Biochemistry - Bachelor of Science (BS)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Colorado Boulder

Program Overview

The Biochemistry - Bachelor of Science (BS) provides interdisciplinary training in biological and chemical sciences, focusing on how chemical processes, molecular interactions and reaction pathways sustain living organisms and influence human health. It suits students interested in medicine, scientific research, biotechnology, pharmacy and biomedical fields, while developing strong foundations in chemistry, biology, calculus and physics.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build their scientific foundation through CHEM 1400 Foundations of Chemistry, CHEM 1401 Foundations of Chemistry Lab, and BCHM 1020 A Path to Success: Introduction to the Biochemistry Major, alongside calculus and general education coursework. This year establishes core chemistry knowledge and introduces students to the academic pathway of the biochemistry major.

Year 2: Students progress into molecular and biochemical science through BCHM 2700 Foundations of Biochemistry, BCHM 3491 Organic Chemistry 2 for Biochemistry Majors, and CHEM 3341 Laboratory in Organic Chemistry 2. Biology courses such as Principles of Genetics or General Biology 2 strengthen understanding of the genetic and cellular processes that underpin biochemistry.

Year 3: The curriculum moves into advanced biological chemistry through BCHM 4720 Metabolic Pathways and Human Disease and BCHM 4740 Biochemistry of Gene Transmission, Expression and Regulation, supported by PHYS 1110 General Physics 1 and PHYS 1120 General Physics 2. Students examine metabolism, disease mechanisms, gene regulation and the physical principles relevant to biological systems.

Year 4: Students complete advanced biochemical study with BCHM 4400 Core Concepts in Physical Chemistry for Biochemists and BCHM 4761 Biochemistry Laboratory, alongside advanced major electives. Elective choices can include areas such as Engineering RNA Aptamers, Principles of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Modern Biophysical Methods, Computational Genomics Lab and Current Topics in Biochemical Research, allowing students to deepen their interests.

Focus Areas: Biochemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, molecular biology, genetics, pharmacology, toxicology, biophysics, computational genomics, biochemical research, human disease, biotechnology.

Learning Outcomes: Master general and organic chemistry principles, apply chemistry to biological systems, explain biomolecular synthesis and function, understand cellular regulation and gene expression, analyze biomolecular interactions, explain energy transformations in biological systems, analyze scientific data, conduct rigorous experiments, evaluate reproducibility, communicate scientific concepts effectively.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Not stated for the Biochemistry - Bachelor of Science (BS) on the current official CU Boulder program and catalog pages reviewed. CU Boulder separately states that chemistry students can pursue American Chemical Society (ACS) certification, but this is not stated as an accreditation or certification for the B.S. in Biochemistry.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): University of Colorado Boulder is ranked #=320 globally. This is a university-level ranking, not a specific ranking of the B.S. in Biochemistry or its employability outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biochemistry - Bachelor of Science (BS) at the University of Colorado Boulder combines chemical and biological sciences with substantial hands-on laboratory training. Students can develop experimental skills through courses such as BCHM 4761 Biochemistry Laboratory, which covers enzymology, spectrophotometry, electrophoresis, protein purification, recombinant DNA techniques and molecular cloning, while undergraduate research opportunities allow students to work directly with faculty on original biochemical research.

Students can build practical and research experience through:

