BS in Biochemistry

The Biochemistry B.S. combines substantial laboratory coursework with opportunities to participate in faculty-led research, internships and other applied-learning experiences. Students can work with advanced research infrastructure covering protein and peptide analysis, molecular structure, biomolecular characterization and other areas, while research courses such as CHEM 199 can provide academic credit for approved undergraduate research.

Students can develop practical skills through:

• Protein Biochemistry Laboratory – CHEM 108: Hands-on training focused on experimental approaches used in protein biochemistry.

• Recombinant DNA Laboratory – CHEM 109: Practical laboratory training in recombinant-DNA techniques relevant to molecular and biotechnology research.

• Analytical Chemistry Laboratory – CHEM 100A: Students develop practical analytical chemistry skills as part of the required upper-division laboratory curriculum.

• Undergraduate research: Students can work one-on-one with UC San Diego faculty on research projects and earn academic credit through special-studies courses such as CHEM 197 and CHEM 199.

• Academic Internship Program: UC San Diego's Academic Internship Program connects students with opportunities to explore careers, engage with the community and enrich their education through experiential learning.

• Research Experience and Applied Learning (REAL) Portal: The REAL Portal brings together experiential-learning opportunities across UC San Diego, helping students identify research and applied-learning experiences.

• Cryo-EM Facility: Students involved in relevant research can work within an environment using cryogenic electron microscopy and cryogenic electron tomography to investigate cellular and macromolecular structures.

• NMR Facilities: UC San Diego provides access to state-of-the-art NMR equipment through its Chemistry and Biomolecular NMR facilities for molecular analysis and research.

• Biomolecular and Proteomics Mass Spectrometry Facility: The facility supports protein and peptide mass-spectrometry research and develops proteomic technologies for biological samples.

• Molecular Mass Spectrometry Facility: Students working in relevant research environments can encounter mass-spectrometry analysis of proteins, peptides, oligonucleotides, natural products and other molecular samples.

• Study abroad and conferences: The department reports that undergraduate students study abroad, present research at scholarly conferences and gain transferable research and professional experience.

The Biochemistry B.S. prepares graduates for opportunities in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and scientific research, while also providing a strong foundation for medical, dental, veterinary and graduate education. UC San Diego's official major information identifies alumni employment across organizations including Illumina, Cue Health, BioLegend, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Gilead Sciences, Eurofins and BD.

Typical career directions include: Biochemist, Research Assistant, Clinical Laboratory Technologist, Life Scientist.

Students can build their professional pathway through:

• Career preparation: UC San Diego Career Services provides career-preparation resources and connects students with employers through career fairs, Handshake and related career programs. In the university's 2025–26 Career Fair data, employers reported recruiting for internships, early-career positions and graduate-level roles.

• Employment outcomes: UC San Diego's First Destination Survey reports that 28% of respondents from the 2023–24 graduating class were employed full-time at graduation, while 27% were enrolled in a continuing-education program. Among employed respondents in the 2022–23 survey, 40% found their job as a result of an internship. These figures are university-wide rather than specific to Biochemistry B.S. graduates.

• Salary information: UC San Diego publishes first-destination employment and compensation information through its First Destination Survey and Lightcast resources, but the official sources reviewed do not provide a Biochemistry B.S.-specific salary figure that can be reliably attributed to this program.

• Industry connections: UC San Diego's official major information lists alumni employers including Illumina, Cue Health, BioLegend, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Gilead Sciences, Eurofins and BD, demonstrating connections between the university's chemistry/biochemistry education and life-science and biotechnology employers.

• Research opportunities: Undergraduate research enables students to work with faculty on current research projects and develop skills relevant to graduate study and scientific employment. UC San Diego also provides research fellowships and programs such as SPURS and the Chemistry Summer Research Fellowship.

• Professional preparation: The ACS certification pathway adds a recognized professional chemistry credential for students who complete the specified coursework, while the major itself provides preparation for graduate, medical, dental, veterinary and other professional schools.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into master's or doctoral study in areas such as biochemistry, chemistry, biology, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, bioinformatics, biostatistics and chemical engineering, or pursue professional education in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and pharmacy. UC San Diego's official major information specifically identifies these graduate and professional pathways among the destinations associated with its Chemistry and Biochemistry majors.