Biochemistry
The chemistry of life: molecules, reactions, and cellular processes.
Biochemistry studies the chemical processes that happen inside living organisms, how molecules like proteins, DNA, and enzymes interact to keep cells and organisms functioning. It sits at the intersection of biology and chemistry, with a heavier chemistry course load than a standard biology degree.
Lab work is intensive and technique-focused, purifying proteins, running chemical assays, using spectroscopy, and many students get involved in faculty research labs to gain hands-on experience with techniques used in real biomedical or pharmaceutical research.
Typical courses you might take
- ✓General & Organic Chemistry
- ✓Physical Chemistry
- ✓Cell Biology
- ✓Biochemistry I & II
- ✓Molecular Biology
- ✓Genetics
- ✓Analytical Chemistry
- ✓Undergraduate Research
Sample four-year plan
Illustrative, not a registration planOne possible way these courses could be sequenced alongside general education and elective credit. Real programs vary in order, pacing, and prerequisites by school, use this to get a rough sense of the arc, not to plan actual registration.
- ✓General & Organic Chemistry
- +General education requirement
- ✓Physical Chemistry
- +General education requirement
- ✓Cell Biology
- +General education requirement
- ✓Biochemistry I & II
- +Free elective
- ✓Molecular Biology
- +Free elective
- ✓Genetics
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓Analytical Chemistry
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓Undergraduate Research
- +Capstone, thesis, or culminating project (common in many programs)
Skills you'll build
This major might be a good fit if you...
- ★Strong in both chemistry and biology
- ★Enjoys precise, technique-heavy lab work
- ★Interested in research, pharmaceuticals, or biotechnology
- ★Comfortable with a demanding, science-intensive schedule
Common minors & double-major pairings
Chemistry · Biology · Statistics
Roles this major could lead to
Factual, day-to-day descriptions from our Career Role Encyclopedia, not a guarantee this major leads to any specific job.
Pharmacist
Dispenses medications safely and advises patients and providers on drug use.
Medical Laboratory Technologist
Runs the lab tests that inform medical diagnoses.
Research Scientist
Designs and runs experiments to answer scientific questions.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Biochemistry major?
The chemistry of life: molecules, reactions, and cellular processes.
What courses do Biochemistry majors take?
Typical coursework includes classes like General & Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Cell Biology, among others, see the full course list above for this major's typical lineup.
What skills do you build in a Biochemistry program?
Biochemistry coursework typically builds skills like Advanced lab technique (chromatography, spectroscopy, etc.), Understanding molecular and cellular processes, Quantitative and analytical chemistry skills, Experimental design and data analysis.
Is Biochemistry a good major for me?
It tends to be a good fit if signals like "Strong in both chemistry and biology" or "Enjoys precise, technique-heavy lab work" describe you. See the full "good fit if you..." list above for more.
What can you do with a Biochemistry degree?
Majors in this field often go on to roles like Pharmacist, Medical Laboratory Technologist, Research Scientist. See our Career Role Encyclopedia for more, a major shapes what you study, not a guarantee of any specific job.
What other majors pair well with Biochemistry?
Common minor or double-major pairings include Chemistry, Biology, Statistics.
How is Biochemistry different from Biology?
They're related but distinct. Biochemistry: The chemistry of life: molecules, reactions, and cellular processes. Biology: The broad study of living things, from cells to ecosystems. Use the compare tool to see courses and skills side by side.
How long does it take to earn a Biochemistry degree?
Most bachelor's degrees, including this one, are designed to be completed in about four years of full-time study. Exact timing depends on your school, course load, transfer credit, and any changes of major along the way.
From our guides
Printed from majoratlas.com/majors/biochemistry