Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Duquesne University

Program Overview

Duquesne University’s B.S. in Biochemistry combines a strong foundation in chemistry and biology with hands-on laboratory training, faculty mentorship, research opportunities and carefully selected internships. It is well suited to students interested in biomedicine, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, research, forensics or further study in medicine and graduate-level science, with the 4-year program requiring 123 credits.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish their scientific foundation through courses such as CHEM 151 Atomic & Molec Principles, BIOL 111/111L Biology I / Lab, and MATH 115 Calculus I, followed by CHEM 152 Quantitative Analysis, BIOL 112/112L Biology II / Lab, and MATH 116 Calculus II. They also begin developing academic and research skills through BRDG 101 Writing and Analysis, BRDG 100 Research & Info Skills, and the introductory Career Op in Chem and Biochem courses.

Year 2: The curriculum moves deeper into molecular and chemical processes with CHEM 228 Structure, Mech & React, CHEM 228L Org Struct & Properties Lab, and BIOL 212 Cell Molec Biol. Students then progress to CHEM 229 Reacts, Synths & Spectroscopy, CHEM 229L Organic Synthesis Lab, PHYS 212/R General Analytical Physics II, and ENGL 302W Scientific Writing, building both laboratory and scientific communication skills.

Year 3: Students enter advanced biochemistry and analytical science through CHEM 340 Instrumental Analysis, CHEM 419 Advanced Biochemistry I, and CHEM 305L/R Advanced Lab Skills/Research, supported by MATH 225 Introduction to Biostatistics. In the spring, CHEM 329 Thermodynamics and CHEM 436 Advanced Biochemistry II deepen students’ understanding of biochemical systems, while electives allow them to explore areas across biochemistry, chemistry, mathematics and biology.

Year 4: The final year emphasizes advanced experimental and specialized study, including CHEM 426L/R Advanced Experimental Techniques/Applications and a dedicated Biochemistry Elective. Students can tailor their studies through approved advanced electives, including subjects such as Biomolecular Structure and Function, Biomedical Applications in Biochemistry, Structural Proteomics, Protein Nucleic Acid Interactions and Protein Engineering.

Focus areas

Biochemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, molecular biology, genetics, biophysics, structural biology, biomedical science, laboratory research, computational modeling

Learning outcomes

Students develop a strong theoretical foundation in chemistry and related sciences, practical laboratory skills, experimental design and data analysis, safe laboratory practices, computational and critical-thinking abilities, and the ability to apply biochemical knowledge to research and real-world scientific problems.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

Duquesne specifically identifies its B.S. in Chemistry as ACS-certified; the university does not identify the B.S. in Biochemistry as an ACS-certified degree on its undergraduate program pages. The Biochemistry B.S. instead emphasizes laboratory preparation, research experience and preparation for medical, graduate and other professional programs.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Duquesne reports a 96% career outcomes rate for recent graduates, covering positive outcomes such as employment, continuing education, military service or volunteering. For 2024–25 graduates, the university reports 71% employed, 24% continuing education and an average starting salary of $70,051 across the university; these figures are university-wide rather than specific to Biochemistry.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical experience through extensive laboratory coursework, faculty-mentored research and opportunities to participate in real scientific investigations. The program gives students exposure to advanced biochemical techniques and computational approaches, while the department's 20,000-square-foot research facility supports work across biochemistry, organic, physical, materials, inorganic, analytical, forensic and biophysical chemistry.

Students can also take part in paid summer research, internships, research presentations and faculty-led projects. Specific opportunities include:

Cascio Lab: Students can investigate membrane proteins involved in neurotransmission using advanced chemical cross-linking and mass spectrometry techniques.
Evanseck Lab: Students can explore viral RNA structure and mutations through long-timescale molecular dynamics simulations and computational modeling, including research related to SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Heisler Lab: Research opportunities include studying cholesterol metabolism, immune defense and proteins associated with bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella, Shigella and Listeria.
Mihailescu Lab: Students can investigate RNA folding, G-quadruplex structures and RNA-protein interactions using biophysical, structural biology and molecular analysis techniques.
CHEM 305L/R Advanced Lab Skills/Research: Provides advanced laboratory and research preparation within the recommended curriculum.
CHEM 340 Instrumental Analysis: Develops experience with instrumental approaches used in analytical chemistry.
CHEM 426L/R Advanced Experimental Techniques/Applications: Provides further advanced experimental training during the final year.
Summer Undergraduate Research Program: A 10-week paid research program in which students conduct research, participate in community and ethics activities, present their findings at an on-campus symposium and interact with faculty and industry professionals.
General Undergraduate Research Program: School of Science and Engineering students can apply for research positions in areas including biochemistry, biology and chemistry; the program lists a $4,500 stipend plus free on-campus housing and a meal plan when needed.
Internships and professional development: The Chemistry and Biochemistry department highlights internship experience, undergraduate research and professional preparation as part of its student-development opportunities.
Research facility: The department's 20,000-square-foot research facility supports interdisciplinary research with advanced instrumentation.
Student organizations: Students can participate in chemistry, biochemistry and STEM organizations, including Duquesne's ACS Student Organization, developing professional and leadership skills alongside their scientific studies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biochemistry can prepare graduates for laboratory and research careers across biomedicine, biotechnology, pharmaceutics, food science, agriculture, healthcare, education and forensics. Duquesne also highlights the program's preparation for medical, graduate and other pre-professional programs, making it suitable for students who want to enter the workforce or continue into advanced scientific or healthcare education.

Typical job roles: Biochemist, Microbiologist, Clinical Laboratory Technologist, Forensic Scientist

Career development: Duquesne provides career support through career fairs, industry-specific Career Connect events, workshops, networking opportunities, résumé reviews, mock interviews and Handshake, where students can find internships and job opportunities.
Employment outcomes: Duquesne reports a 96% career outcomes rate for recent graduates. Among 2024–25 graduates, 71% were employed and 24% continued their education; the university reports an average starting salary of $70,051 across recent graduates, with a bachelor's-level average of $67,417. These are university-wide figures, not Biochemistry-specific.
Industry and research connections: The School of Science and Engineering reports collaborations with Pittsburgh medical centers, startups and research institutions, with projects funded by organizations including the National Science Foundation and NIH. It also reports that 70% of School of Science and Engineering alumni secure jobs or internships in the Pittsburgh region.
Research-to-career preparation: Students can gain experience through faculty research, paid summer research, internships and interactions with industry professionals, helping them build research portfolios and professional networks before graduation.
Professional preparation: The department reports strong preparation for careers in industry, forensics and academia, as well as graduate education in chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, veterinary medicine and dentistry.
Accreditation value: The university's ACS certification applies to its separate B.S. in Chemistry rather than this Biochemistry B.S.; for Biochemistry students, the principal professional value comes from the program's laboratory training, research experience and preparation for advanced professional and graduate study.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the B.S. in Biochemistry, students can pursue graduate study in areas such as biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, biomedical sciences and related disciplines, or apply to professional programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and other health fields. Duquesne's Chemistry and Biochemistry department offers an M.S. in Chemistry and Ph.D. in Chemistry, while its broader pre-medical and health-professions support can help students prepare for healthcare-related postgraduate pathways.