Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

Bringing Biotech to Life

Biochemistry deals with the study of materials and substances that make up living organisms, genetic materials, proteins and small molecules. It uses chemistry techniques to understand how biological systems work at a molecular level; study genes and proteins and understand their role, function and interactions in the body; develop novel therapies to cure disease and identify novel biomarkers and design methods to diagnose diseases.

Advances in biochemistry have led to major developments in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, disease diagnostics, genetic engineering and medicine.

Biosensors that can detect toxins in minutes. Medicine tailored to individual patients. Materials that capture carbon dioxide molecules before they get to the atmosphere. Biochemistry is behind all these breakthroughs. Make your own contribution to the field with a BS in Biochemistry from Clarkson.

Why Study Biochemistry at Clarkson?

Biochemistry majors look closely at the chemical processes behind all life. You'll use that knowledge to solve challenges affecting the planet.

It's a science with the promise to change lives. At Clarkson, you'll have numerous opportunities to learn and grow while completing lab-based research. Small classes mean you'll get to know your professors, and they'll steer you toward projects that match your interests.

Our biochemistry curriculum provides students with a strong background that spans chemistry, biomolecular science, chemical and structural biology, providing excellent preparation for careers in medicine, biotechnology and healthcare.

The program provides an essential foundation of science courses for the MCAT exam, in addition to critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are expected of future medical professionals and required for careers in biotech and health industries.

Areas of emphasis in the Department include:

  • Bioanalytical chemistry
  • Bioinstrumentation
  • Biomaterials
  • Bionanotechnology
  • Biosensors
  • Proteomics

Our flexible, personalized learning environment provides opportunities for individualized instruction both in and out of the classroom. In addition to our curriculum, we provide a broad range of professional development opportunities, undergraduate research, professional organizations, internships and co-ops. In turn, students develop a unique set of skills and knowledge leading to high placement rates and outstanding careers following graduation.

What You'll Learn

The Biochemistry curriculum requires 84 credit hours in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics and professional experiences and electives.

Available classes include:

  • Biochemistry
  • Biochemistry and Biotechnology Laboratory
  • Cellular and Molecular Biology
  • Chemical Equilibrium and Dynamics
  • Genetics
  • Inheritance, Evolution and Diversity
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry

The biochemistry program consists of 84 credits hours. This includes 24 credit hours in biology, 31 credit hours in chemistry, 17 credit hours in mathematics and physics, and 12 credit hours in professional experiences and program-targeted electives. 20 credit hours are in free electives and 15 credit hours are in the Clarkson Common Experience curriculum.

All courses are 3 credits unless noted.

Clarkson Common Experience

The following courses are required for all students, irrespective of their program of study. These courses are offered during the fall semester, with FY100 First-Year Seminar being required of only first-year students. Both FY100 and UNIV190 are typically taken during the fall semester of the first year at Clarkson.
FY100 First-Year Seminar (1 credit)
UNIV190 The Clarkson Seminar (3 credits)

Biochemistry Core Requirements

Students are required to complete the following courses:

  • BY140 Biology I: Inheritance, Evolution and Diversity
  • BY160 Biology II: Cellular and Molecular Biology
  • BY162 Biology II Laboratory (2 credits)
  • BY214 Genetics
  • BY412 Molecular Biology Laboratory (4 credits)
  • BY450 Biochemistry I
  • BY451 Biochemistry II
  • BY470 Biochemistry & Biotechnology Laboratory
  • CM103 Structure and Bonding
  • CM105 Chemistry Laboratory I (2 credits)
  • CM104 Chemical Equilibrium and Dynamics
  • CM106 Chemistry Laboratory II (2 credits)
  • CM221 Spectroscopy
  • CM223 Spectroscopy Laboratory
  • CM241 Organic Chemistry I
  • CM242 Organic Chemistry II
  • CM244 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
  • CM371 Physical Chemistry I
  • CM372 Physical Chemistry II
  • MA131 Calculus I
  • MA132 Calculus II
  • PH131 Physics I (4 credits)
  • PH132 Physics II (4 credits)

Professional Experience

The professional experience can include directed research with any Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry or other university faculty in program-related fields, such as genetics, proteomics, biomaterials, biosensors, and drug synthesis and delivery, including that with nanostructured materials. This requirement can also be met by participating in external internships or co-ops in medical, research or industry environments, such as the University of Massachusetts-School of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Trudeau Institute, Swift Laboratories, Strong Memorial Hospital Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Procter & Gamble, or other similar locations.

Directed research in department research labs with biochemistry faculty: physical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, electrochemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, materials and colloid chemistryments, other colleges and universities, independent labs and research facilities, privately owned industries.

Biochemistry Core Electives

Students must complete 12 professional elective credits. The following courses fulfil this:

  • Biology (BY) or Chemistry (CM) courses at 300-level or higher
  • Business or Biomedical Science course approved by advisor

Statistics and Probability Elective

Students are required to take one Statistics and Probability (STAT) 3-credit course.

Knowledge Area/University Course Electives

Students will have at least 12 credit hours available to use toward Knowledge Area and/or University Course electives to satisfy the Clarkson Common Experience requirements.

Free Electives

Students will have approximately 20 credit hours available to use toward courses of their choice.

Our biochemistry students routinely land internships at independent labs and research facilities, medical centers, other colleges and universities and private businesses.

Some places our students have interned include:

  • Beckman Laser Institute
  • Corning
  • Genentech
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
  • Mylan Technologies Inc.
  • Procter & Gamble
  • Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
  • Strong Memorial Hospital's Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory
  • Swift Laboratories
  • Trudeau Institute
  • UMass Chan Medical School

Lab experience is the core of the biochemistry program. Many of our alumni say that the research they conducted with faculty was the most important learning experience during their time at Clarkson. Students work alongside professors, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers on summer research projects that not only build their skills but their résumés as well.

