Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Idaho

Program Overview

The University of Idaho B.S. in Biochemistry is a 120-credit, four-year degree that explores the chemistry of living systems, from DNA replication and protein synthesis to metabolism and immune function. It is particularly suited to students who enjoy biology, chemistry, mathematics and laboratory research and want to prepare for careers or further study in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, environmental science, forensic science, biomedical research or healthcare.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students establish their foundation in biological and chemical sciences through BIOL 1140 Organisms and Environments, BIOL 1150 Cells and the Evolution of Life, and CHEM 1111 General Chemistry I, supported by laboratory work and Calculus I and II. This stage develops an understanding of organisms, cells, biomolecules and fundamental chemical principles while introducing students to scientific laboratory methods.

Second Year: Students move into more quantitative and molecular coursework through CHEM 2530 Quantitative Analysis, CHEM 2770 Organic Chemistry I, and PHYS 2110 Engineering Physics I, with associated laboratory experiences. They continue with Organic Chemistry II, Engineering Physics II and statistics, strengthening their ability to analyse chemical systems and apply mathematical and physical principles to biological science.

Third Year: The curriculum becomes strongly focused on molecular biology and biochemistry through BIOL 3100 Genetics, BIOL 3800 Biochemistry I, and BIOL 3120 Molecular and Cellular Biology, alongside dedicated genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology laboratories. Students then progress to BIOL 4540 Biochemistry II, Organic Chemistry II and additional laboratory-based work, developing a deeper understanding of genes, proteins, cellular processes and biochemical pathways.

Fourth Year: Students tailor the final year around advanced scientific interests through a biochemistry major elective and courses such as CHEM 3020 Principles of Physical Chemistry, CHEM 3050 Physical Chemistry, CHEM 3060 Physical Chemistry II or PHYS 4380 Biological Physics. The year concludes with BIOL 4000 Seminar and a senior capstone option such as BIOL 4010 Undergraduate Research, BIOL 4070 Practicum in Biology Laboratory Teaching, BIOL 4080 Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory Pedagogy or BIOL 4110 Senior Capstone, allowing students to apply their knowledge in research, teaching, laboratory or capstone settings.

Focus Areas

Biochemistry, molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, organic chemistry, quantitative analysis, microbiology, protein structure and function, genomics, immunology, neurobiology, medicinal chemistry, genetic engineering, systems biology, bioremediation and plant biochemistry.

Learning Outcomes

Students learn to integrate biological and chemical information to understand molecules and living systems, formulate biochemical hypotheses, design and analyse experiments, apply biochemical knowledge to real-world challenges, interpret scientific literature, communicate scientific information through written, verbal and visual methods, and understand the role of biochemists in society.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The official University of Idaho B.S. in Biochemistry page does not identify a separate professional accreditation for this degree. The programme is, however, recognised by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as a STEM programme, which may make eligible international graduates qualify for the 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training extension, subject to applicable requirements.

Reputation (Employability)

The University of Idaho is Idaho's only Carnegie R1 research university, giving students access to a research-intensive environment and opportunities to work with faculty on interdisciplinary research. The university's programme page currently reports 1,412 job openings across Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Montana and Hawaii and lists mid-career salary figures of $105,377 for biochemists and biophysicists, $79,400 for microbiologists, $99,386 for molecular and cellular biologists, and $104,035 for medical scientists; these figures are career-market data supplied by Lightcast, not guaranteed graduate salaries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The B.S. in Biochemistry combines classroom study with undergraduate research, laboratory experiences, faculty mentorship, internships and a senior capstone. Because the University of Idaho is a Carnegie R1 research university, students can work alongside faculty on interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of biology and chemistry, while university-wide shared research facilities provide access to sophisticated analytical and biological instrumentation.

Students can build practical experience through:

Undergraduate research: Students can conduct research in faculty laboratories and can complete BIOL 4010 Undergraduate Research as a senior capstone option.
Laboratory teaching experience: BIOL 4070 Practicum in Biology Laboratory Teaching provides an alternative senior capstone focused on laboratory teaching practice.
Experimental field experience: BIOL 4250 Experimental Field Ecology is available among the approved senior capstone choices, allowing students to gain field-based scientific experience.
Advanced molecular research: The university's shared resources include an Image and Data Acquisition Core, Electron Microscopy Center, Mass Spectrometry Core and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy facilities.
Mass spectrometry: The Mass Spectrometry Core provides GC-MS, Q-TOF MS, triple-quadrupole MS and ion-trap mass spectrometry, with gas or liquid chromatographs and proteomic sample-preparation resources for analysing organic compounds and biochemicals.
NMR spectroscopy: The NMR facility has three Bruker NMR spectrometers, including two 500 MHz instruments and one 300 MHz instrument, plus a Bruker EPR spectrometer.
Analytical Sciences Laboratory: The facility performs more than 200 tests on soils, water and biological tissues using instruments such as HPLC, LC-MS, GC-MS and ICP-MS, providing an environment closely connected with applied analytical science.
Specialised biochemistry electives: Students can gain focused experience through subjects such as BIOL 4820 Protein Structure and Function, BIOL 4440 Genomics, BIOL 4320 Immunology, CHEM 4720 Medicinal Chemistry and PLSC 4880 Genetic Engineering.
Research and innovation environment: The Integrated Research and Innovation Center (IRIC) brings students, faculty and external partners together for interdisciplinary research and innovation.
Student research involvement: The programme specifically highlights undergraduate research in faculty labs and undergraduate teaching practicals as hands-on learning opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biochemistry provides a strong foundation for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, environmental science, forensic science, biomedical research and healthcare, while also preparing students for graduate and professional education. The programme specifically identifies medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and other health professions as potential further-study pathways.

Typical career roles include Biochemist, Biophysicist, Microbiologist, Molecular and Cellular Biologist.

Students can prepare for employment and further study through:

Career Services: University of Idaho provides career services alongside the degree, while the programme connects students with career opportunities based on current labour-market information.
Career-market data: The programme currently reports 1,412 job openings across Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Montana and Hawaii in the relevant career market.
Salary information: Current Lightcast data presented by U of I lists mid-career salaries of $105,377 for Biochemists and Biophysicists, $79,400 for Microbiologists, $99,386 for Molecular and Cellular Biologists and $104,035 for Medical Scientists. These are occupational figures, not guaranteed salaries for U of I graduates.
Research partnerships and external engagement: U of I's research infrastructure includes shared facilities serving faculty, students and external partners, while IRIC is designed to bring together students, faculty and external partners for interdisciplinary research.
Healthcare preparation: The university provides a Pre-Med/Pre-PA Club and other health-related organisations, supporting students interested in professional healthcare pathways.
Professional development: Students can participate in organisations including Phi Sigma Honor Society, Sigma Xi, SACNAS, Women in Science Society and the College of Science Ambassadors, creating opportunities for academic and professional engagement.
STEM recognition: The programme is officially recognised as a STEM degree by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may qualify eligible international students for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
Graduation pathways: The programme provides preparation for graduate school and professional programmes in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and other health professions, as well as careers in research and applied science.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into postgraduate study in biochemistry and related biological or chemical sciences, or apply to professional programmes such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine. The advanced elective structure—including genomics, immunology, protein structure and function, medicinal chemistry and genetic engineering—also allows students to build a subject-specific foundation before pursuing advanced study.