BS in Biochemistry

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Texas El Paso

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at The University of Texas at El Paso combines chemistry, biology, mathematics, physics and genetics to help students understand the chemical processes underlying living systems. It is designed for students interested in medicine, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, forensic science and scientific research, while also providing a strong foundation for graduate and professional study.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build their scientific foundation through BIOL 1305 – General Biology, CHEM 1305 – General Chemistry I, and MATH 1411 – Calculus I, followed by BIOL 1306 – Organismal Biology and CHEM 1306 – General Chemistry II. Laboratory courses such as BIOL 1108 – Organismal Biology Laboratory and CHEM 1106 – Laboratory for General Chemistry begin developing practical laboratory skills alongside mathematics and core academic studies.

Year 2: Students progress into more specialized chemistry and life-science subjects, including CHEM 2321 – Organic Chemistry I, CHEM 2322 – Organic Chemistry II, and MICR 2340 – General Microbiology. CHEM 3330 – Biochemistry I: Structure and Function and its laboratory introduce students directly to biochemical concepts, while PHYS 2420 – Introductory Mechanics broadens their scientific foundation.

Year 3: The program moves deeper into molecular and biochemical systems through BIOL 3320 – Genetics, CHEM 3332 – Biochemistry II: Dynamics & Bioenergy, and BIOL 3314 – Molecular Cell Biology. Students also study CHEM 4335 – Biophysical Chemistry, connecting chemical principles with biological structures and processes, while physics and university-core coursework continue to support the degree.

Year 4: Students undertake advanced study through CHEM 4334 – Structural Biochemistry and CHEM 4134 – Laboratory for Structural Biochemistry, developing a more detailed understanding of biological structure and molecular function. CHEM 3310 – Analytical Chemistry and its laboratory strengthen analytical and experimental abilities, while MICR 3449 – Prokaryotic Molecular Genetics, CHEM 2261 – The Periodic Table, and approved electives allow students to broaden their scientific interests.

Focus Areas

Biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, genetics, microbiology, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, biological sciences, laboratory science, pharmaceutical science, medical science, forensic science, scientific research and pre-professional health studies.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop technical, research, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills while learning to work with laboratory equipment, maintain precision and accuracy, organize and report scientific data, and communicate complex scientific ideas to technical and non-technical audiences. The program also develops foundations in chemistry, biology, mathematics, physics and genetics for further scientific or professional study.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The UTEP BS in Biochemistry is certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS) when the student completes the required 43 chemistry semester credit hours specified by the department. The department states that the program provides preparation for medical school, industry and competitive graduate programs, while also supporting professional interests in dentistry, forensic science, medicine, pharmacy and veterinary medicine.

Reputation & Employability

UTEP is classified as an R1 university, indicating very high research activity, and the university reports $162 million in annual research expenditures and that 45% of graduating seniors in 2023–24 reported participating in an on-campus research or scholarly project. These are university-level indicators rather than a program-specific employability ranking; UTEP also reports recognition for student social mobility, including a Top 10 national position cited by the university.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

UTEP's Biochemistry BS combines classroom learning with extensive laboratory training and opportunities for undergraduate research. Students progress from general and organic chemistry laboratories into biochemistry, molecular biology, analytical and structural biochemistry laboratories, while the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department offers research in areas including health and human disease, diagnostics, environmental chemistry, energy and structural biology.

The department also provides access to specialized research infrastructure, including high-field NMR, X-ray and Cryo-EM facilities, giving students an environment connected to modern biochemical and structural research. UTEP's College of Science also offers research and internship pathways, including the Undergraduate Pathways Network summer research program.

