Biochemistry Bachelor's Degree

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Texas at San Antonio

Program Overview

The B.S. in Biochemistry at The University of Texas at San Antonio combines chemistry, biology and physics to explore how chemical processes operate within living organisms, with strong preparation for industry, medical technology, environmental studies and health-related professional programs. Students study areas including molecular biophysics, cell biology, genetics, biomolecules, metabolic regulation and biochemical analysis while developing laboratory and research skills.

Curriculum structure

First Year: Students build their scientific foundation through courses such as Biosciences I for Science Majors and Biosciences I Laboratory for Science Majors, General Chemistry I, mathematics and introductory physics. The year establishes core knowledge in biological systems, chemical principles and scientific problem-solving.

Second Year: The curriculum progresses into more specialized chemistry and physics, including Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Laboratory, Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Laboratory, and Physics for Scientists and Engineers I and II with laboratories. This stage strengthens students' understanding of molecular structure, chemical reactions and quantitative scientific analysis.

Third Year: Students move into the central biochemical sciences through Biochemistry I, Biochemistry I Laboratory, Analytical Chemistry and Cell Biology, followed by Biochemistry II, Biochemistry II Laboratory and statistics. These courses connect chemical principles with cellular processes and give students practical experience in biochemical laboratory methods.

Fourth Year: The final year develops advanced scientific and professional skills through Chemical Communications, Independent Study, Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry and Biophysical Chemistry, alongside upper-division electives. Students can use independent study and advanced coursework to deepen their interests in biochemistry and prepare for research, employment or further professional study.

Focus areas

Biochemistry, molecular biology, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, molecular biophysics, cell biology, genetics, biomolecular structure and function, metabolic regulation, biochemical analysis, medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, environmental science, medical technology and scientific research.

Learning outcomes

Students develop an understanding of chemical processes in living organisms, biomolecular structure and function, metabolic regulation and biochemical analysis while building laboratory, scientific communication, research and analytical problem-solving skills.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The B.S. in Biochemistry meets the standards for accreditation by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), and graduates earn a degree certified by the professional society.

Reputation (employability rankings)

UTSA's official career information highlights its career-focused approach and reports that graduates earn an average annual salary $28,000 higher than high-school graduates; this is a university-wide figure rather than a Biochemistry-specific salary statistic. The Biochemistry page also identifies preparation for industry, government, environmental studies, medical technology and graduate study.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical experience through early participation in faculty-led laboratory research, where undergraduate biochemistry majors can work on projects involving biological chemistry, organic and inorganic synthesis and analysis, new drug design, surface catalysis, and theoretical or computational modelling. The program also provides access to advanced analytical instrumentation and offers internship and independent-study opportunities that can connect classroom learning with research and professional environments.

Specific opportunities and resources include:

Faculty-led undergraduate research: Biochemistry majors can become involved in laboratory research early in their studies and may contribute to research that can lead to published articles.
Independent Study: CHE 4912 Independent Study allows students to undertake advanced study or research under faculty direction.
Internship: CHE 4933 Internship provides a semester-long work experience in a private business or public agency in a position related to the student's field.
Mass spectrometry and proteomics: Students have access to instruments including MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry, Bruker microTOFMS and a Thermo-Fisher LTQ-Velos-Orbitrap-Elite.
Magnetic Resonance Laboratory: Facilities include Bruker 300 MHz and 500 MHz NMR systems, EPR spectrometers and FTIR equipment.
Analytical chemistry equipment: Research laboratories include HPLC systems, gas chromatographs, spectrophotometers, electrochemical equipment and automated chromatography systems.
Biochemical and molecular research tools: Facilities include mammalian cell culture equipment, PCR systems, LC-MS/MS, fluorescence spectrometry, protein crystallography resources and microfluidics equipment.
Summer research: The Voelcker Summer Research Experience provides an immersive eight-week research experience in medicinal chemistry, preclinical pharmacology, biochemistry and chemical biology, with students working alongside faculty mentors on ongoing research projects.
Career and internship support: The College of Sciences Career Center provides science-focused career counselling, while Handshake gives students access to job and internship opportunities.
Science facilities: Students have access to the Science and Engineering Building, Mesquite Living Laboratory and other College of Sciences resources.
Professional organizations: Chemistry and biochemistry students can participate in organizations such as the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) and American Chemical Society (ACS) for networking and professional development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biochemistry is designed to support careers in industry, government, environmental studies and medical technology while also providing a foundation for professional and graduate education. UTSA specifically highlights pathways into health-related disciplines such as medicine, dentistry and pharmacology, as well as graduate study in biochemistry and related fields.

Typical roles and career areas include: Research Scientist, Chemist, Laboratory Technician, Forensic Scientist. UTSA's Chemistry Department also identifies research scientist, forensic scientist, toxicologist, quality-control and laboratory-tech careers among its graduate career areas.

Students can strengthen their transition from study to employment through:

Career support: The University Career Center helps students develop skills for long-term career goals, while the College of Sciences provides a dedicated career counsellor for science students and internship guidance.
Employment and salary information: UTSA's official career-ready information reports that graduates earn an average annual salary $28,000 more than high-school graduates; this statistic is university-wide rather than specific to Biochemistry.
Research-to-industry preparation: Biochemistry students can participate in faculty research involving new drug design, biological chemistry, synthesis and analysis, surface catalysis and computational modelling, providing experience relevant to pharmaceutical, biotechnology and research environments.
Internship connections: The College of Sciences uses Handshake and dedicated career counselling to connect students with internships, jobs and recruiting opportunities.
Research partnerships and facilities: Students can work within research environments supported by the Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics Core, Center for Innovative Drug Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry and Synthesis Core, all of which support biochemistry-related research at UTSA.
Professional accreditation value: The ASBMB-accredited/certified degree provides professional recognition while supporting progression into industry and advanced health or scientific study.
Graduate preparation: UTSA's research opportunities, independent study and advanced laboratory work can provide preparation for graduate-level study and research careers.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into graduate study in biochemistry, chemistry and related scientific fields, while the degree also provides preparation for professional programs in medicine, dentistry and pharmacology. UTSA's Department of Chemistry offers an M.S. in Chemistry with biochemistry among its areas of specialization, providing one direct postgraduate pathway within the university.