Biochemistry, BS

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New Mexico

Program Overview

The Biochemistry, B.S. at the University of New Mexico gives students a strong foundation in chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics while studying in one of the few U.S. undergraduate biochemistry programs centered within a School of Medicine. It is well suited to students interested in biomedical research, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, as well as those planning to continue into medical, dental, pharmacy or graduate school.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build the scientific foundation needed for advanced biochemistry through introductory chemistry, biology, mathematics and physics. Courses such as CHEM 1215/1215L – General Chemistry I for STEM Majors and Laboratory, CHEM 1225/1225L – General Chemistry II for STEM Majors and Laboratory, together with mathematics and introductory biology, establish the core scientific skills needed for the major.

Year 2: The second year develops stronger laboratory and quantitative skills through CHEM 301 – Organic Chemistry, CHEM 302 – Organic Chemistry, and the associated CHEM 303L and CHEM 304L – Organic Chemistry Laboratories. Students also continue the required biology, physics and mathematics sequences, preparing them to move into the upper-division biochemistry curriculum.

Year 3: Students begin the central biochemistry sequence, studying advanced concepts through BIOC 445 – Intensive Introductory Biochemistry I and BIOC 446, alongside upper-level chemistry such as CHEM 311/312 – Physical Chemistry or the approved physical chemistry pathway. This stage moves students from learning fundamental chemical principles to understanding proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids and the molecular processes underlying life.

Year 4: The final year provides greater depth and flexibility through BIOC 448L and approved upper-division biochemistry electives such as BIOC 451, BIOC 463 and BIOC 464. Students can also strengthen their research profile through opportunities such as BIOC 497 and BIOC 498, with departmental honors students completing mentored research, a senior thesis and an oral presentation.

Focus areas

Biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical processes of life, proteins and enzymes, metabolism, genetics, health and disease, biomedical science, pharmaceutical science, molecular mechanisms, laboratory research and interdisciplinary life sciences.

Learning outcomes

Students develop a strong understanding of the chemical and biological basis of life, build laboratory and research skills, learn to design experiments and analyze scientific data, and gain experience communicating and interpreting scientific findings. Undergraduate research can further develop experimental planning, critical thinking, scientific methodology and independent research skills.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The B.S. Biochemistry curriculum meets or exceeds the curricular recommendations of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) and the American Chemical Society (ACS). UNM's accreditation documentation specifically lists the B.A. and B.S. Biochemistry programs under ASBMB, while the university itself is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Reputation (employability rankings)

UNM's official program information reports that at least half of Biochemistry graduates continue into graduate or professional school, with a significant number continuing to the UNM School of Medicine. The program also reports that many undergraduate researchers have co-authored publications, giving students research experience that can strengthen applications for graduate school, medical school and industry positions.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students can gain practical experience through UNM's undergraduate research opportunities, where they work with faculty mentors on real biomedical research rather than limiting their learning to the classroom. The program provides access to research across areas such as cancer biology, metabolic disease, molecular biology and health disparities, while students can develop skills in experimental design, laboratory techniques, data analysis and scientific communication.

Students can build that practical experience through several specific opportunities:

Undergraduate research: Biochemistry majors can join faculty research laboratories and participate in hands-on projects, with opportunities to earn academic research credit through BIOC 499 or BIOC 497/BIOC 498.
Research honors: Students completing departmental honors undertake six credit hours of honors research, prepare a senior thesis and present their research orally at BMB Research Day.
Biomedical research laboratories: Students can explore research in laboratories working on cancer biology, metabolic disease, aging, inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer and molecular mechanisms of disease.
Research methods: Undergraduate research develops practical abilities in experimental design, laboratory protocols, data collection and analysis, interpretation of results and scientific problem-solving.
School of Medicine environment: Students take classes on both the main campus and at the School of Medicine complex, giving the degree a strong connection to biomedical and health-science research.
Cross-disciplinary research: Honors students may conduct research in laboratories across Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Cell Biology, Neurosciences, Pathology and Internal Medicine.
UREBS research opportunity: UNM's Undergraduate Research Experience in Biomedical Sciences allows undergraduates to experience research in laboratories across the university while earning academic credit.
Research facilities: UNM Health Sciences Center provides laboratories, clinical research units and specialized shared research facilities supporting basic, clinical and translational research.
Scientific presentation and publication: Students involved in research may have opportunities to contribute to scientific publications and present their findings at conferences or meetings.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biochemistry, B.S. provides a broad foundation for careers across biomedical research, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, public health, forensic science and biotechnology, while also supporting students who want to continue into advanced study. UNM specifically identifies pathways into graduate research and professional healthcare programs, and its School of Medicine setting gives students opportunities to build relevant research experience and professional connections.

Typical career directions include biochemist, pharmaceutical research scientist, medical technologist and laboratory technician, with further qualifications opening pathways such as physician, physician assistant and university faculty.

Students can strengthen their transition from university into employment and further study through:

Career Services: UNM's Office of Career Services provides career advising, career exploration, skill development and employer connections. Its Handshake platform provides access to internship, co-op and post-graduate opportunities, as well as employer information sessions and recruiting activities.
Employer connections: UNM Career Services connects employers with students through career fairs, networking events, on-campus recruiting, interviews and Handshake.
Relevant employment and internship organizations: UNM's Biochemistry career information identifies opportunities with organizations including TriCore Reference Laboratories, Curia Global, UNM Hospital, Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Office of the Medical Investigator, Sandia National Laboratories, U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Energy.
Salary information: UNM Career Services provides occupation-level salary information rather than a specific salary for Biochemistry graduates. Its published figures for Clinical Laboratory Technologists in New Mexico list a median annual wage of $46,980, while the U.S. median shown is $57,800; these figures describe the occupation and are not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Research-to-career development: Undergraduate research provides opportunities to work alongside faculty, graduate researchers, postdoctoral researchers and industry professionals, supporting mentorship, networking, recommendations and potential future employment connections.
Professional accreditation value: The program meets or exceeds ASBMB and ACS curricular recommendations, while UNM's institutional accreditation is maintained by the Higher Learning Commission.
Graduation outcomes: UNM reports that at least half of Biochemistry graduates continue into graduate or professional school, with a significant number attending the UNM School of Medicine.

Further Academic Progression: Students can continue into graduate programs in biochemistry, molecular biology and related biomedical sciences, or pursue professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and other health professions. UNM also offers interdisciplinary graduate study through its Biochemistry & Molecular Biology environment, including MS and PhD tracks in biological, medical and translational sciences.