MAJOR FINDER
Filter by College
Filter by Program Types
Filter by Subject
Biochemistry
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 |