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Biochemistry

Students working in biochemistry lab

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

Go Global at UD

This major is eligible for the following program:

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