About This Program
Biochemistry is the study of life at the molecular level. This field is both a life science and a chemical science, exploring the chemistry of living organisms and the molecular basis for the processes that occur in living cells. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry provides classroom and laboratory learning opportunities and research experiences across the discipline to meet your needs in engineering, liberal arts, and pre-professional programs, as well as those of students who wish to pursue careers or graduate studies in chemistry or related disciplines.
Students who complete the BA in biochemistry do so because it is a field that complements areas such as law, library science, journalism, public relations, sales, or education. The B.A., with fewer required credits than the B.S., provides time to complete a second major or multiple minors. The major also provides a strong foundation if you are planning on attending professional schools, such as medical, dental or pharmacy school, while providing curricular flexibility to complete professional school prerequisites. As a BA student, you are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research.
Program Highlights
- Offer rigorous courses that promote critical thinking
- Focus on problem-solving strategies
- An active learning environment
- Opportunities to participate in research
- Promote activities for networking and teamwork
- We emphasize the importance of connecting with our community, engaging with people outside of our field and the value of being part of university, community and professional organizations
Research & Experiential Learning
- Fellowships awarded every year to support full-time summer research
- Departmental Honors Program prioritizes individual research experiences
- Strong connections with the University’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, which provides student research fellowships
- Our interdisciplinary department is affiliated with the Pharmacy and Medical Schools, Large Lakes Observatory, the Advanced Materials Center, and the Natural Resources Research Institute
Student Internships
- UMD, Dept of Chemistry & Biochemistry
- Essentia Health
- Mayo Clinic
Potential Careers
- Chemist
- Medical scribe
- Laboratory technician
- Pharmacy technician
- Physician
- Pharmacist
- Analytical chemist
- Forensic scientist
- Clinical research associate
- Microbiologist
Scholarships
Each year, the Swenson College of Science and Engineering awards over $1 million in scholarships. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry also has scholarships specifically for chemistry and biochemistry students.
Get Involved
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Club
- Pre-Dentistry Club
- Pre-Medicine Club (Pre-Med Club)
- Pre Optometry Club
- Pre-OT Club
- Pre-Pharmacy Club
- Pre-Physical Therapy (Pre PT)
- Pre-Physician Assistant Club (Pre-PA Club)
- Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club
Requirements
Refer to the link below for more detailed information about the program, admission requirements, sample plans, and contact information.
Biochemistry B.A. Courses & Requirements