Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Chemical Biology

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biochemistry and Chemical Biology is an interdisciplinary degree program that blends the theoretical study and hands-on application of chemical processes. By design, each component prepares you for graduate study or a diverse and exciting scientific career.

Why Wayne State's biochemistry and chemical biology major?

• Learn from world-renowned faculty in the field of chemistry.
• Graduate early through the Gateway to the Sciences program.
• Conduct investigative research in a chemistry area of your choice under the direction of a senior faculty mentor.
• AGRADE program to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in five years.

What is biochemistry and chemical biology?

Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes occurring across living organisms.

Professional biochemists work in labs conducting experiments and analyzing data to discover the effects of food and medicine on humans. As part of a highly valued profession, these scientists work to develop tests that detect diseases like the flu or cancer, as well as new drugs that treat these very diseases.

Chemical biology is the study of biological processes by synthesizing chemical compounds. By contrast to biochemistry, chemical biology analyzes chemistry when applied to biology.

Enrolling as a biochemistry and chemical biology major gives you the best of both worlds, teaching you how to examine the chemical aspects of systems and how to further manipulate these living systems.

What is biochemistry and chemical biology?

Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes occurring across living organisms.

Professional biochemists work in labs conducting experiments and analyzing data to discover the effects of food and medicine on humans. As part of a highly valued profession, these scientists work to develop tests that detect diseases like the flu or cancer, as well as new drugs that treat these very diseases.

Chemical biology is the study of biological processes by synthesizing chemical compounds. By contrast to biochemistry, chemical biology analyzes chemistry when applied to biology.

Enrolling as a biochemistry and chemical biology major gives you the best of both worlds, teaching you how to examine the chemical aspects of systems and how to further manipulate these living systems.

Learning objectives

• Learn key chemical concepts and apply them to diverse biological problems.
• Develop in-depth knowledge in the following five areas of biological chemistry: bioorganic, bioinorganic, bioanalytical, biophysical and health sciences.
• Prepare for graduate school or diverse science careers in the chemical, pharmaceutical, biomedical, agricultural and bioinformatics industries.

Biochemistry and chemical biology requirements and curriculum

The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Chemical Biology program requires 120 credits. To meet this requirement, the university splits your coursework between the following:

• University general education requirements
• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences group requirements
• Major requirements

Courses

Your degree program encompasses a range of labs, individual research and foundational courses. To meet your major requirements, learn about the following topics:

• General chemistry
• Organic chemistry
• Metals in biology
• Analytical chemistry
• Biological physical chemistry
• Metabolism
• Molecular biology
• Physics
• Calculus
• Statistics

Explore chemistry courses

Research and internship opportunities

As a biochemistry and chemical biology major, you learn by doing. To facilitate this, your undergraduate education includes hands-on investigative research in an area of your choice with the guidance of a chemistry faculty member. To conduct your research, you have access to our state-of-the-art Lumigen Instrument Center.

In some scenarios, you may substitute a relevant internship experience across Detroit, MI or abroad to meet your research requirement.

Honors program

The Department of Chemistry provides highly motivated students with the opportunity to earn an honors degree in chemistry. Our chemistry honors program offers a rigorous curriculum and additional scholarly research experiences.

Simultaneously enroll for your M.A. in chemistry

Eligible biochemistry and chemical biology majors may enroll in the Accelerated Graduate Enrollment (AGRADE) program to complete their bachelor's and master's degrees in just five years.

Explore the Master of Arts in Chemistry

Biochemistry and chemical biology career outlook

From critical thinking, group research, to science communication, each skill you learn through the biochemistry and chemical biology degree program applies to any industry. Upon graduation, you are well-equipped for graduate study or a career in several of the following settings:

• Academia
• Agriculture
• Business
• Engineering
• Environmental science
• Government
• Law
• Medicine
• Pharmaceuticals
• Research

Career insights

A degree in biochemistry and chemical biology can lead to a variety of career paths. Here are just a few of the many opportunities available in this field.

This data provides a broad overview of how major selection can lead to careers and is provided without any implied promise of employment. Some careers will require further education, skills or competencies. Actual salaries may vary significantly between similar employers and could change by graduation, as could employment opportunities and job titles.

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Financial aid and tuition

Wayne State University offers affordable flat-rate tuition to help each undergraduate student earn their degree faster. The Department of Chemistry also works to ensure your undergraduate education is affordable. As such, we offer two scholarships available exclusively to biochemistry majors.

Learn more about WSU's B.S. in biochemistry and chemical biology

Ignite your passion for scientific exploration while making a difference by enrolling in the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Chemical Biology at Wayne State University.