BS in Biochemistry

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Illinois Chicago

Program Overview

The B.S. in Biochemistry at the University of Illinois Chicago brings together chemistry and biology to examine the molecular processes underlying life, with strong preparation in laboratory analysis, research, and scientific problem-solving. It is designed for students interested in careers in biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, or related fields, as well as students planning medical or dental school or advanced study in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students establish their scientific and quantitative foundation through BIOS 110 Biology of Cells and Organisms or BIOS 120 Biology of Populations and Communities, CHEM 122 Matter and Energy, CHEM 123 Foundations of Chemical Inquiry I, and MATH 180 Calculus I. They also begin developing academic and research communication skills through ENGL 160 Academic Writing I and ENGL 161 Academic Writing II.

Second Year: The curriculum moves into more specialized chemistry and biology through CHEM 232 Structure and Function, CHEM 233 Synthesis Techniques Laboratory, CHEM 234 Chemical Synthesis, and BIOS 220 Genetics. Students also progress to MATH 181 Calculus II and introductory physics, building the quantitative and molecular foundations required for advanced biochemistry.

Third Year: Students enter the core of the degree with CHEM 452 Biochemistry I, CHEM 222 Analytical Chemistry, and CHEM 454 Biochemistry II. CHEM 455 Biochemistry Laboratory gives students dedicated laboratory experience while physical chemistry coursework develops a deeper understanding of the principles governing biochemical systems.

Fourth Year: In the final year, students complete advanced scientific study through CHEM 343 Physical Chemistry Laboratory, CHEM 344 Physical Chemistry for Biochemists II or CHEM 346 Physical Chemistry II, CHEM 314 Inorganic Chemistry, and an advanced-level Biological Sciences elective. These courses allow students to integrate chemical, biological, physical, and laboratory concepts while completing the 120-credit degree.

Focus areas:

Biochemistry, molecular biology, biological sciences, analytical chemistry, chemical synthesis, physical chemistry, genetics, biomolecular structure and function, laboratory science, research, biotechnology

Learning outcomes:

Students develop critical thinking, creative problem-solving, data management and interpretation, scientific communication, research skills, laboratory analysis, and practical knowledge of chemical and biological systems. The program also develops technical experience with spectrophotometers and purification methods and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The B.S. in Biochemistry is certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and is endorsed by the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). UIC states that the degree is designed for professional careers in biochemistry and provides preparation for graduate study and professional schools such as dentistry and medicine.

Reputation (employability/research):

UIC describes its Department of Chemistry as an internationally recognized center of excellence in research and teaching, with research spanning analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry as well as chemical biology, nanotechnology, and neurochemistry. UIC's official biochemistry career resource also highlights alumni working in organizations including Abbott, Cook County Stroger Hospital, Northwestern Medicine, CVS Health, and the National Institutes of Health.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The UIC B.S. in Biochemistry gives students opportunities to move beyond classroom theory into laboratory investigation and faculty-guided research. The curriculum includes dedicated laboratory courses such as CHEM 233 Synthesis Techniques Laboratory, CHEM 343 Physical Chemistry Laboratory, and CHEM 455 Biochemistry Laboratory, while UIC strongly encourages biochemistry majors to undertake undergraduate research.

Students can also work directly with faculty research groups, apply biochemical principles to original problems, analyze experimental data, and develop scientific reports. UIC's Undergraduate Research Hub provides a university-wide pathway to faculty-mentored research, presentations, publications, internships, and industry-oriented experiences.

Students can build practical expertise through:

CHEM 233 – Synthesis Techniques Laboratory: Develops hands-on experience with chemical synthesis techniques as part of the core biochemistry curriculum.
CHEM 455 – Biochemistry Laboratory: Provides dedicated practical training connected to the biochemical concepts developed in Biochemistry I and II.
CHEM 343 – Physical Chemistry Laboratory: Gives students laboratory experience applying physical chemistry principles to scientific investigation.
CHEM 499 – Supervised Research: Students conduct individual research under the supervision of a faculty member and submit a final research report; UIC strongly encourages this experience for students preparing for careers or further study.
Undergraduate faculty research: Students can review faculty research interests and approach faculty members about joining research projects, with many faculty members preferring students to participate for at least two semesters.
Research skills: UIC highlights experience with spectrophotometers and purification methods for isolating compounds, alongside data management, interpretation, laboratory analysis, and scientific communication.
BIOS 196 – Biology Colloquium: Combines seminars with off-campus day and weekend field trips, introducing students to areas of biological science and alternative career options; biochemistry majors are eligible to enroll.
Undergraduate Research Hub: UIC provides faculty-mentored research opportunities across campus and connects students with opportunities for research, presentations, publications, internships, and industry careers.
Summer research: UIC lists the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) as a 10–12-week biomedical research experience that matches students with mentors based on educational/laboratory experience and research interests.
Career-integrated experiences: LAS Career Development and Internships provides internship advising, networking events, career resources, and access to part-time, research, internship, and career opportunities through UIC Handshake.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biochemistry prepares students for professional careers across biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, healthcare, food science, government, and scientific communication. UIC also specifically identifies the degree as preparation for graduate study in biochemistry and professional programs such as medicine and dentistry.

Typical career directions include biochemist, clinical biochemist, analytical chemist, bioanalytical scientist, pharmaceutical laboratory technician, and research associate. UIC's official career resources additionally identify opportunities across healthcare, pharmaceutical laboratories, food industries, government, education, law, research, publishing, and biotechnology.

Students can strengthen their transition into employment or further study through:

LAS Career Development and Internships: Students receive individualized career counseling, workshops, networking opportunities, internship support, and guidance on connecting academic experiences with career goals.
UIC Handshake: Students can search for part-time positions, on-campus opportunities, internships, research opportunities, and career openings.
Career Success preparation: The LAS 200 Career Success course covers resume and cover-letter development, professional branding, interviewing, networking, and connections with alumni and professionals.
Research-to-career preparation: UIC's Undergraduate Research Hub connects students with faculty mentors and research experiences designed to develop skills relevant to internships, graduate programs, and industry careers.
Industry exposure: UIC's official biochemistry alumni examples include roles at Abbott, Northwestern Medicine, CVS Health, Cook County Stroger Hospital, and the National Institutes of Health, demonstrating the range of settings in which graduates have applied the degree.
Employment and salary figures: The official UIC biochemistry resources reviewed provide alumni career examples and career titles but do not publish a current B.S. Biochemistry-specific employment rate or median salary; therefore, a program-specific figure should not be invented.
Professional accreditation: ACS certification provides a recognized professional framework for the chemistry and biochemistry curriculum, while UIC also notes ASBMB endorsement of the B.S. in Biochemistry.
Graduation outcomes: UIC states that the degree is designed to prepare students for professional careers in biochemistry and for graduate study and professional schools, including dentistry and medicine.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into graduate study in biochemistry or molecular biology, as well as professional programs such as medicine and dentistry. The strong chemistry, biology, laboratory, research, and quantitative foundation also provides preparation for advanced study in related biomedical and life-science disciplines.