Biochemistry, B.S.

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Oklahoma

Program Overview

The Biochemistry, B.S. at the University of Oklahoma is designed for students interested in biomedical research, medicine, dentistry and the chemistry of living organisms, combining advanced biochemistry with molecular biology and laboratory-based study. Students build their knowledge through chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology and molecular biology while developing practical research skills that can support careers in biomedical science or further professional and graduate study.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish a strong foundation in chemistry and the sciences through introductory chemistry, biology, mathematics and general education coursework. The early curriculum prepares students for the more advanced chemistry and biochemistry subjects that follow, with General Chemistry and foundational science courses forming an important part of the degree.

Year 2: Students move into more specialized chemistry, including Organic Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis, while continuing their supporting science coursework. The curriculum also develops their understanding of physical chemistry through courses such as Basic Physical Chemistry and Physical Chemistry Laboratory, giving students opportunities to connect chemical theory with laboratory practice.

Year 3: The focus shifts strongly toward biological chemistry and molecular science. Students study Introduction to Biochemistry, Introduction to Biochemical Methods, Fundamentals of Microbiology and Introduction to Molecular Biology, developing an understanding of biochemical processes alongside practical methods used in biological research.

Year 4: Students deepen their expertise through Principles of Biochemistry I, advanced biology coursework and a final capstone experience. Depending on their interests, students can complete a Senior Thesis (CHEM 4913) or a Current Topics in Biochemistry capstone (CHEM 4933), providing an opportunity to bring together knowledge developed throughout the degree.

Focus Areas

Biochemistry, biomedical research, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemical methods, physical chemistry, organic chemistry, biological sciences, health sciences, pharmaceutical research and biochemical laboratory science.

Learning Outcomes

Students are expected to demonstrate a thorough understanding of biochemical principles, including biochemical energetics, the chemical basis of information flow in biological systems, and the organization and regulation of major biochemical pathways. They also develop the ability to safely plan, conduct and analyze biochemical experiments, including the use of computers for modeling and quantitative analysis of data.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Biochemistry, B.S. is specifically intended for students interested in biomedical research and health professions such as medicine and dentistry. OU identifies the Chemistry Professional B.S. as its ACS-certified degree; therefore, the Biochemistry B.S. should not be described as ACS-accredited or ACS-certified based on the official information available.

Reputation (Employability & Academic Environment)

The University of Oklahoma provides students with access to faculty who are active researchers and encourages undergraduate participation in research. The department highlights research in areas such as drug-resistant bacteria, biomedical science and biological macromolecules, while the university reports a 75% six-year graduation rate and $73,280 median earnings for OU graduates overall in its 2026–27 student-outcome information; these figures are university-wide and are not specific to Biochemistry graduates.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The University of Oklahoma gives Biochemistry students several opportunities to turn classroom knowledge into practical research experience. The department places strong emphasis on faculty-mentored research, while advanced laboratory courses, independent research and capstone options allow students to develop skills in experimental work, data analysis and biochemical methods. Students can also work alongside active researchers and participate in research projects connected with biomedical science.

Students can gain practical experience through:

Introduction to Biochemical Methods: CHEM 3753 provides laboratory-based exposure to methods routinely used in biochemistry, helping students develop practical experimental skills.
Faculty-mentored undergraduate research: Students can join research laboratories as early as their sophomore or junior years and may continue their research through a senior thesis.
Four Year Research Experience (FYRE): OU's FYRE program, offered in partnership with the Honors College, gives selected students the opportunity to participate in research in chemistry and biochemistry faculty laboratories. The department reports that participants have conducted approximately 10–12 hours of research per week during the program.
Senior Thesis: CHEM 4913 is a research-focused capstone and typically requires three semesters of research before enrollment, making it particularly relevant for students considering graduate study in chemistry or biochemistry.
Biochemistry Capstone: CHEM 4933, Current Topics in Biochemistry, is another capstone option and may include a wet-lab or computer-lab component.
Research funding and conferences: Undergraduate researchers may receive research funding awards, present posters at OU's Undergraduate Research Day, travel to scientific conferences and have opportunities to publish their research.
Research facilities: Biochemistry research is supported within the Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center (SLSRC), a 160,000-square-foot research facility housing faculty-led laboratories, research centers and research-support facilities.
Structural biology research: OU's research centers provide training in areas such as biological macromolecule crystallization and X-ray crystallography, with research connected to disease, drug development and molecular structure.
Internship and summer research opportunities: The department identifies internship exchange programs and summer research programs among opportunities available to its students.
Study abroad: Biochemistry students can also use OU's Education Abroad opportunities for electives, lower-division courses or, where permitted, major requirements.

Facilities and research resources: Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, faculty-led research laboratories, research centers and research-support facilities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biochemistry, B.S. is particularly suited to students who want to enter biomedical research or continue into a health profession. OU identifies potential career environments including hospital laboratories, university and government research laboratories, agriculture, education, cosmetics, forensic science, pharmaceutical research and biotechnology.

Typical career directions include Biochemistry Researcher, Laboratory Scientist, Pharmaceutical Researcher and Biotechnology Scientist, with additional opportunities across healthcare, forensic science and research organizations.

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

Career advising: OU's Career Center provides career advising, résumé and CV reviews, cover-letter support, mock interviews, employer research and guidance on identifying career options.
Handshake and employer connections: Students can use Handshake to search for full-time positions and internships, while employers can participate in career fairs, on-campus interviews and recruiting activities.
Research experience: Faculty-mentored research, senior thesis work and research presentations can help students build experience relevant to STEM and health-related careers.
Employment and salary information: OU's Career Center publishes first-destination and hiring statistics. An official 2020–21 OU outcomes report recorded an average full-time salary of $26,880 for Biochemistry, based on one reported salary, so this figure should be treated as a limited historical data point rather than a representative current graduate salary.
University-wide outcomes: OU's latest 2026–27 student-outcome information reports a 75% six-year graduation rate and $73,280 median earnings for OU graduates overall; these figures are not specific to the Biochemistry B.S.
Research and professional connections: Students can work with faculty conducting research in areas such as drug-resistant bacteria, biomedical science, structural biology and biological macromolecules. OU also highlights relationships involving its research centers and the OU Health Sciences Center.
Accreditation value: The department identifies its Chemistry Professional B.S. as ACS-certified. The Biochemistry B.S. itself is not identified as ACS-certified in the official program information, so no ACS accreditation benefit should be attributed directly to this degree.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy study in chemistry, biochemistry or related research areas. OU specifically notes that many Biochemistry students continue to medical, dental or pharmacy school, making the degree suitable for students planning either advanced biomedical research or professional health education.