Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (B.S.B.C.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of North Texas

Program Overview

The Biochemistry program at the University of North Texas explores the molecular and chemical processes that make life possible, combining biochemistry with biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. With both B.S.B.C. and B.A. pathways, it can suit students aiming for research, medicine, clinical chemistry, teaching, dentistry, veterinary medicine or other biologically related professional fields.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students build their scientific foundation through introductory study of biology, chemistry, mathematics and the university core curriculum. This stage establishes the knowledge needed for later biochemical study, particularly in areas such as chemical reactions, compounds and solutions, and the biological systems in which these processes occur.

Second Year: Students progress from foundational science into more specialized chemistry and biology, developing a stronger understanding of organic molecules, cellular systems and quantitative analysis. The curriculum begins connecting chemical principles with biological processes, preparing students for advanced study of macromolecules and metabolic pathways.

Third Year: Students move into more focused biochemical and molecular topics, including Biochemistry I, Genetics and Cell Biology. Biochemistry I examines carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, proteins and nucleic acids, as well as enzyme catalysis and energy-producing pathways, while Genetics explores inheritance and gene biochemistry and Cell Biology examines cellular structures and their functions.

Fourth Year: Advanced study allows students to explore areas such as Physical Chemistry, Biotechnology and additional upper-level biochemistry topics. Physical Chemistry develops knowledge of thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium and kinetics, while Biotechnology examines molecular biotechnology and its applications in industry, agriculture, medicine and forensic science.

Focus areas

Cell biology, chemical reactions, compounds and solutions, macromolecules, metabolic pathways, molecular biology of genes, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, quantitative chemical analysis, biochemistry, genetics and biotechnology.

Learning outcomes

Oral and written communication, application of the scientific method, operation of modern analytical instrumentation, data organization and interpretation, and in-depth knowledge of biochemistry.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

UNT's official sources do not identify a separate professional accreditation specifically for the Biochemistry B.A. or B.S.B.C. The University of North Texas is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees.

Reputation (employability rankings)

UNT highlights the program's research environment, affiliation with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science Education Alliance, paid undergraduate research opportunities and access to more than 4,000 employers through the UNT Career Center. The university's official program page does not publish a Biochemistry-specific QS, Guardian or graduate employment ranking, so no external ranking is attributed to the program here.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

UNT's Biochemistry program connects classroom learning with hands-on research through faculty-led projects, modern analytical instrumentation and dedicated life-science facilities. Students may receive course credit for research in UNT laboratories and research centers, while eligible junior and senior Biology and Biochemistry students can participate in a paid research experience with an active UNT researcher for up to one year.

Students can gain practical experience through:

Undergraduate research: Biochemistry majors can receive course credit for projects in UNT research centers and laboratories, working with experienced faculty and using state-of-the-art instrumentation. Research areas include plant biochemistry, avian genomes, cyanide biodegradation, molecular motors and organismal stress responses.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute research: Eligible junior and senior Biology and Biochemistry majors can undertake a paid research experience for up to one year in the laboratory of an active UNT researcher.
BioDiscovery Institute: Students can explore plant biochemistry research through the BioDiscovery Institute, which brings together biology, chemistry, engineering and data science researchers around life-science and biotechnology challenges.
Life Sciences Complex: The facility provides more than 176,000 square feet of laboratories, classrooms and research spaces, including open laboratories designed to encourage collaboration between student and faculty researchers.
Rooftop greenhouse: The Life Sciences Complex includes climate-controlled rooftop greenhouse facilities used for advanced plant-science and biochemistry research.
Aquatics laboratory: The Biochemistry program highlights an aquatics lab with both fresh- and saltwater facilities, supporting research involving biological systems and environmental responses.
Genomics and bioinformatics resources: UNT's research infrastructure includes a Genomics Center providing sequencing, microarray and bioinformatics services, as well as the Center for Computational Life Sciences for computational analysis of large biological datasets.
Research computing: UNT's Research Computing Services provides high-performance computing, big-data tools and support for simulation, modelling and data analysis across research areas.
Career-connected experience: The UNT Career Center connects students with learning opportunities and real-world work experience through a network of more than 4,000 employers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biochemistry program can prepare graduates for research, medicine, clinical chemistry, teaching and employment across biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food, environmental and other life-science sectors. UNT also notes that many students use the program as preparation for medical school, while additional coursework can support progression to dental, medical, veterinary or allied-health professional programs.

Typical job roles: Biochemist, Clinical Chemist, Biotechnology Researcher, Research Scientist

Students can develop their career and further-study pathway through:

Career support: The UNT Career Center provides access to learning opportunities and real-world work experience through more than 4,000 employers. The Careers in the Life Sciences program also provides information on career choices, career preparation, survival skills and involvement in research laboratories.
Potential employment sectors: UNT identifies agricultural chemical manufacturers, biotechnology companies, consulting agencies, cosmetic manufacturers, educational institutions, environmental organizations and laboratories, food manufacturers, independent research firms and pharmaceutical companies as potential employers.
Research progression: Undergraduate research can provide direct experience in UNT laboratories and research centers, including opportunities involving plant biochemistry, genomics, molecular motors and other areas of biological research.
Medical pathway: With additional coursework, the program can prepare students for medical, dental and veterinary school or training programs for allied health professions.
Combined medical program: UNT administers a joint program with the UNT Health Science Center at Fort Worth that allows eligible students to combine college and medical school, reducing the usual eight-year route to seven years.
Teaching pathway: Students interested in secondary science education can use the Teach North Texas Program to pursue teacher certification.
Employment statistics and salary: The official Biochemistry program page does not publish a Biochemistry-specific graduate employment rate or salary figure, so no unrelated university-wide salary figure has been presented as a program outcome.
University–industry connections: UNT identifies biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food, agricultural chemical, cosmetic and research organizations as potential employment sectors, but the official Biochemistry page does not identify a specific exclusive industry partnership for the program.
Long-term accreditation value: UNT's SACSCOC institutional accreditation covers its baccalaureate degrees and provides institutional academic-quality oversight. The official sources do not state that the Biochemistry degree itself carries a separate professional accreditation.
Graduation outcomes: UNT's official program information emphasizes progression to medical and other professional schools, research careers and employment across multiple life-science sectors rather than reporting one Biochemistry-specific graduation employment percentage.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into graduate study in biochemistry, molecular biology and related life-science disciplines, or pursue professional education in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and allied health. Students interested in teaching can also continue through the Teach North Texas pathway to obtain secondary science teacher certification.