B.S. in Biochemistry

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New England

Program Overview

The University of New England’s B.S. in Biochemistry combines biology with analytical, organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, giving students a strong foundation for understanding how chemical processes operate within living systems. It is well suited to students interested in biotechnology, biomedical research, healthcare and laboratory careers, as well as those planning to continue into graduate, medical, dental, veterinary or pharmacy programmes.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish their scientific foundation through BIO 105/105L – Bio I: Ecology/Evolution w/Lab, CHE 150/150L – University General Chemistry I w/Lab, and CHE 151/151L – University General Chemistry II w/Lab. These courses introduce biological systems and fundamental chemical principles while laboratory components begin developing practical scientific skills.

Year 2: Students move deeper into molecular and chemical science through BIO 106/106L – Bio II: Cellular/Molecular w/Lab and BIO 214/214L – Genetics w/Lab, while CHE 250/250L/250S – University Organic Chemistry I w/Lab and LabLecture and CHE 251/251L/251S – University Organic Chemistry II w/Lab and LabLecture develop their understanding of organic molecules and reactions. The combination strengthens students’ ability to connect chemical principles with cellular and genetic processes.

Year 3: The programme moves into advanced biochemical study with BIO 370 – Cell and Molecular Biology, CHE 307/307L – Quantitative Analysis w/Lab, and CHE 350/350L – Biochemistry I: Proteins w/Lab. Students examine cellular and molecular mechanisms while developing quantitative analytical and laboratory skills that are central to modern biochemical research.

Year 4: Students complete the advanced core with CHE 351 – Biochemistry II: Metabolism and Bioenergetics and can deepen their laboratory and analytical expertise through options such as CHE 375 – Advanced Laboratory, CHE 417/417L – Instrumental Methods of Analysis w/Lab, or CHE 450 – Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory. Depending on their interests, students can also explore areas such as computational chemistry, medicinal chemistry and physical chemistry.

Focus Areas

Biochemistry, molecular biology, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, genetics, cellular biology, quantitative analysis, medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry, biotechnology

Learning Outcomes

Students develop advanced biochemical knowledge, safe and ethical laboratory practices, proficiency with discipline-standard instrumentation, scientific communication skills, collaborative working abilities, experimental and analytical skills, and preparation for relevant employment or graduate and professional programmes.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The official UNE B.S. in Biochemistry programme information does not state a separate programme-specific professional accreditation. The curriculum instead provides broad preparation in biochemistry and the major chemistry subdisciplines, supporting progression into graduate and professional programmes in areas including chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and pharmacy.

Reputation (Employability / Official Statistics)

UNE reports that 95% of its undergraduates were employed or pursuing further education within one year of graduating, based on 2016–2024 graduate surveys. The university also identifies UNE as No. 1 in Maine for student job placement following graduation, according to Zippia's 2026 ranking. These are university-level outcomes rather than Biochemistry-specific employment statistics.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

UNE makes hands-on learning a central part of the B.S. in Biochemistry, combining laboratory courses, faculty-guided research, internships and interdisciplinary projects. Students can design experiments, develop laboratory skills and work with modern chemical and biochemical instrumentation, while the programme’s small-school environment provides opportunities to work closely with faculty mentors. Students can also gain professional experience through internships with hospitals, laboratories, educational institutions and biotechnology companies.

Students can develop practical expertise through:

Biochemistry teaching and research laboratories: Morgane Hall houses general chemistry, general physics and biochemistry teaching laboratories as well as small research labs, while advanced chemistry teaching and research facilities are available in the Alfond Center and Pickus Center for Biomedical Research.
Modern instrumentation: The Pickus Center provides flexible biochemistry research space where students can work with faculty and gain exposure to modern chemical and biochemical instrumentation.
Faculty-guided undergraduate research: Students can work directly with faculty on research projects, including projects in protein biochemistry, biomaterials, organic and medicinal chemistry, physical chemistry and other areas.
Interdisciplinary research: Biochemistry students can collaborate with students and faculty across biological, chemical and physical disciplines, including research addressing drug-resistant bacteria.
Internships: Students can complete summer internships at hospitals, private or government laboratories, educational institutions and science centres, or pursue academic-year opportunities with organisations including IDEXX, Lonza, Jackson Laboratories, Envirologix and Katahdin Labs.
Advanced laboratory courses: Students can develop practical laboratory skills through options such as Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory, Advanced Laboratory and Instrumental Methods of Analysis with Lab.
Computational chemistry: Computational Chemistry is among the programme's available course options, giving students an opportunity to explore computational approaches alongside experimental biochemistry.
Collaborative laboratory learning: UNE notes that biochemistry majors should expect laboratory classes where they collaborate with partners and group members, supporting teamwork alongside technical development.
Honors research: Qualified students can graduate with Honors by completing significant research, scholarship or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member.

Progression & Future Opportunities

UNE's B.S. in Biochemistry prepares students for entry-level opportunities in biotechnology and other scientific fields while also providing a strong foundation for advanced health and biomedical study. The university highlights graduates progressing into careers and organisations such as biotechnology, biomedical science, laboratory research, healthcare, forensics and environmental consulting, with alumni working at organisations including Pfizer, IDEXX and the Institute for Protein Innovation.

Typical career roles include Biotechnology Researcher, Biomedical Scientist, Laboratory Technician and Research Scientist.

Students can strengthen their career progression through:

Career advising: UNE's Academic and Career Advising Center provides career and personal-interest exploration, résumé and cover-letter assistance, employment-transition guidance, career fairs and connections between students and area employers.
Employment outcomes: Across UNE undergraduate programmes, 95% of graduates were employed or in ongoing higher education within one year, based on 2016–2024 graduate surveys. This is a university-wide figure and should not be interpreted as a Biochemistry-specific placement rate.
Salary information: UNE's Biochemistry FAQ reports salary figures from external sources updated in 2023, including approximately $60,227 for Research Associates, $61,367 for Analytical Chemists, $62,939 for Forensic Scientists, $66,031 for Microbiologists and $117,445 for Pharmacologists. UNE notes that some of these careers require advanced degrees.
Industry partnerships: Biochemistry students can pursue internships with organisations including IDEXX, Lonza, Jackson Laboratories, Envirologix and Katahdin Labs, providing opportunities to gain experience and professional contacts in laboratory and biotechnology environments.
Research experience: Faculty-guided research, conference presentations, collaborative projects and hands-on laboratory work can strengthen students' preparation for scientific employment and graduate-level study.
Health-profession pathways: The degree can provide a foundation for professional programmes in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and pharmacy, among other fields that rely on chemistry and biochemistry. UNE also offers GradVantage, providing early-admission opportunities to selected UNE graduate health-profession programmes.
Graduate outcomes and recognition: UNE's university-wide graduate outcomes indicate strong progression into employment or further education, while the Biochemistry curriculum specifically develops laboratory competence, scientific communication and collaborative skills expected in further study and scientific employment.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into master's or doctoral study in biochemistry, chemistry, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, molecular biology and related disciplines. UNE Biochemistry students can also participate in GradVantage for early admission pathways into selected medical, dental, physical therapy and physician assistant programmes, while a partnership with The Roux Institute at Northeastern University provides a 4+1 accelerated M.S. in Biotechnology pathway in which eligible Biochemistry students can transfer up to 12 credits toward the master's degree and earn two degrees within five years.