Students can build practical experience through:

Biochemistry laboratories: Students complete CHEM 3131 – Laboratory for Biochemistry I and CHEM 4134 – Laboratory for Structural Biochemistry, gaining practical experience alongside their advanced biochemical studies.
Analytical chemistry laboratory: CHEM 3110 – Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry develops practical analytical chemistry skills during the senior year.
Molecular biology and genetics: BIOL 3314 – Molecular Cell Biology and Laboratory, BIOL 3320 – Genetics, and MICR 3449 – Prokaryotic Molecular Genetics provide experience with biological and molecular systems.
Undergraduate research: UTEP states that undergraduate students can undertake research for credit or as volunteers, allowing them to gain experience in their areas of interest.
Paid summer research: The Chemistry and Biochemistry department participates in the Undergraduate Pathways Network Summer Research Program, a 10-week research experience with faculty/lab mentorship, seminars and professional-development activities; UPN scholars receive a $6,000 stipend.
Research areas: Students can potentially engage with faculty research involving biosensors, drug development, protein folding, macromolecular assemblies, X-ray crystallography, Cryo-EM, diagnostic tools and vaccines.
NMR facility: UTEP's department operates 600 MHz, 400 MHz and 300 MHz NMR spectrometers, supporting advanced chemical and biochemical analysis and research.
X-ray and Cryo-EM infrastructure: The department has dedicated X-Ray and Cryo-EM Facility Managers, reflecting the availability of specialized structural-science infrastructure within the department.
External internships: UTEP highlights Biochemistry majors completing competitive internships at institutions including the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, while its internship programs can include research-related, local, national and international placements.
Professional student organizations: Undergraduate resources include the American Chemical Society Student Chapter and Biochemistry Student Association, providing opportunities for academic and professional engagement.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biochemistry BS can lead toward scientific careers in industry, government, research and forensic laboratories, while also providing preparation for professional programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and pharmacy. UTEP highlights graduate and professional education as an important pathway and reports examples of graduates moving into research and industry, including a Biochemistry graduate who progressed through UTEP's research training and later became a quality-control chemist at Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies.

Typical career directions include: Researcher, Product Developer, Chemical Safety Specialist, Hazardous Waste Manager.

Career and progression opportunities include:

Academic and career advising: Chemistry and Biochemistry students are required to consult with a departmental advisor before enrollment, while the College of Science's CORE provides advising and readiness support.
Research preparation: UTEP provides undergraduate research opportunities for credit or as volunteers, and the department offers paid summer research opportunities through programs such as UPN.
Internship support: UTEP Edge describes internships as experiential learning that can involve professional projects, mentoring and real-world applications, with opportunities available in local, regional, national and international settings.
Industry connection: UTEP's Chemistry and Biochemistry department describes research and professional applications across industrial settings including agriculture, petroleum, pharmaceutical and plastics industries, as well as national laboratories.
Commercialization opportunities: UTEP's Office of Technology Commercialization works with university innovators and industry to identify patentable inventions, licensing opportunities, collaborations and startup opportunities, creating a pathway from university research toward commercial applications.
Employment and salary data: An official UTEP post-graduation analysis reports that 67% of UTEP graduates were employed in the same year after graduation and that the median Texas earnings five years after graduation were $57,000 for Biochemistry graduates. These figures are UTEP-wide/degree-level historical data rather than a guarantee for an individual graduate or a current salary.
Graduation outcomes: UTEP reports 133,988+ alumni living in 76 countries and a 150% increase in degrees awarded annually between 2000–01 and 2023–24.
Long-term professional value: ACS certification can provide an additional professional distinction for students completing the specified 43 chemistry semester credit hours, while the broad chemistry/biochemistry foundation can support later professional and graduate education.
Advanced professional careers: UTEP specifically identifies medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy and forensic science among the professional directions supported by its Chemistry and Biochemistry degrees.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BS in Biochemistry, students can pursue graduate study in chemistry, biochemistry and related scientific disciplines, or apply to professional programs such as medical, dental, veterinary and pharmacy school. UTEP's Chemistry and Biochemistry department offers an M.S. in Chemistry and Ph.D. in Chemistry, while the university also provides pre-professional advising for students pursuing health-related professional degrees.