Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry), BS

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Arizona State University Tempe

Program Overview

Arizona State University’s Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry), BS combines chemistry and biology to explore how medicines are designed, how molecules function inside cells and how drugs can be developed to fight disease. The program is particularly suited to students interested in pharmaceutical science, drug design, medicine, health care or scientific research, with substantial laboratory-based learning and opportunities to participate in faculty research projects.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build their scientific foundation through CHM 117 General Chemistry for Majors I, CHM 118 General Chemistry for Majors II and MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences, alongside introductory biology and physics. These courses establish the chemistry, biology and quantitative skills needed for later medicinal chemistry study.

Year 2: Students progress into molecular and organic chemistry with BCH 240 Quantitative Reasoning in Biochemistry, CHM 233 General Organic Chemistry I and CHM 234 General Organic Chemistry II, supported by CHM 237/238 General Organic Chemistry Laboratory I and II. This stage strengthens students’ ability to understand chemical reactions and develop practical laboratory techniques.

Year 3: Advanced study moves into BCH 341 Physical Chemistry with a Biological Focus, BCH 461 General Biochemistry I and BCH 462 General Biochemistry II, helping students connect physical and chemical principles with biological systems. Students also begin the specialized medicinal chemistry curriculum through subjects such as CHM 433 Bioorganic Chemistry and BIO 353 Cell Biology.

Year 4: Students complete the program's advanced specialization through BCH 463 Biophysical Chemistry, BCH 467 Analytical Biochemistry Laboratory and CHM 435 Medicinal Chemistry. The final stage brings together biochemical, analytical and medicinal chemistry concepts, giving students a focused foundation for pharmaceutical, health, research and graduate-study pathways.

Focus areas

Medicinal chemistry, bioorganic chemistry, biochemistry, drug design, molecular biology, cell biology, physical chemistry, biophysical chemistry, analytical biochemistry, pharmaceutical science, laboratory research and pre-health preparation.

Learning outcomes

Students learn to predict molecular structure and reactivity using organic, inorganic, analytical, physical and biological chemistry, clearly communicate findings from chemical experiments, and analyze chemical data using common statistical methods.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The program is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). ASU states that its accreditation indicates that programs meet established academic standards and are committed to continuous improvement, with degrees recognized by employers and respected by graduate schools.

Reputation (employability rankings)

ASU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences reports that the university ranks No. 2 among U.S. public institutions for employability according to the Global Employability University Ranking and Survey. The College also identifies chemistry and biochemistry career outcomes including chemist, biochemist, pharmacist and medical doctor.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in ASU’s Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry), BS can take their learning into active research laboratories through the School of Molecular Sciences. Undergraduates can work with faculty mentors, use state-of-the-art scientific equipment, earn academic credit for research, present results at scientific meetings and potentially contribute to scientific publications.

The program also provides opportunities to gain professional experience through internships in research, industry, government and science policy, including opportunities connected with Arizona employers and biomedical organizations. Students can build international experience through ASU Global Education while earning academic credit toward their degree.

Key hands-on opportunities and resources include:

Undergraduate research: BCH 392 Introduction to Research, BCH 492 Honors Directed Study and BCH 493 Honors Thesis allow medicinal biochemistry students to undertake faculty-supervised research.
Research laboratories: Students can join faculty research groups as volunteers, paid laboratory assistants or for academic credit, gaining experience in independent scientific work.
Internships: BCH 484 can provide academic credit for qualifying internships; ASU points students toward opportunities through Handshake, the Pre-Health Internship Program, Helios Scholars at TGen, Mayo Clinic’s Center for Innovation and Barrow Neurological Institute.
Magnetic Resonance Research Center: The facility provides advanced NMR instrumentation for studying proteins, DNA, biomolecules, chemical compounds and drug-design-related applications.
High Resolution Mass Spectrometry Facility: Students involved in relevant research can work within an environment equipped for analytical techniques including GC-MS and LC-MS.
Keck Bioimaging Facility: Research capabilities include laser-scanning confocal microscopy, live-cell imaging and multiphoton microscopy, supporting biological and biomedical research.
Genomics Core: ASU’s sequencing resources support applications such as whole-genome sequencing, RNA-Seq, targeted resequencing and metagenomic sequencing.
Global Education: ASU offers more than 300 Global Education options through which students can develop communication, critical-thinking and leadership skills while earning ASU credit.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry), BS provides a foundation for careers across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical, chemical, research and health-care environments, while also supporting preparation for professional health programs. ASU specifically highlights pathways into drug design and pharmaceuticals, medicine, health, research, food production, environmental protection and governmental regulation.

Typical career directions include Biochemist, Medical Scientist, Medical Laboratory Technician and Pharmaceutical/Drug Research Professional, while the degree also supports preparation for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and optometry. ASU cautions that several clinical and professional careers require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.

Students can strengthen their progression through:

Career support: The School of Molecular Sciences provides career advice, internship resources, pre-health advising and career-focused resources, while ASU’s Futures Center provides broader career preparation and support.
Employment and salary information: ASU lists occupation-level median salary figures including $127,410 for Scientists/Biochemists, $103,410 for Medical Scientists, $140,910 for Pharmacists and $135,880 for Physician Assistants. ASU notes these are occupation-level figures rather than guaranteed graduate salaries and that some roles require additional qualifications.
Industry and research connections: Students can explore opportunities associated with TGen, Mayo Clinic and Barrow Neurological Institute, alongside research groups and facilities within ASU.
Research progression: Undergraduate research can provide experience with faculty mentors, advanced equipment, scientific presentations and potentially publications, strengthening preparation for research careers and graduate school.
Accreditation value: HLC accreditation supports recognition of the ASU degree by employers and graduate schools and reflects ASU’s commitment to academic standards and continuous improvement.
Graduate and professional outcomes: ASU identifies medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and research as important progression routes for students pursuing the medicinal chemistry concentration.

Further Academic Progression: Students can pursue ASU’s accelerated bachelor’s-plus-master’s pathway and potentially complete the BS and a master’s degree in as few as five years. The program specifically offers accelerated pathways to Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry), MS; Biochemistry, MS; Chemistry, MS; and Computational Life Sciences, MS, while graduates can also pursue advanced study in biochemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacology, toxicology and health-professional programs.