BS in Biochemistry

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Delaware

Program Overview

The B.S. in Biochemistry at the University of Delaware explores the chemistry of life, combining a strong foundation in chemistry and biology with the study of metabolism, proteins, genetics, cell and molecular biology, and medicinal applications. Through laboratory-based learning and research opportunities, students develop the scientific skills needed to investigate biological molecules, understand chemical reactions and apply evidence-based approaches to questions in health, biotechnology and the life sciences.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish their foundation in chemistry, biology, mathematics and scientific communication. Key courses include CHEM 111 General Chem. (Majors), CHEM 135 First-Year Majors Chem. Lab. I, MATH 231 Integrated Calc. IA, BISC 207 Intro. Biology I and BISC 217 Intro. Biology Lab I; students can also take CHEM 165 Intro. to Chem. Research as an optional introduction to research.

Year 2: The curriculum moves into organic chemistry, biochemistry and the biological sciences while continuing physics and laboratory work. Students take CHEM 331 Organic Chem. I, CHEM 332 Organic Chem. II, CHEM 333 Organic Chem. Lab. I, BISC 208 Intro. Biology II and CHEM 342 Intro. to Biochem., alongside introductory physics and laboratory courses.

Year 3: Students develop more advanced knowledge through physical chemistry, analytical chemistry and dedicated biochemistry study. The curriculum includes CHEM 418/443 Physical Chem. I, CHEM 337 Analytical Chem. I, CHEM 641/642 Biochemistry and CHEM 343 Biochemistry Lab., giving students increasing exposure to analytical and biochemical experimentation.

Year 4: The final year emphasizes advanced study, research and the integration of knowledge through a university capstone. Students complete CHEM 465 Senior Seminar, CHEM 437 Analytical Chem. II, advanced biochemistry or chemistry electives and may undertake CHEM 468 Undergraduate Research as part of the Discovery Learning Experience.

Focus Areas

Metabolism, Proteomics, Chemical Biology, Materials and Polymers, Complex Biochemical Systems, Bacterial Studies, Biochemical Genetics, Cell and Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Virology, Thermodynamics and Kinetics, Forensics and Quantitative Analysis, Biomedical Applications, Environmental Monitoring, Sustainability, Spectroscopy and Physical Methods, Imaging, Data Processing and Analysis.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop a strong understanding of the chemical processes underlying living systems while gaining practical experience in laboratory investigation, analysis of biological molecules, chemical reactions and scientific evidence. The program also develops preparation for research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, healthcare and further professional or graduate study.

Professional Alignment

The university positions the B.S. in Biochemistry as preparation for science and health careers including biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, healthcare and laboratory research, while also providing a foundation for medical school, pharmacy school and graduate study in biochemistry, chemical biology, molecular biology and related fields. The official program page does not state a specific external professional accreditation for the B.S. in Biochemistry, so no accreditation claim is added here.

Reputation

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry describes itself as a multidisciplinary department with more than 25 research faculty, over 150 graduate students, dozens of undergraduate researchers and nearly $10 million in annual research expenditures. The department also reports that 100% of students with a bachelor of science in biochemistry are employed or pursuing further education, according to its published outcome information.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The University of Delaware gives biochemistry students opportunities to move beyond classroom theory through laboratory courses, undergraduate research and discovery-based learning. Students can become involved in faculty research as early as their first year, while the curriculum includes dedicated laboratory courses and an optional undergraduate research experience in the senior year. The department also uses computers for data collection, analysis, simulations and computer-assisted teaching.

Students can gain practical experience through:

Laboratory training: Courses such as CHEM 135/136 First-Year Majors Chemistry Labs, CHEM 333/334 Organic Chemistry Labs, CHEM 343 Biochemistry Lab and CHEM 438 Analytical Chem. Lab. II provide hands-on scientific training.
Undergraduate research: Students may join faculty research projects as early as their freshman year, with research areas including chemical biology, biomolecular interactions, therapeutic agents and disease-related processes.
Research funding: The department reports Summer Science Research Scholarships, HHMI research grants and Alumni Undergraduate Research Fellowships that can support undergraduate research.
Research presentations and publications: Undergraduate research can lead to presentations at scientific meetings and, for some students, published research.
Senior research: CHEM 468 Undergraduate Research can form part of the senior-year Discovery Learning Experience, giving students an opportunity to undertake deeper research.
Senior thesis: Students pursuing the Degree with Distinction can complete a senior thesis involving the design, conduct, analysis and discussion of an independent research project.
Industry exposure: The department notes that nearby chemical and pharmaceutical companies, including DuPont, Ashland and AstraZeneca, hire students for part-time and summer employment.
Academic and research facilities: The department provides instructional and research opportunities through its chemistry and biochemistry facilities, while the Interdisciplinary Science Learning Laboratories combine instructional and research spaces.

Facilities and research: The university’s official Chemistry and Biochemistry facilities and research pages provide further information about the department’s research environment.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biochemistry prepares graduates for science, healthcare, biotechnology and pharmaceutical-related careers while also providing a strong foundation for professional and graduate education. The University of Delaware specifically identifies pathways into medical school, pharmacy school, dental school, veterinary medicine, graduate study, law, public policy, data science and science communication.

Typical career roles and fields include Research Scientist, Forensic Analyst, Toxicologist and Quality Control Specialist. The university also identifies opportunities in drug discovery and biopharmaceutical development, laboratory science, microbiology, molecular and cell biology, genetics, scientific communication and education.

Students can further develop their career and academic prospects through:

Career Services: UD’s Career Services Center provides individual advising, career counselling, workshops, career fairs, job-listing resources, résumé support and interview preparation, with services available from the freshman year.
Employment and further-study outcomes: The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry reports that 100% of B.S. in Biochemistry graduates are employed or pursuing further education in its published outcome information.
Industry connections: The department identifies nearby chemical and pharmaceutical companies such as DuPont, Ashland and AstraZeneca as employers of students for part-time and summer positions.
Research-to-career preparation: Undergraduate research can provide experience with faculty-led scientific projects, presentations and publications, strengthening preparation for research careers and advanced study.
Professional pathways: The degree provides preparation for medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, healthcare, law and patent law, public policy, nutrition, environmental science, data science and science education.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into MS or PhD programs in Chemistry, Biochemistry or Chemical Biology, as well as related chemical or biomedical fields. Other options identified by UD include medical school (MD, DO or PA), pharmacy school, dental school, veterinary medicine, MBA, law school with a patent-law focus, public policy, nutrition, science education, environmental science, data science and science communication. Eligible students interested in teaching can also pursue UD’s Biochemistry/Secondary STEM Education 4+1 (BS/MS) pathway.

Future Progression & Opportunities

Students can further develop their career and academic prospects through:

Career Services: UD’s Career Services Center provides individual advising, career counselling, workshops, career fairs, job-listing resources, résumé support and interview preparation, with services available from the freshman year.
Employment and further-study outcomes: The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry reports that 100% of B.S. in Biochemistry graduates are employed or pursuing further education in its published outcome information.
Industry connections: The department identifies nearby chemical and pharmaceutical companies such as DuPont, Ashland and AstraZeneca as employers of students for part-time and summer positions.
Research-to-career preparation: Undergraduate research can provide experience with faculty-led scientific projects, presentations and publications, strengthening preparation for research careers and advanced study.
Professional pathways: The degree provides preparation for medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, healthcare, law and patent law, public policy, nutrition, environmental science, data science and science education.