Biochemistry B.S.

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Syracuse University

Program Overview

The B.S. in Biochemistry at Syracuse University explores the molecular basis of life by bringing chemistry and biology together, with a strong focus on proteins, nucleic acids, biomolecules, and their roles in biological systems. It is particularly well suited to students interested in scientific research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, biomedical fields, health professions, or advanced study in biochemistry, molecular biology, and biophysics.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building the Scientific Foundation:
Students begin by developing a strong foundation across biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, preparing them for more specialized biochemical study. Core subjects include BIO 121 General Biology I, CHE 106 General Chemistry Lecture I, and CHE 107 General Chemistry Laboratory I, alongside mathematics and other foundational science requirements.

Year 2 – Developing Biological and Chemical Understanding:
The second year progresses into more advanced chemistry and biology, giving students the knowledge needed to understand biological processes at the molecular level. Courses such as CHE 275 Organic Chemistry I, BIO 326 Genetics, and BIO 327 Cell Biology strengthen understanding of chemical reactions, inheritance, cellular processes, and molecular organization.

Year 3 – Moving into Biochemistry and Molecular Science:
Students begin working directly with the core concepts of biochemistry, including biomolecular structure, enzyme activity, metabolism, and the relationship between molecular structure and biological function. Key courses include CHE 325 Organic Chemistry II, CHE 474 Structural and Physical Biochemistry, and BCM 475 Biochemistry I, while students can also begin BCM 460 Research in Biochemistry to gain faculty-supervised research experience.

Year 4 – Advanced Biochemistry, Laboratory Research, and Specialization:
The final year allows students to deepen their expertise through advanced biochemical coursework, laboratory work, research, and career-focused electives. BCM 476 Biochemistry II develops concepts introduced in Biochemistry I, while BCM 477 Proteins and Nucleic Acids Lab provides hands-on experience with techniques such as PCR, protein expression and purification, electrophoresis, and biomolecular analysis; students can also pursue options such as BCM 484 Biomolecular Modeling, BIO 463 Molecular Biotechnology, BIO 447 Basic Immunology, or CHE 414 Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry.

Focus areas:

Molecular biochemistry, protein structure and function, nucleic acids, molecular biology, genetics, cellular biology, organic chemistry, biochemical analysis, biotechnology, pharmaceutical science, biomedical science, health professions, biomolecular modeling, biophysics

Learning outcomes:

Students develop knowledge of major concepts in biology and chemistry, apply biochemical principles to problem-solving, perform accurate biochemical measurements, interpret experimental results, communicate scientific findings through oral and written reports, and conduct laboratory research.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Syracuse University states that the B.S. in Biochemistry is appropriate preparation for advanced degrees in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, biomedical fields, and health professions. The university itself is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education; the official program information does not identify the B.S. in Biochemistry as separately accredited by a professional body.

Reputation (employability rankings):

Syracuse University identifies itself as an R1 research university, and its Department of Biology reports that more than 60% of its majors participate in research or internships, providing a strong research-oriented environment for students in biochemistry. The official B.S. in Biochemistry page does not publish a program-specific QS or Guardian employability ranking, so no such ranking is attributed to the program here.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The B.S. in Biochemistry places substantial emphasis on learning through research, laboratory work, and practical scientific investigation. Students can undertake faculty-supervised research through BCM 460 Research in Biochemistry, participate in internships, work in small laboratory classes, and present their research at the Department of Biology's annual Undergraduate Research Conference. Syracuse reports that more than 60% of its Biology majors participate in research or internships, and students can also pursue a formal Distinction in Biochemistry by completing research, a thesis, and a research presentation.

Students can build practical experience using specialized research infrastructure across the Biology and Chemistry departments, including advanced imaging, microscopy, biomolecular research, computational resources, and laboratory facilities. The university's biological chemistry research also connects areas such as drug discovery, pharmaceutical agents, biosensors, biomaterials, RNA-protein interactions, and new drug synthesis with collaborations involving academic and biotechnology researchers.

Key experiential opportunities include:

BCM 460 Research in Biochemistry: Faculty-supervised undergraduate research that can begin as early as the sophomore year and may be repeated for additional research credit.
BCM 477 Proteins and Nucleic Acids Lab: Practical work involving PCR, site-directed mutagenesis, protein expression and purification, and nucleic-acid and protein electrophoresis.
BCM 478 Biochemistry Laboratory: Students work with amino acids, proteins, enzymes, fatty acids, and nucleic acids using techniques including electrophoresis, gel filtration, kinetics, spectrophotometric assays, and cellular fractionation.
Biomolecular modeling: BCM 484 Biomolecular Modeling provides experience with modeling proteins, nucleic acids, and drug candidates as used in biochemical research and technology.
Blatt BioImaging Center: Students and researchers have access to advanced imaging systems, including confocal microscopes, high-resolution bright-field systems, and Imaris microscopy image-analysis software.
Life Sciences Complex: The Biology Department's 230,000-square-foot Life Sciences Complex includes research facilities such as confocal microscopy and controlled greenhouse facilities.
Biology research resources: Available resources include electron microscopy, mammalian tissue culture, the Laboratory Animal Vivarium, research computing, fieldwork resources, and Syracuse University Library resources for biology and the life sciences.
Undergraduate Research Conference: Students can communicate their research through written work, posters, or presentations at the annual Department of Biology Undergraduate Research Conference.
Internships and summer research: Syracuse encourages biochemistry students to pursue internships and research, with the Biology Department also offering competitive paid summer research opportunities.
Study abroad: Students can participate in the Syracuse World Partner DIS Copenhagen semester program, providing an international academic experience alongside access to research libraries and other resources.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biochemistry gives graduates a foundation for laboratory-based careers while also preparing them for advanced study in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, biomedical sciences, and health professions. Syracuse specifically identifies industry, government, medical, dental, veterinary, and specialized graduate-study pathways for graduates of its biology, biochemistry, and biotechnology programs.

Typical career directions include Biochemist, Research Scientist, Laboratory Scientist, Pharmaceutical Researcher, with additional opportunities depending on electives, research experience, and further professional or graduate education.

Career development and progression opportunities include:

CareerReady: Syracuse's College of Arts and Sciences provides a structured career-preparation program beginning in the first year and continuing through graduation, covering resume development, LinkedIn preparation, employer immersion trips, alumni connections, internships, job shadowing, interviews, and career fairs.
Career Services: University career services provide personalized advising, industry connections, internship and co-op support, networking opportunities, resume assistance, leadership workshops, and career preparation.
Research and industry exposure: Biological chemistry researchers collaborate with academic and biotechnology scientists in Syracuse and internationally, with research areas including drug discovery, pharmaceutical agents, biosensors, biomaterials, and new drug synthesis.
Employment outcomes: Syracuse publishes university-wide career outcomes for the Classes of 2021–2025, but the official source does not provide a biochemistry-specific employment rate or salary figure. Therefore, a program-specific salary or placement percentage should not be entered as though it applies specifically to this B.S. in Biochemistry.
Industry connections: Syracuse's career infrastructure connects students with employers through Handshake, career fairs, internships, networking and employer engagement. The university's broader research ecosystem also includes collaboration with biotechnology and medical research organizations.
Long-term academic value: The university's Middle States accreditation provides institutional accreditation, while the B.S. in Biochemistry itself is positioned as preparation for advanced degrees in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, biomedical fields, and health professions.
Distinction in Biochemistry: High-achieving students can pursue the Distinction in Biochemistry by meeting the required GPA, completing at least six credits of BCM 460 research, presenting their research, and completing a written thesis.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S., students can progress to graduate study in areas such as biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, or related biological and chemical sciences. The degree also provides preparation for professional health programs such as medical, dental, and veterinary school, depending on the student's chosen prerequisites and career pathway.