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Biochemistry

Students working in biochemistry lab

Explore the chemistry of life

Understand living systems at the molecular level

How do proteins carry out essential functions? What chemical changes lead to disease? How can scientists design molecules that improve human health? Biochemistry uses the principles of chemistry to understand the processes that occur within living organisms.

As a biochemistry major at the University of Delaware, you will build a strong foundation in chemistry and biology while studying metabolism, protein structure and function, biochemical genetics, cell and molecular biology and medicinal applications. Through laboratory work, you will learn to analyze biological molecules, investigate chemical reactions and use scientific evidence to answer complex questions.

Prepare for science and health careers

This interdisciplinary STEM degree prepares you for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, health care, laboratory research and other science-based fields. It also provides a strong foundation for medical school, pharmacy school and graduate study in biochemistry, chemical biology, molecular biology and related disciplines.

Topical Areas of Study

  • Metabolism
  • Proteomics
  • Chemical Biology
  • Materials and Polymers
  • Complex Biochemical Systems  
  • Bacterial Studies           
  • Biochemical Genetics
  • Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Microbiology and Wirology
  • Thermodynamics and Kinetics
  • Forensics and Quantitative Analysis
  • Biomedical Applications
  • Environmental Monitoring          
  • Sustainability
  • Spectroscopy and Physical Methods 
  • Imaging
  • Data Processing and Analysis

CAREER OPTIONS AND FIELDS

  • Research Scientist
  • Drug Discovery and Biopharmaceutical Development
  • Medicine, Pharmacy and Health Care
  • Public Policy
  • Law and Intellectual Property
  • Entrepreneur
  • Forensic Analyst
  • Toxicologist
  • Quality Control Specialist
  • Laboratory Specialist
  • Scientific Communication, Consulting and Education
  • Engineer
  • Cosmetic Researcher
  • Microbiologist or Virologist
  • Molecular or Cell Biologist
  • Geneticist

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

  • MS or PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry or Chemical Biology
  • MS or PhD in Chemical or Biomedical
  • Pharmacy School 
  • Dental School
  • Medical School (MD, DO or PA)
  • Veterinary Science of Medicine
  • MBA
  • Law School (Patent Law)
  • Public Policy
  • Nutrition
  • Science Education
  • Environmental Science
  • Data Science
  • Science Communication

What’s special about this program?

At UD, biochemistry majors can move from learning scientific principles to contributing to new discoveries. Students may join faculty research projects as early as their first year, working alongside researchers in areas such as chemical biology, biomolecular interactions, therapeutic agents and disease-related processes. Undergraduate research funding is available for eligible students, and students may present or publish the results of their work.

Eligible students interested in teaching can pursue the Biochemistry/Secondary STEM Education 4+1 program, earning a bachelor of science in biochemistry and a master of science in secondary STEM education through an accelerated course of study.

See how a biochemistry student connected laboratory research with public policy and health care.

Get Involved

American Chemical Society Student Affiliates

American Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

NOBCChE Student Chapter: National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers

Sample curriculum

BISC207

Introduction to Biology I

 

CHEM111

General Chemistry I

 

CHEM112

General Chemistry II

 

CHEM115

Intro to Chemical Sciences

 

CHEM120

Quantitative Chemistry

 

ENGL110

Seminar in Composition

 

MATH241

Anal. Geom. & Calculus A

 

MATH242

Anal. Geom. & Calculus B

 

   

Foreign Language Courses

 

  University Breadth Courses

BISC208

 

Introduction to Biology II

CHEM331

 

Organic Chemistry I

CHEM332

 

Organic Chemistry II

CHEM333

 

Organic Chemistry Lab

CHEM334

 

Organic Chemistry Lab

CHEM342

 

Intro to Biochemistry

PHYS201

 

General Physics I

PHYS202

 

General Physics II
 

Foreign Language Courses

 

  University Breadth Courses
CHEM418

Into Physical Chemistry I

 

CHEM419

Into Physical Chemistry II

 

CHEM437

Instrumental Methods

 

CHEM438

Instrumental Methods Lab

 

CHEM445

Physical Chemistry Lab I

 

CHEM641

Biochemistry I

 

CHEM642

Biochemistry II

 

 

University Breadth Courses

 

  Elective Courses
   
   
CHEM463

Intermediary Metabolism

 

CHEM465

Seminar

 

CHEM468

Undergraduate Research

 

 

Advanced Chemistry or Biology Courses

 

 

University Breadth Courses

 

  Elective Courses

Go Global at UD

This major is eligible for the following program:

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