foundation in both fields while gaining hands-on experience in labs and faculty-mentored research—starting as early as your first year.

Whether you’re interested in medicine, pharmaceuticals, forensic science, or cutting-edge research, this program prepares you for careers in biomedical fields or graduate studies. With options like a combined BS/MS program and year-round research opportunities, you’ll develop the skills and experience to make an impact in agriculture, healthcare, and beyond.

Advance your understanding and extend your undergraduate Biochemistry education into a Master of Science that continues the experiential learning curriculum.

Experiential Learning

Early Research Opportunities – Participate in faculty-mentored projects starting your first year.
Year-Round Research – Continue research through labs, independent studies, and summer grants.
Real-World Impact – Develop lab skills and contribute to advancements in agriculture, medicine, and biotechnology.

Program Details

Chem/Biochem Common Requirements – 50-51 hrs.

CHM 110: General Chemistry I (3 hrs.)
CHM 111: General Chemistry I Laboratory (1 hr.)
CHM 114: Chemistry of the Elements (1 hr.)
CHM 116: General Chemistry II (3 hrs.)
CHM 117: General Chemistry II Laboratory (1 hr.)
CHM 252: Organic Chemistry I (4 hrs.)
CHM 253: Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1 hr.)
CHM 256: Organic Chemistry II (3 hrs.)
CHM 257: Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (1 hr.)
CHM 292: Chemical Informatics (1 hr.)
CHM 326: Analytical Chemistry (4 hrs.)
CHM 360: Biochemistry (3 hrs.)
CHM 380: Seminar I in Chemistry and Biochemistry (0 hr.)
CHM 386: Seminar II in Chemistry and Biochemistry (1 hr.)
CHM 470 or 570: Physical Chemistry I (3 hrs.)
CHM 480 or 580: Seminar III in Chemistry and Biochemistry (1 hr.)
BIO 151: Molecules to Cells (3 hrs.)
BIO 152: Molecules to Cells Laboratory (1 hr.)
PHY 110: University Physics I (4 hrs.)
and PHY 201: University Physics II (4 hrs.)
or PHY 107: General Physics I (4 hrs.)
and 108: General Physics II (4 hrs.)
MTH 121: Calculus I (4 hrs.)
and MTH 122: Calculus II (4 hrs.)
or MTH 115: Brief Calculus With Applications I (4 hrs.)
and MTH 116: Brief Calculus With Applications II (3 hrs.)

Required Courses – 23 hrs.

CHM 361: Biochemistry Laboratory (1 hr.)
CHM 420 or 520: Instrumental Analysis (4 hrs.)
CHM 436: or 536 Inorganic Chemistry (3 hrs.)
CHM 462 or 562: Protein Structure and Function (3 hrs.)
CHM 466 or 566: Intermediary Metabolism (3 hrs.)
CHM 471 or 571: Physical Chemistry Laboratory I (1 hr.)
BIO 310: Genetics (3 hrs.)
BIO 311: Genetics Laboratory (1 hr.)
BIO 464 or 564 with lab: Cell Biology (4 hrs.)

Take your understanding of the chemical basis of life to the next level with our combined BS/MS program. Start graduate-level courses in your senior year, allowing you to earn both degrees in less time than pursuing them separately.

You’ll also work closely with a faculty mentor on research throughout your final three years. Finish the program with a comprehensive oral exam, thesis project, defense, and public seminar, ensuring you’re well-prepared for advanced careers or further studies.

Career Opportunities

Biochemistry majors open doors to careers in fields like biomedical research, forensic science, pharmaceutics, and more. Recent graduates have found jobs at organizations such as:

U.S. Department of Agriculture
St. Louis Metropolitan Crime Laboratory
Emerald Performance Materials
Exelon Energy