BA/ BS in Biochemistry

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Utah

Program Overview

The University of Utah’s Biochemistry BA/BS explores the molecular-level processes that underlie life, combining broad training in chemistry with biological applications and flexible electives that let students shape the degree around their academic and career goals. It is a strong fit for students interested in pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology, scientific research, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or other health and life-science pathways.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students establish their scientific foundation through courses such as CHEM 1210 General Chemistry I, CHEM 1215 General Chemistry Laboratory I, and MATH 1210 Calculus I, alongside general education requirements. The chemistry sequence introduces fundamental chemical principles and laboratory practice while mathematics develops the quantitative skills needed for later biochemistry and physical chemistry coursework.

Second Year: Students progress into CHEM 2310 Organic Chemistry I, CHEM 2320 Organic Chemistry II, and their associated laboratory courses, building an understanding of the reactions and molecular structures that underpin biological chemistry. Students also continue mathematics, physics, biology, and scientific-writing preparation, creating the interdisciplinary foundation required for upper-division study.

Third Year: The curriculum moves directly into the molecular science of life with CHEM 3510 Biochemistry I and CHEM 3520 Biochemistry II, while students also develop deeper understanding through courses such as CHEM 3000 Quantitative Analysis or CHEM 3090 Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences. Laboratory and biology electives give students opportunities to connect biochemical theory with experimental investigation and biological systems.

Fourth Year: Students complete advanced chemistry and laboratory study, with options including CHEM 3070 Thermochemistry, CHEM 3060 Quantum Chemistry, CHEM 3515 Biochemistry Lab, and other advanced laboratory or upper-division biochemistry electives. The flexible structure allows students to develop greater depth in areas aligned with their future plans, while the major map encourages students to complete senior-level chemistry, advanced labs, emphasis requirements where applicable, and share research through venues such as the Undergraduate Research Symposium and Undergraduate Research Journal.

Focus Areas

Biochemistry, biological chemistry, molecular-level life processes, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, quantitative analysis, molecular biology, laboratory science, pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology, biological sciences, interdisciplinary chemistry

Learning Outcomes

Students develop scientific knowledge, interdisciplinary communication, understanding of the scientific research process, laboratory techniques and instrumentation, complex problem-solving, critical evaluation of data and evidence, and teamwork and leadership skills.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The University of Utah catalog identifies the Biochemistry BA/BS as a program within the Department of Chemistry, but it does not identify a separate professional accreditation specifically for the Biochemistry BA/BS. The department's broader Chemistry program has an ACS-approved professional chemistry emphasis, but this should not be treated as accreditation of the Biochemistry degree itself.

Reputation (Employability)

The University of Utah's official Biochemistry resources identify career pathways across private industry, government, education, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, forensics, business, law, and higher education. The university's current major map also identifies opportunities such as chemist, forensic chemist, lab analyst, lab technician, research scientist, project scientist, bioreagent formulator, and environmental scientist.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biochemistry BA/BS gives students opportunities to move from foundational chemistry into hands-on biochemical investigation. Students can participate in undergraduate research with faculty advisors, use dedicated chemistry teaching and research spaces, and develop practical skills through advanced laboratory courses involving techniques such as spectrophotometry, enzyme kinetics, electrophoresis, chromatography, computer-based data analysis, and molecular modeling.

The program's research-oriented environment is supported by facilities such as the Thatcher Building for Biological and Biophysical Chemistry, whose second level is dedicated to undergraduate training in modern chemistry research techniques and tools. Students can also connect their work to the university's broader undergraduate research ecosystem and present research through venues such as the Undergraduate Research Symposium and Undergraduate Research Journal.

Students can gain practical experience through:

Biochemical laboratory work: CHEM 3515 Biological Chemistry Lab provides laboratory training in protein biochemistry and enzymology, including spectrophotometry, enzyme kinetics, electrophoresis, and chromatography. The course also requires computer-based data analysis and molecular modeling.
Molecular biology laboratory work: CHEM 3525 Molecular Biology DNA Lab explores DNA structure, DNA damage, repair mechanisms, and the consequences of unrepaired DNA damage through laboratory investigation.
Advanced chemical-biology laboratory: CHEM 5750 Advanced Chem Bio Lab uses modern instrumental and synthetic techniques to investigate phenomena at the interface of Chemistry and Biology.
Undergraduate research: Students can participate in undergraduate research under the guidance of an advisor, gaining experience with the scientific research process and developing research projects or proposals.
Research facilities: The Thatcher Building for Biological and Biophysical Chemistry includes dedicated undergraduate training space for the latest techniques and tools in chemistry research.
Research presentation: The major map encourages students to share their research through appropriate venues, including the Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS) and the Undergraduate Research Journal.
Study abroad: The university's Biochemistry advising page specifically identifies study abroad as an opportunity available to students in the major.
Professional mentoring: CHEM 4000 Chem Mentorship is included in the major map as part of the senior-level completion stage, providing a structured connection to professional and academic development.
Academic and laboratory support: The Chemistry Department provides resources including the Learning Enhancement Center and general and organic chemistry help rooms to support students throughout the program.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The University of Utah describes Biochemistry as a degree that can lead into a wide range of scientific, health-related, professional, and research pathways. Graduates can enter areas such as pharmaceutical sciences and biotechnology or continue into advanced biochemical sciences, while the university also identifies pathways in government, education, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, forensics, business, law, and higher education.

Typical career directions include chemist, research scientist, lab analyst, laboratory technician, forensic chemist, project scientist, bioreagent formulator, environmental scientist, and chemical sales representative.

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

Career coaching: University of Utah's UGuide directs students to a career coach for support with career exploration, resumes, internships, interviews, and job searching.
Academic advising: Biochemistry advisors can help students with course selection, degree planning, career exploration, and connecting with opportunities in their field.
Research development: Undergraduate research gives students experience with scientific methods, research projects, data interpretation, laboratory techniques, and scientific communication.
Industry and professional pathways: The university identifies pharmaceutical sciences and biotechnology among the areas for which the Biochemistry degree can provide preparation.
Professional schools: The university specifically identifies medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and other health-related professional training as pathways for Biochemistry graduates.
Government and education: Official university guidance identifies government and education as employment sectors for Biochemistry graduates, alongside private industry.
Research presentation: Students are encouraged to share their research through venues such as the Undergraduate Research Symposium and Undergraduate Research Journal, helping them build a record of scientific engagement.
Employment flexibility: The program's broad chemistry foundation and biological applications allow students to tailor electives toward different professional objectives rather than following a single fixed career route.
Career preparation: The university's major map recommends meeting with the Science Career Coach early to explore career options and later completing professional preparation activities as students approach graduation.

Further Academic Progression: Students can continue into advanced degrees in the biochemical sciences, including graduate study and research-focused programs. The University of Utah offers graduate pathways in areas including Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biological Chemistry; students pursuing research-intensive careers can progress toward master's or doctoral-level study, while students interested in healthcare can use the bachelor's degree as preparation for professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and other health-related fields.