Student conducting research in a lab.

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

Using chemical principles to solve biological problems can illuminate so much about our world. Biochemistry at the University of St. Thomas blends biology and chemistry by using molecular principles to investigate essential processes in living systems.

Why Study Biochemistry at St. Thomas?

Our program draws upon faculty and courses in the biology and chemistry programs. This interdisciplinary approach prepares you for numerous fields such as medicine and drug design. You learn to solve complex problems associated with the structure and function of biological molecules in the context of living systems in our world. Alumni have gone on to graduate programs focusing on biochemistry, medicine and other related fields. They have also pursued positions in emerging fields like biotechnology.

Blending Biology and Chemistry Together

  • Course Requirements
  • Four-Year Plan
  • Degrees Awarded
  • Course Requirements

    Biochemistry is interdisciplinary with allied requirements in math and physics along with courses in biology and chemistry. The biochemistry seminar series is a unique opportunity for you to hone your skills presenting and analyzing biochemical data. Ultimately, you equip yourself with the tools to lead in virtually any aspect of biochemistry.

    Four-Year Plan

    You start your college career by taking foundational courses in chemistry, biology and math. In your second year, you transition to organic chemistry and physics while also taking advanced elective classes in biology. You complete biochemistry and the biochemistry seminar courses along with electives in chemistry during your junior year, capping off your St. Thomas career with biology electives and physical chemistry.

    Degrees Awarded

    Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

    Course Requirements

    Course Requirements

    Biochemistry is interdisciplinary with allied requirements in math and physics along with courses in biology and chemistry. The biochemistry seminar series is a unique opportunity for you to hone your skills presenting and analyzing biochemical data. Ultimately, you equip yourself with the tools to lead in virtually any aspect of biochemistry.

    Four-Year Plan

    Four-Year Plan

    You start your college career by taking foundational courses in chemistry, biology and math. In your second year, you transition to organic chemistry and physics while also taking advanced elective classes in biology. You complete biochemistry and the biochemistry seminar courses along with electives in chemistry during your junior year, capping off your St. Thomas career with biology electives and physical chemistry.

    Degrees Awarded

    Degrees Awarded

    Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

    Person in scrubs and a mask looking into a microscope.

    Career Paths

    Our innovative curriculum gives you the academic knowledge and practical skills to prepare you for careers in many fields.

    • Biochemistry
    • Pharmacy
    • Patent law
    • Public policy
    • Medical and dental careers

    Scholarships

    Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarship

    St. Thomas offers two full-tuition scholarships and two $8,000 scholarships to top candidates who intend to pursue degrees in the sciences, mathematics or engineering.

    Scholarships

    William D. Larson Scholarship

    We award these scholarships to students displaying exceptional achievement in the field of chemistry who intend to pursue careers in chemistry, medicine or related fields. We award the scholarships to juniors at St. Thomas, and they have historically exceeded $5,000.

    A Community of Scholars

    Our program not only gives you the academic knowledge to be successful in the classroom, but also practical skills preparing you for life after St. Thomas.

    Collaborative Research

    The majority of our students engage in undergraduate research projects with professors.

    International Research Conferences

    Many of our students have presented research at renowned international conferences.

    Academic Excellence

    Biochemistry majors have a higher average GPA compared to the rest of the university.

    Get Out and Explore

    We encourage you to get out of the classroom and explore the world around you. Whether you stay in the Twin Cities or study abroad, we have the paths to get you there.

    Chemistry professor Bill Ojala instructs students in a lab in Rome, Italy.

    Visit the Eternal City

    We want you to get out and see another part of the world during your undergraduate career. As a sophomore, you can study organic chemistry in Rome for a semester.

    Biochemistry student pipettes material under a lab hood

    Be on the Cutting-Edge

    Do you want to make an impact? You can work directly with faculty on innovative research projects, either for credit or as a paid student researcher.

    Bottles of yellow liquid stand on a lab counter.

    Opportunities for Growth

    You will benefit from internal and external funding opportunities to support your research projects. These projects will foster a competitive skillset that will be useful in fast-growing job markets.

    Biochemistry video

    The Best of Both Worlds

    Throughout their undergraduate careers, biochemistry students engage in impactful research with faculty that examines biological processes using molecular principles. This hands-on approach prepares our students to go on to a variety of careers after graduating from St. Thomas.

    Take the Next Step

    best-value-logo-2022-transparent.pngThere is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.