Biochemistry, B.S.B.

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Tulsa

Program Overview

The University of Tulsa's Biochemistry, B.S.B. combines chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics to help students understand the chemical processes underlying living systems, with preparation for careers and further study in areas such as medicine, pharmaceuticals, research and teaching. The program suits students who enjoy laboratory science and analytical problem-solving, progressing from foundational chemistry and biology to advanced biochemistry, analytical chemistry, molecular modeling and laboratory-based study.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students establish their scientific foundation through CHEM 1013 General Chemistry I, CHEM 1023 General Chemistry II, BIOL 1603 Introduction to Organismal and Evolutionary Biology and BIOL 1703 Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology, alongside their laboratory components. They also begin developing academic and communication skills through FYE 1001 First Year Experience, ENGL 1033 Exposition and Argumentation and ENGL 2093 STEM and Business Writing.

Second Year: Students build more specialized chemistry skills through CHEM 3013 Organic Chemistry I, CHEM 3023 Organic Chemistry II and their corresponding laboratory courses, while MATH 2014 Calculus I and MATH 2024 Calculus II strengthen the quantitative foundation. CHEM 3032 Molecular Modeling introduces computational approaches to understanding chemical structures and behavior, giving students an important connection between theoretical chemistry and practical analysis.

Third Year: The curriculum moves into advanced chemical analysis and biochemistry through CHEM 3033 Physical Chemistry I, CHEM 4083 Analytical Chemistry I, CHEM 4133 Biochemistry I and their associated laboratory courses. Students also undertake CHEM 3101 Junior Seminar, while advanced biology electives allow them to develop knowledge in areas relevant to their individual academic interests.

Fourth Year: Students complete advanced study through CHEM 4143 Biochemistry II, CHEM 4183 Analytical Chemistry II, CHEM 4871 Senior Seminar I and CHEM 4961 Senior Seminar II, together with advanced electives in science, mathematics, computer science or engineering. The program concludes with a broad scientific skill set spanning biochemical processes, analytical methods, physical chemistry and scientific communication, with students required to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA in both the major and overall to graduate.

Focus Areas

Biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, molecular modeling, chemical analysis, laboratory science, evolutionary biology, biotechnology

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to describe the structure, composition and properties of chemical substances; plan the synthesis of inorganic and organic compounds; characterize substances through physical and chemical properties; use microscopic theories to explain macroscopic behavior; explain how energy affects structure and reactivity; and apply chemical theory to explain the rate and outcome of chemical reactions.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The official B.S.B. Biochemistry bulletin does not identify a separate professional accreditation specific to this degree. The University of Tulsa is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, while the biochemistry curriculum emphasizes substantial laboratory training and preparation for professional fields including medicine, pharmaceuticals, law and teaching.

Reputation / Employability

The University of Tulsa's official 2023–2024 First Destination Survey specifically reports Biochemistry graduates progressing to employers including MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Shaman Pharma and Walgreens Pharmacy, while reported graduate-school destinations include Case Western Reserve University, East Carolina University, Oklahoma State University, the University of Florida, the University of Maryland, the University of Oklahoma, the University of Southern California, the University of Tennessee and the University of Texas. These are Biochemistry-specific destinations rather than university-wide figures.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The University of Tulsa emphasizes hands-on laboratory learning within its Chemistry and Biochemistry programs, with small laboratory sessions that rarely exceed 30 students and individual attention from faculty. The university describes the department as having high-end equipment comparable to facilities at larger state universities, giving students opportunities to develop practical skills alongside their theoretical studies.

Students can build practical scientific experience through:

General Chemistry laboratories: Students complete CHEM 1011 General Chemistry I Laboratory and CHEM 1021 General Chemistry II Laboratory as part of the foundational curriculum.
Organic Chemistry laboratories: CHEM 3011 Organic Chemistry I Laboratory and CHEM 3021 Organic Chemistry II Laboratory provide practical experience alongside advanced organic chemistry.
Physical Chemistry Laboratory: CHEM 3031 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I connects physical chemistry concepts with laboratory investigation.
Analytical Chemistry laboratories: Students complete CHEM 4081 Analytical Chemistry I Laboratory and CHEM 4181 Analytical Chemistry II Laboratory, developing practical analytical skills.
Biochemistry Laboratory: CHEM 4131 Biochemistry I Laboratory gives students direct laboratory experience connected to biochemical concepts.
Molecular modeling: CHEM 3032 Molecular Modeling introduces computational approaches for examining chemical structures and behavior.
Small-group laboratory environment: UTulsa states that laboratory sessions in Chemistry and Biochemistry rarely exceed 30 students, allowing students to receive individual attention from faculty.
Faculty research environment: The department emphasizes research and practical experience, and the university offers undergraduate students opportunities to engage with faculty-led scientific work.
Advanced scientific equipment: UTulsa describes the Chemistry and Biochemistry program as having access to a wide range of high-end field equipment comparable with facilities at larger state universities.
Seminar-based development: CHEM 1101 Freshman Seminar, CHEM 2101 Sophomore Seminar, CHEM 3101 Junior Seminar, CHEM 4871 Senior Seminar I and CHEM 4961 Senior Seminar II provide progressive academic and professional development throughout the degree.
Advanced electives: Students can select 9 hours of advanced electives from science, mathematics, computer science or engineering at the 2000 level or above, allowing them to connect biochemistry with related technical disciplines.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biochemistry B.S.B. provides a foundation for employment and graduate study across laboratory science, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and research. UTulsa's official First Destination Survey provides direct evidence of Biochemistry graduates entering employers such as MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Shaman Pharma and Walgreens Pharmacy, as well as continuing to graduate schools across medicine and science-related fields.

Typical career directions include: biochemist, laboratory scientist, pharmaceutical scientist, research scientist.

Students can build toward these opportunities through:

Career Development: UTulsa's CaneCareers provides career coaching from the beginning of a student's university experience, helping students explore majors and academic interests and connect with career resources.
Job-placement support: The university states that its Job Placement Guarantee provides qualifying students who follow the program with an entry-level job in their chosen field or continued education within six months of graduation, or a free semester of graduate school.
Biochemistry-specific employers: The 2023–2024 First Destination Survey lists MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Shaman Pharma and Walgreens Pharmacy as employers of Biochemistry graduates.
Graduate-school progression: The same survey lists graduate destinations including Case Western Reserve University, East Carolina University, Oklahoma State University, University of Florida, University of Maryland, University of Oklahoma, University of Southern California, University of Tennessee and University of Texas.
Previous graduate outcomes: Earlier UTulsa outcomes reports also document Biochemistry graduates progressing to organizations including Catalent, Cleveland Clinic, Eijkman Institute, Ascension St. John Medical Center and the U.S. Navy, demonstrating a range of healthcare, pharmaceutical, research and public-sector destinations.
Industry relevance: UTulsa specifically states that its Chemistry and Biochemistry programs prepare students for fields including law, medicine, pharmaceuticals and teaching.
Small learning environment: Laboratory sessions rarely exceed 30 students, supporting close faculty interaction while students develop practical laboratory skills.
Further professional preparation: The combination of chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, analytical chemistry and biochemistry gives students a broad science foundation that can support postgraduate study and professional-school pathways.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S.B., students can progress into graduate and professional education in areas related to biochemistry, chemistry, biological sciences, medicine, pharmaceuticals and other health or science disciplines. UTulsa's official outcomes data demonstrates progression from the Biochemistry major to graduate institutions including Case Western Reserve University, East Carolina University, Oklahoma State University, University of Florida, University of Maryland, University of Oklahoma, University of Southern California, University of Tennessee and University of Texas.