MAJOR FINDER
Filter by College
Filter by Subject
Biochemistry
Biochemistry involves the study of the chemical transformations and the intricate concert of processes that take place in living organisms. Through coursework and research in our department, our biochemistry students use a chemical lens to explore some of the most fundamental biological processes such as metabolism, protein synthesis and manipulation, large and small molecule synthesis for medicinal or therapeutic applications, human health, and beyond. Biochemists engage in observation, analysis, and experimentation with living things or chemical models of living things, breaking down natural substances into their components, replicating chemical processes that occur in the physical world, and creating substances to fulfill specific needs. Biochemistry concepts underpin many facets of human health, disease detection and prevention, and bioengineering. The multidisciplinary nature of the biochemical sciences ensures that there will be exciting job opportunities for biochemistry professionals in both traditional fields and emerging sectors such as chemical biology, nanobiotechnology, biopharmaceutical development, environmental sustainability, chemical computing, and advanced manufacturing techniques.
Our students work with enthusiastic faculty that are teaching and research leaders at the forefront of their fields and enjoy direct hands-on access to cutting-edge equipment and instrumentation, ensuring they are well-prepared to hit the ground running when they enter the work force. Our program’s curriculum, which is certified by the American Chemical Society, helps students gain a strong foundation in chemistry as well as in biology. Coursework covers topics that span a continuum ranging from understanding the structure, properties, and behavior of atoms, to molecules, materials, and complex chemical and biological systems. In addition, our curriculum goes past conveying fundamental scientific knowledge by providing dedicated opportunities for students to engage in scientific inquiry while refining their critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities. Through laboratory work, interactive classes, and cutting-edge research opportunities, our students hone technical and professional skills needed to succeed after they graduate. Our prioritization of high-quality instruction and student development positions our graduates for gainful employment after graduation or to explore advanced degrees in STEM, medicine, veterinary science, pharmacy, nutrition, and many other fields. Recent biochemistry graduates have pursued a wide variety of careers, including research scientists working in both industrial and government settings, academic scholars ranging from national laboratories to universities and high schools, health care researchers and providers, engineers, entrepreneurs, lawyers, scientific consultants, and policy makers.
Topical Areas of Study
- Metabolism
- Proteomics
- Chemical Biology
- Chemical Synthesis
- Chemistry and Life Science
- Materials and Polymers
- Chemistry at Surfaces & Interfaces
- Complex Biochemical Systems
- Bacterial Studies
- Biochemical Genetics
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Thermodynamics and Kinetics
- Forensics and Quantitative Analysis
- Biomedical Applications
- Environmental Monitoring
- Sustainability
- Spectroscopy and Physical Methods
- Imaging
- Bioorthogonal Chemistry
- Data Processing and Analysis
- Chemical Computing
CAREER OPTIONS AND FIELDS
- Research Scientist
- Drug Discovery
- (Bio)Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
- Process Chemist
- Medicine & Healthcare
- Public Policy
- Law and Intellectual Property
- Scientific Consultant or Analyst
- Entrepreneur
- Pharmacy
- Forensic Analyst
- Toxicologist
- Scientific Writer
- Quality Control Specialist
- Laboratory Specialist
- Professor
- K-12 Educator
- Engineer
- Cosmetic Researcher
- Microbiologist
- Molecular or Cell Biologist
- Geneticist
- Virologist
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?
Chemistry and Biochemistry majors at the University of Delaware benefit from all the resources of a leading graduate research program, combined with the department's strong commitment to undergraduate education. The diversity of course offerings presents students with various choices and degree options. Faculty members also reserve roles for undergraduate participation in their professional research. The department has also been very successful in maintaining a dynamic program that incorporates the latest discoveries and methods, and is one of the few departments to offer an undergraduate degree in biochemistry, which is currently the fastest-growing aspect of the field.
Get Involved
American Chemical Society Student Affiliates
American Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
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 |