Biochemical and Biophysical Sciences, B.S.

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Houston

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Biochemical and Biophysical Sciences at the University of Houston combines chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics to examine biological systems at the molecular level, making it a strong choice for students interested in biotechnology, biomedical research, medicine, pharmaceuticals and scientific research. The curriculum progresses from foundational chemistry, biology and calculus into advanced biochemistry, biophysics, nucleic acids, proteins and physical chemistry, with opportunities for advanced biochemical and biophysical science electives and an NSM capstone.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students build the essential scientific foundation through CHEM 1311: Fundamentals of Chemistry I, BIOL 1306: Biology for Science Majors I and MATH 2413: Calculus I, followed by their second-semester courses in chemistry, biology and calculus. The accompanying CHEM 1111/1112 and BIOL 1106/1107 laboratory courses introduce students to hands-on scientific work from the beginning of the degree.

Second Year: Students move into molecular-level science with CHEM 2323: Organic Chemistry I, BCHS 3304: General Biochemistry I and BIOL 3301: Mendelian and Population Genetics. They also undertake BCHS 3201: Biochemistry I Lab, Organic Chemistry laboratory work and PHYS 1301: College Physics I, while developing their quantitative background through Calculus III, Probability or Statistics for the Sciences.

Third Year: The curriculum develops deeper biochemical understanding through BCHS 3305: General Biochemistry II, while PHYS 1302: College Physics II and its laboratory component strengthen the physical-science foundation. Students also begin choosing approved advanced biochemical and biophysical science electives, giving them flexibility to explore areas aligned with their interests.

Fourth Year: Students reach the most specialized part of the degree with BCHS 4304: Biophysics, BCHS 4306: Nucleic Acids and BCHS 4307: Proteins, alongside BCHS 4311: Biochemistry II Lab. CHEM 4373: Survey of Physical Chemistry or CHEM 4370: Physical Chemistry I, advanced electives and an NSM capstone or elective allow students to integrate their biochemical and biophysical knowledge.

Focus areas

Biochemistry, biophysics, structural and computational biology, molecular biology, protein structure and function, nucleic acids, genetics, enzymology, cellular signaling, genomics, biotechnology, physical chemistry, molecular interactions and scientific research.

Learning outcomes

Students develop an interdisciplinary understanding of biochemical and biophysical processes, laboratory and experimental skills, quantitative scientific reasoning, and the ability to investigate biological molecules and their interactions. The program also prepares students to work independently and collaboratively in research environments and to communicate scientific findings effectively.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The Biochemical and Biophysical Sciences B.S. is an academic science degree, and the University of Houston's official program information does not identify a separate program-specific professional accreditation. Its interdisciplinary science curriculum is designed to support further study and careers in areas including biotechnology, biomedicine, research and health professions.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university and reports 12 National Research Centers, providing students with access to a substantial research environment. UH also highlights undergraduate research opportunities across campus, the Texas Medical Center and industry laboratories, including wet-lab research and faculty-mentored projects.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in Biochemical and Biophysical Sciences can develop practical laboratory and research skills through the Department of Biology and Biochemistry's hands-on laboratory curriculum, where students learn experimental design, hypothesis testing, scientific methods and technical writing using technologies comparable to those used in modern research laboratories. Beyond teaching laboratories, UH provides undergraduate research opportunities in wet labs, computational research, the Texas Medical Center and industry laboratories, with students able to work with faculty mentors over multiple years.

The program's research environment provides several opportunities to connect classroom science with real research:

Biochemistry and Biophysics Research: Faculty research covers structural and computational biology/biophysics, including three-dimensional biological structures, biomolecular interactions, protein structure and function, computer-aided drug design, theoretical biophysics, synthetic biology and biotechnology.
Hands-on laboratory training: Biology and Biochemistry laboratory courses use a team-based approach covering experimental design, hypothesis testing, technical procedures and scientific communication.
Biology and Biochemistry Imaging Core: Students and researchers can access advanced microscopy, including confocal microscopy, calcium imaging, FRAP and FRET techniques.
Center for Life Sciences Technology: Research resources include bio-fermentors, chromatographic systems, sequencing and PCR equipment, plate readers, spectrophotometers and centrifugation equipment.
Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling: The center provides collaborative laboratory space and facilities including histology, mammalian-cell imaging, clinical samples and tissue analysis, nucleic-acid analysis and transgenic research resources.
Mass Spectrometry Laboratory: Students involved in research can work in an environment supporting bottom-up proteomics, with a timsTOF Pro 2 mass spectrometer and associated sample-processing equipment.
Chemistry Service Facilities: UH provides NMR and X-ray crystallography resources, including high-field NMR spectrometers and X-ray diffraction equipment; licensed JEOL Delta processing software is also available.
Undergraduate research programs: Students can pursue HERE, SURF, PURS, independent study, paid departmental research and the Senior Honors Thesis Program.
Research presentations: Undergraduate researchers can present their work at UH's annual Undergraduate Research Day and may also present at academic conferences.
Texas Medical Center experience: NSM students conduct research at the Texas Medical Center, providing a direct connection to Houston's major biomedical research environment.
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center opportunity: A UH Biochemical and Biophysical Sciences undergraduate has participated in the 10-week Partnership for Careers in Cancer Science & Medicine program at MD Anderson, involving hands-on laboratory research, clinical shadowing and career development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biochemical and Biophysical Sciences B.S. provides a scientific foundation for students interested in laboratory research, biotechnology, biomedicine, pharmaceuticals and health-related fields. The University of Houston specifically supports undergraduate researchers through faculty mentorship, research programs, scholarships and opportunities at UH, the Texas Medical Center and industry laboratories.

Typical job roles include: Biochemistry Research Assistant, Biochemistry Laboratory Technician, Research Associate, Biotechnology Research Assistant.

Key progression opportunities include:

Undergraduate research support: NSM offers research opportunities ranging from wet-lab experiments and computer-based research to work at the Texas Medical Center and industry laboratories, with many students working with a faculty mentor for multiple years.
Research programs: Students can apply for Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), Provost's Undergraduate Research Scholarship (PURS), Houston Early Research Experience (HERE) and other faculty-mentored opportunities.
Research scholarships: The department's N. Catherine Cominsky Scholarship provides $2,500 to qualifying Biology or Biochemical and Biophysical Sciences students, while the Stutzenberger Undergraduate Research Endowment (SURE) Scholarship provides $2,000 and can support research supplies or travel to scientific meetings.
Research and industry connections: NSM students conduct research at UH, the Texas Medical Center, the UH Coastal Center and industry labs, creating opportunities to gain experience in academic and applied research environments.
Career and academic advising: UH provides dedicated Biology and Biochemistry undergraduate advising through the NSM advising structure, helping students plan their degree and academic progression.
Scientific research environment: The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics has numerous research centers and facilities, while UH identifies itself as a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university with 12 National Research Centers.
Biomedical exposure: Research opportunities connected with MD Anderson have included laboratory research, clinical shadowing and career-development activities for UH Biology and Biochemical and Biophysical Sciences students.
Graduation preparation: The curriculum's advanced biochemistry, biophysics, nucleic-acid, protein and laboratory courses provide preparation for research-oriented employment and advanced study in biochemical, biomedical and related sciences.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S., students can continue into graduate or professional education depending on their goals. The University of Houston offers M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Biochemistry, with graduate coursework and laboratory rotations, while the undergraduate department also identifies postgraduate study in biology, biochemistry and health-profession fields as a pathway supported by the program.