Chemistry Biochemistry Track, Major

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of South Alabama

Program Overview

The Chemistry Biochemistry Track at the University of South Alabama combines chemistry with biomedical and biological sciences, making it particularly suitable for students interested in biochemistry, biophysics, medical sciences, life sciences and research. Students build a strong foundation in chemistry, mathematics and physics before progressing into organic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, instrumental analysis and laboratory-based research.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students begin with the scientific fundamentals through CH 131 General Chemistry I, CH 131L General Chemistry I Lab, and MA 125 Calculus I, developing the quantitative and laboratory skills needed for advanced study. They continue with CH 132 General Chemistry II and CH 132L General Chemistry II Lab, alongside Calculus II and foundational university requirements.

Second Year: Students develop a stronger understanding of chemical structure and reactivity through CH 201 Organic Chemistry I, CH 201L Organic Chemistry I Lab, CH 202 Organic Chemistry II, and CH 202L Organic Chemistry II Lab. CH 150 Intro to Computer Chemistry and CH 265 Introductory Analysis further develop computational, analytical and laboratory skills that prepare students for advanced biochemistry.

Third Year: Students move into the core of the biochemistry pathway with CH 301 Physical Chemistry I and Lab, CH 440 Biochemistry I, and CH 441 Biochemistry II. These courses connect physical and chemical principles with biological molecules and processes, while a 300/400-level Chemistry elective allows students to explore an additional area of interest.

Fourth Year: The final year emphasises advanced analytical and practical skills through CH 465 Instrumental Analysis and Instrumental Analysis Lab, CH 443 Lab Studies in Biochemistry, and CH 492 Seminar I. Students also complete chemistry electives, minor courses and other degree requirements, with the current programme plan totaling 121 semester hours.

Focus areas

Biochemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, instrumental analysis, molecular and biomedical sciences, biological chemistry, laboratory science, chemical research, biophysics and life sciences.

Learning outcomes

Students develop analytical and problem-solving abilities, laboratory and experimental skills, knowledge of chemical principles and biochemical processes, quantitative skills, scientific communication abilities, and preparation for research or advanced study in chemistry, biochemistry and related life sciences.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The Biochemistry Track is not itself presented by the University as an ACS-certified track. However, students in the Biochemistry Track who want ACS certification can take CH 401 as their chemistry elective, allowing the degree to meet the stated ACS certification pathway.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of South Alabama does not publish a programme-specific QS or Guardian employability ranking for the Chemistry Biochemistry Track. The university's Chemistry Career Map reports career information for chemistry graduates, including a median salary of $86,620 and an 8% projected job growth through 2033 for chemists and materials scientists, based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data cited by the university; these figures are occupation-level rather than specific to this programme.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The University of South Alabama gives Chemistry Biochemistry Track students substantial opportunities to move beyond classroom learning into laboratory work and faculty-guided research. The curriculum includes dedicated laboratory courses such as CH 443 Lab Studies in Biochemistry and CH 465 Instrumental Analysis and Lab, while CH 394/494 Directed Studies provides an opportunity to conduct research with a faculty mentor. The Chemistry Department houses 17 research laboratories, nine instructional laboratories and one computer laboratory, with modern instrumentation supporting teaching and research.

Students can build practical experience through:

Faculty-guided research: Undergraduate Chemistry majors can conduct research with a faculty mentor through CH 394/494 Directed Studies, which is incorporated into the prescribed Chemistry curriculum.
Biochemistry laboratory training: CH 443 Lab Studies in Biochemistry gives students dedicated practical experience in biochemical laboratory methods.
Instrumental analysis: CH 465/465L Instrumental Analysis and Instrumental Analysis Lab develops practical experience with advanced analytical techniques.
Computer-based chemistry: CH 150 Intro to Computer Chemistry introduces computational approaches within the chemistry curriculum.
Modern research instrumentation: Department facilities include advanced equipment such as an NMR spectrometer, LC-mass spectrometer, UV-Vis spectrometers, gas chromatographs and liquid chromatographs.
Mass spectrometry research: The university's Mass Spectrometry Core Facility provides access to high-resolution mass spectrometers, including a Thermo LTQ Orbitrap XL and Thermo Q-Exactive Plus, as well as HPLC equipment; applications include protein profiling, proteomics, lipidomics and small-molecule analysis.
Paid research opportunities: Chemistry students may work as paid student laboratory assistants or as Office of Undergraduate Research fellows.
Summer research: The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) provides eligible undergraduate students with hands-on research under faculty mentorship, professional-development activities and a $2,500 summer stipend.
Biomedical research: Science students can also apply for the University of South Alabama's Undergraduate Summer Research Program, with opportunities in areas including biochemistry, structural biology, cancer research, bioinformatics and other biomedical sciences.
Research presentations: Students participating in the Chemistry Senior Thesis Program can prepare a research thesis, defend their work orally and present a poster at a local, regional or national research forum.
Internships and co-ops: The Chemistry Department encourages students to pursue internships, co-ops and summer professional experiences, with Career Development helping students identify opportunities.
Study abroad research: Depending on their faculty research area, students may have opportunities to work in overseas laboratories of research collaborators.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Chemistry Biochemistry Track is designed for students who want to apply chemistry to biomedical and biological sciences and can prepare graduates for employment in industry, government, healthcare and research as well as for advanced study. The University of South Alabama specifically identifies chemistry graduates as progressing toward careers in areas such as research and development, quality control, regulation, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and scientific communication, while the Biochemistry Track is particularly suited to students considering graduate study in medical sciences, biochemistry, biophysics and other life sciences.

Typical career directions include Chemist, Laboratory Technician, Clinical Laboratory Technologist or Technician, and Environmental Scientist:

Career Development: The University's Career Development team helps students develop professional skills, explore career options and find experiential learning opportunities. Its Accelerate South platform allows students to search opportunities, build professional connections and track career development.
Employment and salary information: The university's Chemistry Career Map cites U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for chemists and materials scientists, reporting a median salary of $86,620, 8% projected growth through 2033, and approximately 7,800 annual job openings. These figures describe the occupation nationally and are not programme-specific employment outcomes.
Industry pathways: The Chemistry Department identifies employment areas including research and development, quality control, regulation, support and communication, while the university notes that chemistry graduates can work across pharmaceuticals, government, healthcare, marketing and sales.
Research connections: Students can conduct faculty-mentored research through Directed Studies and access university-wide research opportunities, including the Office of Undergraduate Research and biomedical research programmes.
Biomedical research environment: The University of South Alabama has research activity in areas such as cancer cell and molecular biology, cardiovascular disease and lung diseases through its Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and College of Medicine, providing a relevant research environment for students interested in biomedical sciences.
Professional accreditation value: Students who want ACS certification can take CH 401 as the required elective for the Biochemistry Track's ACS certification pathway.
Research and graduate preparation: The Chemistry Department's senior thesis and undergraduate research opportunities help students develop research, scientific communication, presentation and critical-thinking skills relevant to graduate and professional study.
Graduation and career pathways: The university identifies chemistry graduates as entering industry, academia, government, nonprofit organisations and entrepreneurship, with roles spanning research and development, quality control, regulation and scientific support.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into advanced degrees in biochemistry, chemistry, biophysics, medical sciences and related life sciences. The University of South Alabama specifically describes the Biochemistry Track as appropriate for students anticipating graduate school in medical sciences, biochemistry, biophysics or other life sciences; students can also use the programme's research experience as preparation for medical, dental, pharmacy and other professional schools.