BA in Chemistry: Chemical Biology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Boston University

Program Overview

Boston University’s BA in Chemistry: Chemical Biology combines a strong chemistry foundation with the study of biological systems at the molecular level. It is a great fit for students interested in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, scientific research, medicine, or graduate study, with opportunities to explore areas such as drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, protein chemistry, and DNA nanotechnology.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin by building their foundation in chemistry, biology, and mathematics. Courses such as CAS CH 109 General Chemistry, CAS CH 112 General Chemistry, and CAS BI 108 Biology 2 introduce the core scientific concepts they will use throughout the degree.

Year 2: Students develop a deeper understanding of chemical reactions and biological processes through courses such as CAS CH 211 Organic Chemistry, CAS CH 212 Organic Chemistry, and CAS CH 232 Inorganic Chemistry. They also continue studying biology and physics, helping them understand how chemical principles connect with living systems.

Year 3: Students begin focusing more closely on the connection between chemistry and biology through courses such as CAS CH 352 Physical Chemistry, CAS BB 421 Introduction to Biochemistry, and CAS CH 623 Chemical Biology. They can also explore advanced areas such as chemical synthesis, instrumental analysis, macromolecular structure, enzymology, and biotechnology.

Year 4: In the final year, students develop more specialized knowledge through courses such as CAS CH 525 Biophysical Chemistry and CAS CH 524 Advanced Laboratory in Chemical Biology. They can choose advanced subjects such as CAS CH 644 Medicinal Chemistry, CAS CH 648 Contemporary Drug Discovery, CAS CH 628 Protein Chemistry, or CAS CH 629 DNA Nanotechnology, while research-focused students can pursue advanced research and, where eligible, complete an honors thesis.

Focus Areas

Chemical biology, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, biophysical chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, protein chemistry, DNA nanotechnology, biotechnology, macromolecular structure, enzymology, chemical synthesis, scientific research.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop a strong understanding of chemistry and chemical biology while learning how chemical principles apply to biological systems. They build practical skills in experimental design, modern laboratory techniques, scientific data analysis, quantitative reasoning, computer modeling, data-fitting software, scientific literature research, and communicating scientific findings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Chemistry: Chemical Biology major qualifies students for certification by the American Chemical Society (ACS). The program also provides a strong foundation for careers and further study in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, chemical and biochemical research, medicine, regulatory agencies, government, teaching, law, and public policy.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Boston University has a strong overall reputation for graduate employability. In its reported 2025 rankings, BU was #12 in the U.S. for employability according to Times Higher Education and #43 in the U.S. for long-term career success according to LinkedIn, highlighting the university’s strong career environment.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Boston University’s BA in Chemistry: Chemical Biology gives students plenty of opportunities to turn classroom knowledge into practical laboratory and research experience. Students work with modern experimental techniques and scientific tools while developing skills in experimental design, data analysis, computer modelling, and scientific research. A key part of this experience is CAS CH 524 Chemical Biology Laboratory, a project-based course that includes eight hours of laboratory work each week and allows students to work with techniques such as fluorescent binding assays, enzyme activity, and inhibition kinetics. These opportunities help students build the practical confidence needed for further study or careers in chemistry, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and related fields:

Chemical Biology Laboratory: CAS CH 524 Chemical Biology Laboratory provides hands-on experience with protein–peptide and protein–small molecule interactions, fluorescent binding assays, enzyme activity, and inhibition kinetics.
Undergraduate Research: Students can undertake independent research through CAS CH 401/402 or CAS CH 461/462 when their research focuses on the chemistry–biology interface.
Extensive Research Experience: A four-unit undergraduate research course normally involves at least 16 hours of research activity per week, giving students substantial experience working within a research environment.
Honors Research: Eligible students can complete CAS CH 401 and CH 402 Honors Research in Chemistry, undertake experimental or theoretical research, write a research thesis, defend their work before a faculty committee, and present their findings at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Chemical Instrumentation Center: The Chemical Instrumentation Center (CIC) provides access to advanced equipment and analytical resources, including NMR, mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, EPR, and circular dichroism (CD).
Advanced Research Facilities: Chemistry research laboratories are located in the Metcalf Science Center, Life Sciences & Engineering Building, and Photonics Center, supporting interdisciplinary research across chemistry, biology, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, and materials science.
Advanced Microscopy and Imaging: The Photonics Center provides access to research equipment including atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and clean-room facilities.
Computational Tools: Students develop experience using computer modelling and data-fitting software to analyze laboratory data and investigate scientific problems.
Research Computing: BU’s Research Computing Services provides access to scientific and mathematical software, plotting tools, high-performance computing resources, and the Shared Computing Cluster for computationally intensive research.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program: Through UROP, students can participate in research projects across Boston University and gain additional experience working with faculty researchers.
External Research: Students may receive academic credit for approved research carried out outside the Chemistry Department when the work is supervised by a Chemistry faculty advisor.
Research Presentation: Students completing senior research present their findings at the Departmental Undergraduate Research Symposium, giving them experience communicating scientific results to an academic audience.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Boston University’s BA in Chemistry: Chemical Biology gives graduates a strong foundation for careers in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, scientific research, teaching, and regulatory work. The combination of chemistry, biology, laboratory experience, and research skills also prepares students for professional and postgraduate study, with career options such as Chemical Biology Researcher, Pharmaceutical Research Scientist, Biotechnology Researcher, and Laboratory Scientist.

Boston University offers several resources and opportunities to help students move from their studies into employment or further education:

Career Development: The Center for Career Development supports students with career planning, job searches, résumé and cover-letter guidance, interview preparation, networking, salary negotiation, and employer recruiting events. Students can also use Handshake to explore jobs, internships, and career opportunities.
Networking & Mentoring: BU Connects gives students opportunities to connect with alumni for professional advice, mentoring, networking, and potential career opportunities.
Employment & Salary: Boston University’s 2025 First Destination Survey reported that 61% of graduates entered full-time employment, while 25% continued to graduate or professional school. The reported average starting salary was $74,956 among 580 respondents; these figures are university-wide undergraduate results rather than being specific to Chemistry: Chemical Biology.
Experiential Preparation: The same survey found that 87% of graduates had completed at least one experiential learning experience, while 72% had completed an internship before graduation.
Industry Opportunities: BU graduates have opportunities to pursue careers across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, and research organizations. University career information highlights employers such as Merck & Co., Sanofi Genzyme, Philips Healthcare, Boston Children’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; these are examples of employers associated with BU graduates and are not guaranteed placements.
Professional Accreditation Value: The Chemistry–Chemical Biology major qualifies students for American Chemical Society (ACS) certification, giving graduates an additional professional credential that can strengthen their chemistry career profile.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates can move into pharmaceutical and biotechnology careers, scientific research, teaching, government, law, public policy, and regulatory work, while others continue into MD, PhD, or other graduate programs.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BA, students can continue into graduate study in chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, biophysics, biotechnology, and related scientific fields. Students interested in healthcare can also pursue professional education in medicine and other health-related areas, while BU’s Modular Medical/Dental Integrated Curriculum (MMEDIC) provides an additional pathway for students combining chemistry studies with medical or dental preparation.