Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary, research-oriented degree combining biological sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and molecular and cellular biology, making it well suited to students interested in laboratory research, biotechnology, medicine, or advanced scientific study. Students develop a detailed understanding of biochemical processes at the molecular level through courses in molecular genetics, experimental molecular and cellular biology, physical biochemistry, biophysics, and modern biochemical and biotechnology techniques.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students begin with the foundations of biochemistry through BIOC 190 – Biochemistry Orientation, MCB 150 – Molecular & Cellular Basis of Life, and CHEM 102 – General Chemistry I or the accelerated CHEM 202 – Accelerated Chemistry I sequence. They also develop quantitative skills through MATH 220 – Calculus and complete the first stages of laboratory-based chemistry and general education study.

Second Year: The curriculum moves into molecular genetics, cellular biology, and organic chemistry through courses including MCB 250 – Molecular Genetics, MCB 251 – Experimental Techniques in Molecular Biology, and CHEM 236 – Fundamental Organic Chem I. Students also take MCB 252 – Cells, Tissues & Development, MCB 253 – Experimental Techniques in Cellular Biology, CHEM 436 – Fundamental Organic Chem II, and higher-level mathematics and physics.

Third Year: Students connect molecular biology with biochemical mechanisms through MCB 354 – Biochemical & Physical Basis of Life, BIOC 406 – Gene Expression & Regulation, and BIOC 455 – Techniques in Biochemistry & Biotechnology. The year also develops quantitative and physical-science skills through STAT 212 – Biostatistics, physics, and approved advanced science or technical electives.

Fourth Year: Students integrate their knowledge through BIOC 460 – Biochemistry Senior Seminar, BIOP 401 – Introduction to Biophysics, and BIOC 446 – Physical Biochemistry, which examines the physical properties of biological macromolecules using techniques such as spectroscopy and magnetic resonance. Students can also undertake BIOC 492 – Senior Thesis, allowing them to complete substantial undergraduate research as part of the advanced curriculum.

Focus Areas

Biochemistry, molecular biology, molecular genetics, cellular biology, biotechnology, biophysics, biological chemistry, biochemical research, pharmaceutical science, medicine, nutrition, microbiology, food technology, agriculture, and environmental applications.

Learning Outcomes

Understand biomolecular structure and function; explain molecular information storage and regulation; understand biochemical mechanisms and kinetics; apply thermodynamics to biological systems; design scientific processes and test hypotheses; perform quantitative analysis; construct predictive models and simulations; integrate biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computation, and engineering; communicate scientific concepts; recognize the social and health dimensions of biochemical research.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The official Biochemistry BS curriculum page does not state a specific professional accreditation for the Biochemistry degree. The program is designed for students pursuing graduate study, MD/PhD programs, medical and other professional schools, or research-oriented industry careers.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's official major information reports 90% employed or continuing education, with 36% employed after graduation, 54% attending graduate school, and an average starting annual income of $56,431 for Biochemistry graduates. The university also lists graduate destinations including AbbVie, Evozyne, Epic Systems, Northwestern University, Christie Clinic, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The B.S. in Biochemistry at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign combines chemistry, molecular biology, biology, physics, mathematics, and biochemistry with substantial experimental work. Students can gain research experience through BIOC 290 and BIOC 492, work in approved faculty laboratories, use advanced teaching and research facilities, and complete a senior thesis; the curriculum also includes dedicated experimental courses such as MCB 251 Experimental Techniques in Molecular Biology, MCB 253 Experimental Techniques in Cellular Biology, and BIOC 455 Techniques in Biochemistry & Biotechnology.

