BS in Biochemistry

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Brandeis University

Program Overview

The B.S. in Biochemistry at Brandeis University gives students a broad, quantitative understanding of the chemical and molecular principles behind biological processes, combining a strong foundation in chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology with advanced study of biochemistry and molecular biology. It is well suited to students interested in medicine, biotechnology, biological research or postgraduate study, particularly those who enjoy understanding how proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes and other biological molecules work.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin by building the chemistry, physics and mathematics foundation required for the advanced biochemistry curriculum. Typical first-year study includes CHEM 11a,b General Chemistry, CHEM 18a,b General Chemistry Laboratory, and calculus-based PHYS 11a,b with PHYS 19a,b laboratory work, while mathematics is selected according to the student's placement and preparation.

Year 2: Students strengthen their understanding of the chemical and biological systems that underpin biochemistry through CHEM 25a,b Organic Chemistry, CHEM 29a,b Organic Chemistry Laboratory, and biology courses including BIOL 14a Genetics and Genomics and BIOL 15b Cells and Organisms. These courses prepare students to move from foundational science into the advanced molecular and biochemical topics required later in the degree.

Year 3: The program moves into its core advanced biochemistry sequence, beginning with BCHM 100a Advanced Introductory Biochemistry, which explores protein and nucleic-acid structure, enzyme mechanisms, metabolism and regulation. Students then progress into courses such as BCHM 101a Advanced Biochemistry: Enzyme Mechanisms and BCHM 103b Advanced Biochemistry: Cellular Information Transfer Mechanisms, examining biological catalysts, metabolic pathways, nucleic-acid biochemistry, genetic information processing and signal transduction.

Year 4: In the final stage, students deepen their understanding of the physical and molecular behavior of biological macromolecules through BCHM 104a Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules I and BCHM 104b Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules II, alongside an approved advanced biochemistry-related elective. Depending on their interests, students can also pursue research opportunities and honors or BS/MS pathways that allow them to develop substantial research experience.

Focus areas: Biochemistry, molecular biology, molecular genetics, enzyme mechanisms, protein structure, nucleic acids, biological membranes, physical biochemistry, metabolism, cellular information transfer, quantitative biochemical analysis

Learning outcomes: Students develop a quantitative understanding of chemical and molecular processes in biological systems, build knowledge of proteins, nucleic acids and enzymes, interpret biochemical mechanisms and research literature, and develop laboratory and research skills through advanced coursework and research opportunities.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Brandeis's official Biochemistry materials do not state a separate professional accreditation for the B.S. in Biochemistry. The program instead emphasizes a rigorous scientific foundation designed to prepare students for medicine, biotechnology, biological research and postgraduate education.

Reputation (employability rankings): Brandeis reports that 98% of its undergraduate Class of 2025 were employed, attending graduate school or engaged in meaningful activities six months after graduation. University-wide rankings also place Brandeis No. 69 among National Universities in the 2025–26 U.S. News & World Report rankings.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Brandeis gives biochemistry students opportunities to move beyond classroom learning and work directly with research questions, laboratory methods and scientific instrumentation. Students can work with faculty in research laboratories, undertake individual research projects, and, through the honors or BS/MS routes, devote multiple semesters to research; the university also provides access to specialized facilities for NMR, mass spectrometry, cellular visualization and electron microscopy.

Students can gain practical experience through:

Biochemistry research courses: BCHM 99a/b and BCHM 150a/b provide structured time for students completing honors BS or BS/MS degrees to work on research projects under the supervision of a Brandeis faculty member.
Independent research: Students can work with Brandeis faculty, postdoctoral researchers and graduate students on individual research projects, with undergraduate research often developing into senior honors theses.
Research presentations: Research-based courses require students to communicate their work through written and/or oral presentations, helping them develop scientific communication skills.
NMR facility: The Brandeis University Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility (BrUNMR) includes spectrometers ranging from 400 to 800 MHz, with the 500 and 600 MHz instruments used extensively by chemistry and biochemistry researchers for multidimensional studies of biomolecules.
Mass Spectrometry Facility: Brandeis maintains a dedicated Mass Spectrometry Facility within its science research infrastructure, supporting advanced molecular analysis.
Cellular visualization and electron microscopy: The university's core research facilities include the Louise Mashal Gabbay Cellular Visualization and Electron Microscopy Center, providing specialized imaging capabilities relevant to life-science research.
Research publications: Brandeis reports that its undergraduate chemistry researchers have co-authored almost 260 peer-reviewed scientific publications since 2003, illustrating the university's emphasis on undergraduate research participation.
Research internships: Brandeis offers research internship structures in which students work in university laboratories, design or carry out individual research projects and present their findings.
Summer research: Undergraduate research fellowships provide opportunities for students to undertake research during the summer, with Brandeis specifically highlighting funded research opportunities for undergraduates.
Science research environment: Students can work within a research-focused environment that connects biochemistry with biology, chemistry, biotechnology and other science disciplines.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Brandeis states that its biochemistry graduates commonly continue to postgraduate education in areas including biochemistry, medicine, veterinary medicine, business and law, while others enter the workforce, particularly in pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. The degree therefore provides both a research-oriented foundation and preparation for students who want to move directly into scientific employment or continue into professional and graduate education.

Typical career directions include Biochemistry Research Scientist, Biotechnology Scientist, Pharmaceutical Research Scientist, Laboratory Researcher.

Students can build their professional direction through:

Hiatt Career Center: Students receive career exploration, appointments, career fairs, networking opportunities, alumni connections and access to Handshake for internships and job opportunities.
Science Research Career Hub: Hiatt specifically supports students interested in biotech and science research, including internships, jobs, employer events and guidance on science-research career pathways.
Employment outcomes: Brandeis reports that 98% of the undergraduate Class of 2025 were employed, attending graduate school or engaged in meaningful activities six months after graduation. This is a university-wide undergraduate figure rather than a biochemistry-specific outcome.
Salary information: Brandeis's official sources reviewed for this program do not publish a specific average salary for B.S. Biochemistry graduates, so a program-specific salary figure should be recorded as NA rather than estimated.
Employer connections: Hiatt's science-research career ecosystem connects students with employers and organizations, with Brandeis identifying organizations such as GSK, Broad Institute, Novartis, Moderna, Massachusetts General Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute among employers recruiting in science-related fields. These are employer/recruiting connections, not stated as formal biochemistry program partnerships.
Industry exposure: Career events, employer information sessions, networking programs and workplace visits give students opportunities to learn about scientific industries and connect with potential employers.
Research preparation: The program's advanced biochemistry curriculum and research opportunities can provide preparation for laboratory-based careers and further scientific training.
Graduate outcomes: Brandeis reports that one-third of graduates go directly to graduate school, while the Biochemistry Department specifically identifies postgraduate study as a common path for its graduates.

Further Academic Progression: Students can continue into advanced study in biochemistry and related biological sciences, medicine, veterinary medicine and other professional fields. Brandeis also offers a Combined BS/MS Program in Biochemistry, allowing eligible students to continue into graduate-level study, while the Senior Honors Program provides an additional research-focused route for students who want to develop an extended research project and thesis.