Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in biochemistry

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of St Thomas

Program Overview

The University of St. Thomas’ Biochemistry, B.S. is an interdisciplinary program combining biology and chemistry to explore the molecular basis of life, making it suitable for students interested in biochemistry, medicine, graduate study, biotechnology and related fields. Students develop a strong foundation in biological and chemical sciences through courses such as genetics, organic chemistry and biochemistry, while also building quantitative skills through calculus and physics.

Curriculum Structure

Freshman Year: Students begin with the scientific foundations needed for the major, including CHEM 111 General Chemistry I, CHEM 112 General Chemistry II (or CHEM 115 Accelerated General Chemistry), along with MATH 113 Calculus I. The first year also introduces the biology sequence, helping students establish core knowledge before moving into more specialized study.

Sophomore Year: The curriculum progresses into CHEM 201 Organic Chemistry I and CHEM 202 Organic Chemistry II, while students continue developing their biological knowledge through courses such as BIOL 207 Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution and BIOL 208 Biological Communication and Energetics. Students also complete MATH 114 Calculus II and PHYS 211 Introduction to Classical Physics I, strengthening the quantitative and physical-science foundation of the degree.

Junior Year: Students move into the core of the biochemistry curriculum with CHEM 440 Biochemistry I and CHEM 442 Biochemistry II, examining chemical processes within living systems. They also complete advanced biology coursework and begin developing their scientific communication skills through BCHM 301 Biochemistry Seminar.

Senior Year: Students complete additional upper-level biology and chemistry electives, including a required BIOL 400-level component, allowing them to shape the degree around their interests. Depending on their academic goals, students can also undertake research and, through the honors pathway, complete a thesis, defend their work before an examining panel and present their research at an off-campus meeting.

Focus Areas

Biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, biological communication, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, chemical thermodynamics, quantum chemistry, molecular spectroscopy, quantitative science, biological research

Learning Outcomes

Students develop quantitative problem-solving abilities, laboratory and classroom knowledge across chemistry and biology, the ability to locate and evaluate biochemical literature, scientific writing and oral communication skills, and an understanding of inorganic, organic, physical and analytical chemistry together with cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, evolution and ecology.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Biochemistry B.S. is an interdisciplinary program administered through the Biology and Chemistry departments. The university states that graduating seniors complete achievement exams in both biology and chemistry for assessment of the major and College accreditation, while the University of St. Thomas itself is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Reputation (Employability)

The University of St. Thomas reports that 98% of Tommies are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation, while 81% complete at least one internship during their undergraduate studies; these are university-wide figures rather than Biochemistry-specific outcomes. The university also reports a median starting salary of $70,500 for graduates in its current outcomes information.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Biochemistry students at St. Thomas have opportunities to apply classroom concepts through faculty-led research, laboratory work, scientific seminars and research presentations. The university states that the majority of Biochemistry students participate in undergraduate research with professors, with opportunities to work as paid student researchers or for academic credit, present at international conferences and receive internal or external funding for projects.

Students can develop practical scientific experience through several program-specific opportunities:

Faculty-led undergraduate research: The university reports that the majority of Biochemistry students engage in research projects with professors, while the Chemistry department invites nearly 50 undergraduate students to conduct research each year.
Paid or for-credit research: Students can work directly with faculty on innovative research projects either for academic credit or as paid student researchers.
Biochemistry Seminar: BCHM 301 Biochemistry Seminar develops students' ability to analyze and present biochemical data and communicate scientific ideas.
Research conferences: Students have opportunities to present their research at renowned international conferences, giving them experience communicating scientific findings to broader academic audiences.
Honors research: Students pursuing Biochemistry honors complete four credits of research, prepare a thesis based on primary literature, defend it before an examining panel and present the research at an off-campus meeting.
Rome Empower study abroad: Students can take organic chemistry in Rome for a semester while continuing their science degree, with the course taught by St. Thomas faculty.
Chemistry research environment: Research opportunities span areas such as developmental and cancer biology, chemistry of life processes involving iron, and plant responses to environmental stress.
Corporate research exposure: The Chemistry department states that students have opportunities to interact with corporate research partners before graduation.
Research funding: Students can access internal and external funding opportunities to support their research projects.
Laboratory-based learning: The Biochemistry curriculum combines classroom and laboratory preparation, with the university's learning outcomes specifically emphasizing the laboratory skills required for future study.
Scientific literature research: Students are explicitly expected to locate, read, evaluate and communicate biochemical literature, strengthening their preparation for research-oriented study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biochemistry B.S. is designed to support both direct entry into biotechnology-related work and progression into advanced study. St. Thomas specifically identifies biochemistry, pharmacy, patent law, public policy, and medical and dental careers among its career pathways, while the program also prepares students for graduate study in biochemistry, medicine and related disciplines.

Typical career directions include: Biochemist, Biotechnology Researcher, Laboratory Research Technician, Pharmaceutical Researcher

Career Development Center: St. Thomas provides career exploration and planning through employer and alumni connections, career conversations integrated with curriculum and ongoing career-development opportunities.
Career outcomes: The university currently reports that 98% of Tommies are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. This is a university-wide outcome rather than a Biochemistry-specific statistic.
Internship experience: St. Thomas reports that 81% of undergraduate Tommies complete at least one internship while enrolled.
Starting salary: The university reports a $70,500 median starting salary for graduates; this is a university-wide figure and is not specific to Biochemistry graduates.
Employer connections: St. Thomas reports that 90% of the top public companies in Minnesota actively recruit St. Thomas students. Companies listed by the university include UnitedHealth Group, Target, 3M, Medtronic, Best Buy, General Mills and Ecolab.
Research partnerships: The Chemistry department states that students can interact with corporate research partners before graduation, adding an industry-facing element to undergraduate research.
Research preparation: Students can develop research credentials through faculty projects, presentations, publications and funded research, which can support applications to graduate and professional programs.
Professional development: The university's Career Development Center provides career exploration, employer connections and planning resources, including the PathwayU career exploration and planning platform.
Institutional accreditation: St. Thomas has maintained continuous Higher Learning Commission accreditation since 1916, with its accreditation reaffirmed in 2024.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Biochemistry B.S., students can pursue graduate study in biochemistry, molecular biology and related sciences, or progress into professional education in areas such as medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. Students interested in research can strengthen their applications through the program's research opportunities, while students seeking biotechnology careers can enter industry after completing the bachelor's degree.