Engagement in research helps you develop confidence and critical thinking skills and prepares you to take on leadership roles when you graduate.

Many Clarkson students present their research at local, national and international meetings and co-author publications with faculty and graduate students. They also participate in a variety of summer programs, including the highly competitive Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Here, students work on a 10-week summer research project and gain essential research, collaborative and critical problem-solving skills as they solve global challenges in the sciences and engineering.

Several other summer research programs are available on campus, including the McNair and the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP), designed to mentor and prepare students for STEM careers.

Sophisticated research demands sophisticated tools. You'll have the chance to use the same instrumentation that our faculty and grad students rely on. Learn techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

As an undergraduate, you will have access to and be trained on using state-of-the-art equipment for chemical, materials and biochemical analysis. As you gain practical hands-on experience, you'll see how these cutting-edge devices can be used to solve problems of interest to industry and corporations.

Other instruments available for teaching and research include:

  • Electron microscopes
  • Mass spectrometers
  • Particle sizers
  • Thermal and mechanical analyzers
  • UV/visible, fluorescence and atomic adsorption spectrometers
  • X-ray diffractometers

Chemistry Minor

Chemistry, often called the "central science," is the core of many of Clarkson's science programs. Gain a thorough understanding of properties, composition and matter while participating in research with real-world implications. Learn about the chemistry minor.

Medicine and Healthcare Minor

The best healthcare practitioners are more than technically proficient. They're also keenly aware of ethics, history and other perspectives on their profession. Get insights that will prepare you for what awaits in the field while gaining invaluable hands-on experience. Learn about the medicine and healthcare minor.

Business Minor or Dual Major

Biochemistry with a business degree track leads to a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a minor or second major in business. This structure provides a strong foundation in biochemistry with additional exposure to the principles of business functions, including accounting, economics, finance, law, organizational behavior, operations management, entrepreneurship and marketing.

Successful completion of this track will prepare students for jobs in industry, business administration and entrepreneurial activities, as well as for entrance to graduate programs in the sciences or professional programs in business. Learn more about our major in business administration or minoring in business.

BS in Biochemistry + MBA (4+1)

This five-year program allows students to complete the requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry along with the Master of Business Administration in five years. The residential MBA consists of foundation courses in 10 specified areas and 38 credit hours of advanced graduate work. Through careful planning, students in the biochemistry program may complete the MBA foundation courses as part of an undergraduate minor in business. Learn more about the residential MBA.

Pre-Health Sciences Advising Track

A biochemistry degree is a natural fit for a career in the health sciences. Once you choose a specialized track, advisors will help you select classes and activities that can make it easier to get into a graduate program.

Available advising tracks include:

See All Minors, Concentrations and Tracks

Biochemistry students can join the Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society, where they can discuss recent breakthroughs, participate in seminars and perform community service. Or, join any of more than 200 clubs and organizations, including ones devoted to sports, gaming and more. See all clubs and organizations.

I traveled to Vietnam my freshman year with Doctors Without Borders. This was an incredible experience, as it allowed me to see similarities and differences to our own healthcare system. As a future healthcare professional, having knowledge of other cultures’ healthcare systems will allow me to treat patients more holistically. I have learned about different cultures’ healthcare systems, how to triage, suture, new medical conditions during our condition of the week and current events in healthcare.

Brandon Formoza '22 BS in Biochemistry with a minor in medicine and healthcare

Career Possibilities

This versatile major opens the door to careers in biotech, pharmaceuticals and pharmacology — and your skills will be in demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for biochemists and biophysicists is expected to grow 15 percent by 2031.

The degree also provides a strong foundation for pre-health and pre-med students.

Some of the careers you might consider with a biochemistry degree include:

  • Clinical/biochemistry lab analyst
  • Dentist
  • Forensic scientist
  • Pharmacist
  • Physician
  • Research scientist
  • Scientific analyst/quality analysis
  • Veterinarian

Recent Employers

You can jump directly into the workforce with a biochemistry degree from Clarkson. Places recent graduates have worked include:

  • Battelle Memorial Institute
  • Generation Bio
  • Guardant Health
  • Norwich Pharmaceuticals
  • Penn State College of Medicine
  • Pfizer Pharmaceuticals
  • Pinetree Therapeutics, Inc.
  • Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Graduate Schools

The biochemistry degree also provides strong preparation for graduate entrance exams, such as the MCAT. Clarkson students go on to medical school and other graduate programs, including at:

  • Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
  • Case Western Reserve University
  • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
  • University of Rochester
  • West Virginia University

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Contact Us 

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Email: chembms@clarkson.edu
Phone: 315-268-2389

Interested in learning more about earning a BS in Biochemistry at Clarkson and where it can take your career? Contact us today!

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UG Class of 2023 - 99 placement

Breakthroughs Made Here

Go inside the lab to see our professors in action. From your first days on campus, you can work with them to develop new materials, find new ways to detect disease and push the state of the art in biology and chemistry. 

Biochemistry (Major)

If you're interested in becoming a physical therapist (PT), occupational therapist (OT) or physician assistant (PA), our Direct Entry Healthcare Programs can make it easier to reach your goal.

After completing your BS in Biochemistry, you'll jump right into a master's or doctorate degree program in your chosen field at Clarkson.

You won't need to complete a second application. As long as they keep up their grades and satisfy other requirements, participants get a guaranteed spot in one of these programs:

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

MS in Occupational Therapy (MS-OT)

MS in Physician Assistant Studies (MS-PA)

Take the Next Step

A biochemistry degree from Clarkson opens the door to careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medicine and more. Find out more today.