Why study biochemistry at BGSU in Ohio?
- Small class size. Biochemistry degree students benefit from small class sizes and individualized academic attention.
- Outstanding faculty. Biochemistry faculty members have extensive research experience and are regarded as pioneering experts in their field.
- State-of-the-art facilities. Moseley Hall is home to an interdisciplinary science complex with modernized laboratory and classroom spaces. Undergraduates are trained to use new instrumentation in our nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry facilities.
- Undergraduate research. Biochemistry students have a variety of opportunities to work with chemistry faculty on independent research projects.
- Get hired. A chemistry degree offers great job prospects. Our graduates have been hired by employers such as NAMSA, Sherwin-Williams, Procter & Gamble and Wacker Chemical Corporation.
- Join the club. Chemistry Club is an academic and social organization that connects chemistry and biochemistry students.
- ACS certification. Biochemistry majors can satisfy all requirements for certification by the American Chemical Society with the correct selection of electives and several upper-level chemistry courses.
- Graduate options. Take your learning to the next level with a BGSU M.S. degree in chemistry or a Ph.D. in photochemical sciences. Biochemists with graduate and doctoral degrees on average earn 68% more than the national average wage (Bureau of Labor Statistics and Social Security Administration).
Job opportunities for biochemists are expected to grow 9% over the next decade – much faster than average.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career - what can you do with a biochemistry degree?
A big draw for those exploring a degree in biochemistry careers is you’re not locked into a single track. A biochemistry degree opens the door to a multitude of occupations – all rewarding and in high demand – whether you dream of developing life-saving drugs, solving environmental challenges, pioneering new nanotechnology or becoming a nurse practitioner or medical doctor.
Professionals with careers in biochemistry work at research institutes, consulting firms and diagnostic or forensic laboratories. Biochemists also work for government agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health.
BGSU alumni have been hired by:
- Garland Company
- Charles River Laboratories
- Master Fluid Solutions
- Bureau of Land Management
- First Solar
- NAMSA
- Sherwin-Williams
- Procter & Gamble
- Wacker Chemical Corporation
With so many innovations on the horizon, biochemistry graduates are constantly discovering opportunities in promising new practice areas. A prime example is bioinformatics, the creation of software tools to process growing volumes of biological data. Dual major in biochemistry and computer science to pursue this avenue.
Career paths
- Agricultural scientist
- Chemical engineer/biochemical engineer
- Quality control and assurance
- Food scientist/food research and development
- Medicinal chemistry/pharmaceutical researcher
- Cosmetics developer
- Public health/medical science liaison
- Physician
- Biotechnology
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Curriculum
The BGSU chemistry major with a biochemistry specialization is for students interested in the chemistry of biomolecules and metabolic pathways.
Prospective students should have at least one year of high school chemistry and a strong background in mathematics.
Courses cover the major chemistry subdisciplines: analytical, organic, physical and inorganic, emphasizing biochemistry.
Faculty prioritize hands-on experience in each area so students can learn skills that will be directly applicable in future jobs. Biochemistry students will have on-campus internship opportunities with faculty members and graduate students on research projects, which often lead to publications in professional journals and presentations at regional or national conferences.
Within the biochemistry degree program, students further narrow their focus to suit their strengths and career goals by choosing one of two tracks:
- Track 1 – Emphasis on chemistry courses, such as physical chemistry. Recommended for students preparing for an M.S. in chemistry, Ph.D. in photochemical sciences or other advanced degree.
- Track 2 – Emphasis on biology courses, such as microbiology and general genetics. Recommended for pre-professional and pre-med students.
Target learning outcomes for biochemistry graduates include:
- Sound grasp of basic ideas and scope of modern chemistry, including new fields
- Strong problem-solving skills, including mathematical, logical and computational techniques, including use of models to effectively plan projects and critically analyze experimental results
- Skill in developing and carrying out modern laboratory procedures
- Independent thinking, communication skills, ability to work effectively within groups and commitment to continuous learning
Sample courses
- Quantitative Chemical Analysis
- Integrated Analytical and Physical Laboratory
- Organic Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Physical Chemistry
The biochemistry specialization within the chemistry program is part of the Chemistry Department in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.
Updated: 11/22/2024 08:53AM