B.S. Biochemistry

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Texas A and M University College Station

Program Overview

The B.S. in Biochemistry at Texas A&M University builds a strong foundation across chemistry, physical sciences and biology while introducing students to biochemical research methods, laboratory techniques, genetics and modern information and AI tools. The 120-credit-hour curriculum combines rigorous scientific coursework with hands-on research opportunities, making it suitable for students interested in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, laboratory science, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or graduate study.

Curriculum Structure

First Year:
Students begin with BICH 101 – Introduction to Biochemical and Genetics Research Methods, alongside Introductory Biology I, Fundamentals of Chemistry I and Calculus I. The second semester develops this foundation through BICH 102 – Introduction to Biochemical and Genetic Techniques, Introductory Biology II, Fundamentals of Chemistry II and Calculus II.

Second Year:
Students move into BICH 201 – Introduction to Information Literacy and Artificial Intelligence Tools for Biochemistry and Genetics, while studying physics and organic chemistry. The spring semester adds BICH 202 – Biochemical and Genetic Concepts in Medicine – Case Studies, together with Electricity and Magnetism and Organic Chemistry II, connecting biochemical concepts with medical applications.

Third Year:
The curriculum becomes more specialized through BICH 404 – Biochemical Calculations, BICH 440 – Biochemistry I, Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences and genetics coursework. Students then progress to BICH 414 – Biochemical Techniques I or Laboratory in Molecular Genetics, BICH 441 – Biochemistry II, and statistics, while beginning or continuing research as part of the disciplinary-focus requirement.

Fourth Year:
Students study BICH 431 – Molecular Genetics and Fundamentals of Microbiology, supported by directed and general electives. The disciplinary-focus requirement can include BICH 491 – Research, providing an opportunity for a substantial independent research experience before graduation.

Focus Areas:
Biochemistry, molecular genetics, biochemical techniques, genetics, microbiology, physical chemistry, biochemical calculations, laboratory research, statistics, information literacy and AI tools for biochemical research.

Learning Outcomes:
Students develop the ability to conduct and document scientific research, apply chemistry, biology, mathematics and physics to biochemical problems, analyze scientific information and data, use laboratory techniques, communicate research findings, prepare scientific reports and critically evaluate complex scientific problems. Texas A&M's published marketable-skills information specifically highlights research planning, laboratory notebooks, scientific presentations, research reporting, critical thinking and laboratory-team management.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The undergraduate Biochemistry program at Texas A&M is accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). Texas A&M University itself is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Reputation:
Texas A&M University was classified as Research 1: Very High Spending and Doctorate Production in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications. This research-intensive environment supports undergraduate access to research opportunities across the university and complements the B.S. Biochemistry program's strong research component.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The B.S. in Biochemistry introduces practical experience from the beginning through courses such as BICH 101 – Introduction to Biochemical and Genetics Research Methods and BICH 102 – Introduction to Biochemical and Genetic Techniques. Students progressively develop laboratory and research skills through biochemical techniques, molecular genetics laboratories, research coursework and the disciplinary-focus requirement, which can be completed through BICH 491 research.

Students also have access to Texas A&M's wider undergraduate research ecosystem. The university's Aggie Research Scholars Program provides hands-on, team-based research with faculty or graduate-led projects, while the Biochemistry department is listed among departments offering an NSF-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU).

Experiential opportunities include:

Biochemical and genetics research methods through BICH 101, including scientific method, experimental design and analytical tools.
Biochemical and genetic laboratory techniques through BICH 102, applying techniques in practical laboratory situations.
Artificial intelligence and information-literacy tools through BICH 201, including evaluating scientific information and using AI tools for research and problem-solving.
Biochemical Techniques I or Laboratory in Molecular Genetics in the third year.
BICH 491 – Research, which can form part of the program's disciplinary-focus requirement and provides supervised research experience.
Aggie Research Scholars, offering sustained team-based research with faculty or graduate researchers.
Biochemistry REU opportunities, providing summer research experience under faculty mentorship.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biochemistry provides preparation for graduate and professional education as well as laboratory-based careers. Texas A&M specifically identifies pathways into graduate programs and professional schools such as medicine, veterinary medicine and dentistry, while also highlighting employment opportunities in research, clinical, governmental, university, chemical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, food and scientific-equipment settings.

Typical Career Options:
Research Scientist, Clinical Laboratory Technician, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Clinical Research Coordinator, Molecular Biologist, Molecular Genetic Technologist, Forensic Scientist, Nutritional Biochemist, Medical/Pharmaceutical/Laboratory Equipment Sales Specialist, Laboratory Technician.

Career and Professional Development:

Career advising: Texas A&M's Career Center provides one-to-one career advising and resources for connecting the biochemistry major with career possibilities.
Research experience: Students can participate in faculty-led research, Aggie Research Scholars and summer REU opportunities, strengthening research credentials for graduate or professional-school applications.
Research environment: Texas A&M's R1 classification provides access to a large university research ecosystem spanning multiple colleges and disciplines.
Professional recognition: The undergraduate Biochemistry program is accredited by ASBMB, providing program-level professional accreditation.
Industry sectors: Texas A&M identifies chemical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, food and scientific-equipment industries among sectors employing biochemistry graduates.

Further Academic Progression:
The degree can support applications to master's and Ph.D. programs in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics and related life-science fields. Texas A&M also identifies medicine, veterinary medicine and dentistry as professional-school pathways for biochemistry graduates; students targeting these routes should select electives and prerequisites according to the requirements of their intended professional school.