The program provides several ways to turn classroom knowledge into practical scientific experience:

BIOC 290 Undergraduate Research: Students can undertake laboratory work and reading under the supervision of an appropriate faculty member, with research potentially leading to presentations, publications, and preparation for senior thesis research.
BIOC 492 Senior Thesis Research: Students conduct independent laboratory research during their senior year and complete a senior thesis; two semesters of BIOC 492 are required for the departmental distinction pathway.
Experimental molecular biology: MCB 251 Experimental Techniques in Molecular Biology provides practical experience in molecular biology techniques, while MCB 253 Experimental Techniques in Cellular Biology adds hands-on cellular biology training.
Biochemistry and biotechnology laboratory experience: BIOC 455 Techniques in Biochemistry & Biotechnology is a required advanced biochemistry component, giving students practical exposure to techniques used in these fields.
Research laboratories: Biochemistry students can join approved faculty laboratories across the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, gaining hands-on experience with scientific procedures, state-of-the-art technology, analytical methods, and scientific communication.
Advanced research infrastructure: Relevant research facilities include the Roger Adams Laboratory, Chemical and Life Sciences Laboratory, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Beckman Institute, and Materials Research Laboratory, providing access to interdisciplinary research environments.
Specialized instrumentation: Illinois research facilities include mass spectrometry, NMR, X-ray diffraction, electron paramagnetic resonance, high-throughput screening, microanalysis, HPLC/UPLC, and other advanced analytical technologies used across chemical and biological research.
Genomics and computational resources: The campus provides specialized life-science infrastructure including the Functional Genomics Unit, High-Performance Biological Computing, Metabolomics Center, Proteomics Core, and Cytometry and Microscopy to Omics facilities.
Summer research: Illinois students can pursue the School of MCB Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) instead of the department's external REU route, providing an intensive summer research experience.
Research communication and distinction: Students pursuing departmental distinction must complete at least 6 credit hours of undergraduate research, including at least 4 hours of BIOC 492, and present a senior thesis to the department.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is designed for students targeting research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medicine, and other advanced scientific fields, while also providing preparation for graduate and professional education. The university’s current major profile reports 90% employed or continuing education, with 36% employed and 54% attending graduate school; it also lists employers such as AbbVie, Evozyne, Epic Systems, Northwestern University, and HeartFlow.

Typical career roles: Biochemist, Biotechnology Researcher, Pharmaceutical Researcher, Laboratory/Research Scientist.

Career development and progression are supported through:

Career advising and mentoring: The School of Molecular & Cellular Biology provides career advising, graduate-school resources, workshops, internship resources, and professional mentoring. Its Career Mentorship Program connects biochemistry students with more than 100 participating mentors, including alumni, clinicians, researchers, educators, and professionals working in related industries.
Handshake and career services: Students can use Handshake to find jobs and internships, career fairs, on-campus recruiting opportunities, and networking events, while the MCB Career Center provides mock interviews, résumé reviews, personal-statement reviews, and pre-health counselling.
Research-to-career preparation: Students can earn academic credit through BIOC 290 Biochemistry Undergraduate Research and BIOC 492 Senior Thesis, gaining hands-on research experience that can lead to presentations, publications, and graduation with distinction.
Employment and salary outcomes: The university’s latest available major-level outcome data reports 90% employed or continuing education, 36% employed, 54% attending graduate school, and an average starting annual income of $56,431.
Recent biochemistry outcomes: The 2024–25 Illini Success report records 93% secured destination, 39% employed, and 54% continuing education for Biochemistry graduates; the reported median salary was $55,000 and average salary was $59,348, based on five salary respondents.
University–industry connections: Recent Biochemistry graduate destinations include AbbVie, Evozyne, HeartFlow, Epic Systems, UL Solutions, and Ascension, demonstrating pathways into pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, technology, and research-related employment.
Long-term professional value: The Biochemistry B.S. provides a rigorous foundation in chemistry, biochemistry, and biology and is specifically intended for students with research-oriented goals and career interests in graduate school, MD/PhD programs, or industry. The university does not state that this Biochemistry B.S. itself carries a separate professional accreditation, so no additional accreditation claim is made here.
Graduation outcomes: The degree is particularly suited to students planning advanced study; Illinois states that graduates are prepared for graduate programs in biochemistry, chemistry, and molecular biology, as well as medical, dental, pharmacy, and veterinary programs.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S. in Biochemistry, students can progress to master’s or Ph.D. programs in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, and related life sciences, or pursue professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. Illinois also offers an M.S. in Molecular & Cellular Biology for students seeking advanced preparation for professional programs or careers in industry, government, and academia, alongside Ph.D. opportunities within the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology.