Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Temple University

Program Overview

The 123-credit B.S. in Biochemistry at Temple University combines biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics to help students understand the chemical processes that make living systems function. It is a strong choice for students interested in laboratory science, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medicine or research, with opportunities to develop practical research skills and explore areas such as molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics and computational biology.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin by developing the core scientific foundation through General Chemistry I and II, Calculus I and II, and Introduction to Organismal Biology. They also study Introduction to Biomolecules, Cells and Genomes, giving them an early understanding of biological structures and processes alongside the chemical principles introduced in the first year.

Year 2: The curriculum moves into the molecular and analytical side of biochemistry through Cell Structure and Function, Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry Lab, and Physical Chemistry of Biomolecules. Students also begin Biochemistry I, building a stronger understanding of how chemical principles operate within biological systems.

Year 3: Students deepen their knowledge through General Biochemistry II, Molecular Biology, and Genetics or Principles of Genetics, connecting biochemical concepts with heredity, molecular processes and cellular function. Students can also choose biochemistry electives such as Genome Analytics, Introduction to Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, General Microbiology, Immunology, Biotechnology, Genomic Biology, or Genome Editing.

Year 4: The final year emphasizes advanced study and research preparation, including Research Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, alongside additional biochemistry electives. Options such as Advanced Techniques in Microscopy, Physical Biochemistry, Stem Cell Biology, Biochemistry of Embryogenesis, Accelerated Research in Biochemistry, and Research in Biochemistry allow students to tailor their final stage of study to their interests.

Focus Areas

Biochemistry, molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, computational biology, biotechnology, microbiology, immunology, physical biochemistry, genome editing, biomedical science and biochemical research

Learning Outcomes

Students develop an understanding of biochemical processes and biological systems while building laboratory, analytical, problem-solving, scientific communication and research skills. The curriculum also allows students to develop specialized knowledge through electives in areas such as bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics, biotechnology, genome editing, cell biology and molecular research.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The College of Science and Technology, which houses the program, is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Temple's official program materials do not identify a separate professional accreditation specifically for the B.S. in Biochemistry.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Temple's official Biochemistry pages do not publish a program-specific QS or Guardian employability ranking. Instead, Temple highlights the program's location in Philadelphia, where a significant portion of the U.S. chemical industry is concentrated, creating access to regional career and research opportunities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Temple's B.S. in Biochemistry gives students opportunities to move beyond classroom theory through laboratory courses, independent research, internships and exposure to advanced scientific instrumentation. The program specifically encourages students to undertake research with faculty, while the Chemistry Department provides dedicated research courses and access to facilities supporting areas such as mass spectrometry, NMR, electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction.

Students can develop practical experience through:

Research Techniques in Biochemistry (CHEM 4496): A writing-intensive, four-credit course focused on developing research skills in biochemistry.
Research in Biochemistry (BIOL 4491): Students can pursue undergraduate research as part of their biochemistry electives.
Accelerated Research in Biochemistry (BIOL 4483): Provides an additional research-focused option for students seeking intensive experience.
Undergraduate Research: Chemistry and biochemistry majors are strongly encouraged to participate in faculty research, with research credits available through CHEM 2891, CHEM 3881, CHEM 3891, CHEM 4881 and CHEM 4891.
Advanced laboratory training: The curriculum includes General Chemistry Laboratory, Organic Chemistry Laboratory, Analytical Chemistry Lab and other laboratory-based coursework that progressively develops practical scientific skills.
Research instrumentation: Chemistry research facilities include electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction.
Science Education and Research Center (SERC): SERC is one of Temple's major advanced science facilities and houses research activity across Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Computer and Information Sciences.
Beury Hall: The primary research facility for Temple's Chemistry Department and a location for chemistry and biochemistry research activities.
Biology-Life Sciences Building: Provides research facilities for the Biology Department, supporting the biological side of interdisciplinary biochemistry research.
Research centers: Students and faculty can participate in interdisciplinary research connected with facilities such as the Institute for Computational Molecular Science, which supports high-performance computing for research across the university.
Research internships: Temple's Biochemistry program offers opportunities for students to gain professional and research experience through internships with Philadelphia-area organizations and research conducted on campus or at other institutions.
International research: Temple and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) provide opportunities for students in biology, chemistry and physics to work in research groups in Pune, India, over the summer.
International biotechnology experience: The Siena Biomedical Research Program provides summer experience in a biotechnology and pathology laboratory in Tuscany, while the Sicily Applied Biotechnology Program combines laboratory and field learning around biotechnology and art conservation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Temple's B.S. in Biochemistry can lead into laboratory, healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and research environments, while also providing preparation for graduate and medical education. Temple specifically identifies graduates moving into analytical chemistry, biomedical science, healthcare science, forensic science, research science and toxicology.

Typical career directions include: Analytical Chemist, Biomedical Scientist, Healthcare Scientist, Forensic Scientist, Research Scientist, Toxicologist

Students can strengthen their career preparation through:

College of Science and Technology job fairs: Temple holds job fairs each fall and spring, and these events typically attract more than 60 employers, giving students opportunities to explore careers, meet employers and network with Temple alumni.
University Career Center: Students can receive career coaching, professional-profile guidance, résumé and LinkedIn support, job and internship postings, and access to career resources through the Career Center and Handshake.
CST professional development: The College of Science and Technology provides career and professional-development support around internships, research opportunities, networking and employment.
Industry connections: CST job fairs have included employers such as Apex Life Science, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the City of Philadelphia's Office of Innovation and Technology, Elsevier, Lockheed Martin and the Wistar Institute.
Internship experience: Temple reports that Biochemistry students have completed internships with Philadelphia-area organizations and research placements on campus or at other institutions.
Employment and salary information: Temple's official Biochemistry career page provides career examples and links the program to O*NET occupational salary data, but it does not publish a single Biochemistry BS employment rate or a program-specific average starting salary. Therefore, no specific employment percentage or salary should be recorded as a Biochemistry-program statistic.
Professional accreditation value: The College of Science and Technology's institutional accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education provides institutional accreditation; Temple does not list a separate professional accreditation specifically for this Biochemistry BS.
Graduate outcomes: Temple states that Biochemistry graduates can progress into employment in the chemical, biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries or continue into graduate or medical school. The department also notes that graduates have pursued medicine, dentistry, chemical-industry careers, law, forensics and art restoration.

Further Academic Progression:
Students can continue into graduate or professional study after completing the B.S. in Biochemistry. Temple lists related graduate options including M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Bioengineering, Biology, Biomedical Sciences and Chemistry, as well as professional master's programs in Bioinnovation, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science, and Forensic Chemistry. Temple also offers accelerated pathways for Biochemistry students, including BS Biochemistry/MS Chemistry, BS Biochemistry/PSM Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science, BS Biochemistry/PSM Bioinnovation, and BS Biochemistry/PSM Forensic Chemistry, allowing students to combine undergraduate and advanced study in a shorter pathway.