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Biochemistry Major

When biology and chemistry come together, powerful things happen.
When you come to Saint Mary’s, powerful things happen.

Biochemistry is the powerful force created when biology and chemistry merge. So powerful that it’s led to improved medicines, innovative methods of controlling diabetes, and new ways of looking at how chemical factors affect our overall health.

Accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), Saint Mary’s biochemistry program provides a strong background in biology and chemistry, creating a career path with unlimited opportunities — biomedical engineering, forensics, pharmaceutical research, and toxicology.

As a graduate, you’ll be ready to face bioethical issues challenging the scientific community — and be empowered to do so with integrity and ethical responsibility.
The accreditation of our biochemistry major by the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) speaks to the high-quality, relevant, and innovative education that our students receive. Additionally, our ASBMB Student Chapter supports travel funds for students to present their research at the ASBMB Annual Meeting.

Studying biochemistry involves rigorous course studies in chemistry, calculus, physics, biology, and molecular biology. Biochemistry opens doors to explore courses in genetics, cell biology, physical chemistry, or instrumental analysis.

Program Highlights

Immerse yourself in the study of chemistry and biology, two natural sciences crucial for studying new medicines, innovative ways of looking at human health, and improved methods of controlling diseases. Accredited by ASBMB, the biochemistry major offers hands-on learning in a modern and cutting-edge facility where science and technology merge.

Unique Program Features:

Features:

Accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)
Advanced instrumentation
State-of-the-art labs and classrooms
Outreach opportunities
Summer research at leading medical facilities

What You'll Learn

What You’ll Learn

Principles of various fields of chemistry and biology
Modern instrumentation theory and practice
Presentation of results, conclusions, and relevance of scientific experiments
Communicate biochemical concepts and understanding of scientific principles
Effectively work with diverse colleagues in team situations
Ethical leadership and collaborative skills

Course Catalog

View Course Catalog

Practical, Real-World Learning

Discover the dynamic and revolutionary Aquinas Hall. Its state-of-the-art learning spaces are a place where innovation is cultivated with a hands-on approach combined with practical learning and research in classrooms. Today’s climate requires innovation to be fostered through textbook study and hands-on learning. Together, these soft skills and analytical skills will help you grow as a leader.

Careers that look to the future.

Biochemistry graduates are prepared for entry-level careers in the chemical sciences, including careers as a forensic scientist, toxicologist, environmental scientist, and medicinal chemist. A forensic scientist’s median annual salary is $60,590 and jobs are accepted to grow 16% between 2020 to 2030.¹

Chemist or material scientist

$79,760

Forensic science technician

$61,930

Environmental scientist

$76,530

Biological Technician

$48,140

Food scientist

$74,160