Biochemistry Laboratory: BCHM 4761 provides two four-hour laboratory sessions per week and introduces students to modern biochemical techniques, including enzymology, spectrophotometry, electrophoresis, multi-step protein purification, recombinant DNA techniques and molecular cloning.
Computational laboratory experience: BCHM 4631 Computational Genomics Lab is available within the advanced biochemistry curriculum, giving students an opportunity to develop computational approaches to genomic and biochemical problems.
Independent research: Students can enroll in BCHM 4901 Independent Study for elective credit and undertake research in a faculty laboratory, with up to 6 credits of independent study permitted in one semester.
Faculty research laboratories: Undergraduate research opportunities include projects involving RNA biosensors and RNA structure, protein engineering and spectroscopy, gene expression and transcriptional regulation, biochemical signaling, and molecular biology.
Biochemistry PREP: The Biochemistry Program for Research Exploration and Planning (Biochem PREP) supports first- and second-year students through research preparation workshops, research information sessions, mentorship and laboratory technique training, helping them identify and pursue research opportunities.
Research funding: The Biochemistry Undergraduate Research Scholar Award (BURSA) provides eligible B.S. Biochemistry students conducting research in Biochemistry faculty laboratories with $1,500 per semester for the 2026–27 academic year, reducing financial barriers to undergraduate research.
Mass spectrometry: The Central Analytical Mass Spectrometry Lab provides access to high-resolution liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and supports analyses of small organic molecules, oligonucleotides, peptides, proteins and polymers, together with bioinformatics data processing.
NMR and spectroscopy: The Biochemistry Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility houses a 400 MHz Bruker NMR for solution NMR studies of small molecules, macromolecules, polymers and proteins, with Topspin and MestRenova listed as analytical tools.
Cell culture research: The Biochemistry Cell Culture Facility provides shared research infrastructure including biosafety cabinets, CO₂ incubators, insect-cell culture equipment, mammalian-cell culture facilities, microscopy and user training for research involving areas such as cancer biology, drug discovery and basic life sciences.
Structural biology: The Biomolecular X-ray Crystallography Facility supports crystallization and structure determination of biological macromolecules, with crystal imaging, X-ray diffraction systems and resources for crystallographic computation and model building.
Cryo-electron microscopy: The BioKEM facility provides access to single-particle cryo-EM and cryo-tomography, including a Titan Krios G3i system with a Gatan K3 direct-detection camera and technical support.
High-throughput research: The High Throughput Screening Core Facility supports biochemical and cell-based assays, including live-cell assays, and provides capabilities for drug-discovery research, data analysis, lead identification and validation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biochemistry - Bachelor of Science (BS) at the University of Colorado Boulder provides interdisciplinary preparation for careers in medicine, scientific research, biotechnology, pharmacy, biomedical consulting, teaching and education, while also supporting progression into graduate and professional study. The department reports that many graduates enter industry, including biotechnology and environmentally focused scientific roles, while its undergraduate research opportunities are designed to prepare students for graduate school, professional school, or industry.

Typical career roles: Laboratory Researcher, Biological Scientist, Lab Manager, Pharmacy Technician. CU Boulder also identifies biomedical consultant, researcher, teacher and education professional among potential career pathways.

Career development and progression are supported through:

Career Services: CU Boulder Career Services provides biochemistry students with career counseling, workshops, internships and placement services after graduation, helping students plan their career and connect academic preparation with employment opportunities.
Employment support: Career Services provides access to employment resources and reports that 91% of CU Boulder graduates were working or in graduate school six months after graduation. Its career database is used by 21,000+ students for job and internship opportunities.
Employment and salary figures: CU Boulder reports a $55,000 median starting salary for bachelor's graduates and a $50,000 median full-time annual salary in its broader graduate salary data. These figures are university-wide and are not specific to B.S. Biochemistry graduates.
Biochemistry-specific salary: CU Boulder’s biochemistry academic page reports a $69,900 median salary for biochemistry students 6–10 years after graduation.
Research opportunities: Through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), students can work with a faculty sponsor on original research, including developing proposals, conducting research, analyzing data and presenting results. The department also offers CHEM/BCHM independent study opportunities where students can participate in faculty research teams or conduct independent projects.
Industry experience: The Biochemistry Department introduced BCHM 4906 Internship Course for Credit, allowing students to earn 1 credit for every 45 hours of internship experience, with up to six internship credits applicable toward the major. The department is also developing opportunities with life-science companies to expand undergraduate internship options.
University–industry connections: The department's internship initiative specifically seeks participation from life-sciences companies, connecting undergraduate students with industry opportunities in the biotechnology and related sectors. CU Boulder also identifies biotechnology, health, safety and other science-driven industries as employment areas for its graduates.
Long-term professional value: Students can pursue the American Chemical Society (ACS) certified degree track by completing the specified requirements. CU Boulder describes ACS certification as national recognition of the depth and breadth of chemistry knowledge that can be relevant to future employers.
Graduation outcomes: CU Boulder reports that biochemistry graduates move into industry, scientific research, biotechnology, pharmacy, biomedical consulting, teaching and education, while undergraduate research and health-profession opportunities provide preparation for advanced study.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Biochemistry - Bachelor of Science (BS), students can continue into graduate programs in biochemistry and related life sciences, professional programs such as medicine and pharmacy, or research-oriented postgraduate study. CU Boulder also offers a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, providing a direct route into advanced research training, while students interested in education can pursue teacher certification through the School of Education.