Chemistry: Biochemistry

Biochemistry is a study of the chemical and molecular basis of all life, from plants and animals to single-cell organisms.

Emmanuel’s biochemistry concentration provides you with the opportunity to not only study living things, but to understand the biochemistry of those organisms—the molecular compounds, substances and physiology that make them tick. You will be exposed to current research through lectures, trained in laboratory equipment and process and have the opportunity to participate in faculty-supported research projects.

The Curriculum

View the 2022-2023 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for B.S. in Chemistry with Concentration in Biochemistry

  • BIOL1105 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology (SI-L) (NSL)
  • BIOL1106 Introduction to Organismic and Evolutionary (SI-L) (NSL)
  • CHEM1101 Principles of Chemistry I (SI-L) (NSL) AND CHEM1102 Principles of Chemistry II (SI-L)  (NSL)OR CHEM1103 Chemical Perspectives (SI-L)
  • CHEM2101 Organic Chemistry I 
  • CHEM2102 Organic Chemistry II
  • CHEM2104 Analytical Chemistry
  • CHEM2111 Biochemistry
  • CHEM3105 Physical Chemistry I: Thermodynamics
  • CHEM3106 Physical Chemistry II: Quantum Mechanics
  • CHEM3160 Senior Seminar
  • CHEM4194 Internship in Chemistry
  • MATH1111 Calculus I (QA) (QR)
  • MATH1112 Calculus II (QA) (QR)
  • PHYS2201 General Physics (Calculus based) (SI-L)
  • PHYS2202 General Physics II (Calculus based) (SI-L) (NSL)
  • Three electives: two selected from upper level chemistry courses; one selected from, any biology course level 2000-3000 except INT3211, CHEM4178, CHEM4194-4195, or BIOL2131

View the 2022-2023 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for B.S. in Chemistry with Concentration in Biochemistry - ACS

  • BIOL1105 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology (SI-L) (NSL)
  • BIOL1106 Introduction to Organismic and Evolutionary (SI-L) (NSL)
  • CHEM1101 Principles of Chemistry I (SI-L) (NSL) AND CHEM1102 Principles of Chemistry II (SI-L)  (NSL) OR CHEM1103 Chemical Perspectives (SI-L)
  • CHEM2101 Organic Chemistry I 
  • CHEM2102 Organic Chemistry II
  • CHEM2104 Analytical Chemistry
  • CHEM2111 Biochemistry
  • CHEM2115 Inorganic Chemistry
  • CHEM3105 Physical Chemistry I: Thermodynamics
  • CHEM3106 Physical Chemistry II: Quantum Mechanics
  • CHEM3160 Senior Seminar
  • CHEM4194 Internship in Chemistry
  • MATH1111 Calculus I (QA) (QR)
  • MATH1112 Calculus II (QA) (QR)
  • PHYS2201 General Physics (Calculus based) (SI-L)
  • PHYS2202 General Physics II (Calculus based) (SI-L) (NSL)
  • Two electives: two selected from upper level chemistry courses; one selected from, any biology course level 2000-3000 except INT3211, CHEM4178, CHEM4194-4195, or BIOL2131

At the completion of the Chemistry degree the student will be able to:

  • Apply knowledge of the sub-disciplines of chemistry including analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry
  • Develop testable chemical hypotheses, design and execute experiments to test the hypotheses, analyze the data, and draw meaningful conclusions.
  • Effectively communicate chemical knowledge and research to general and specialized audiences.
  • Execute chemical literature searches to assess experimental design, results, and conclusions in scientific scholarly articles.
  • Utilize laboratory skills of experimental design, chemical synthesis, purification, data and error analysis, and computational analysis with full regard to safe laboratory practices.
  • Follow a high standard of ethics in regard to the scientific method.

What can I do with a degree in biochemistry?

A degree in biochemistry can lead to a variety of career options in fields such as healthcare, research, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. Some possible job titles include:

  • Biochemist: Conducting research on the chemical processes of living organisms, studying DNA, enzymes, and other biological molecules.
  • Medical Scientist: Conducting clinical trials and research to develop new drugs, treatments, and medical technologies.
  • Pharmaceutical Sales Representative: Marketing and selling pharmaceutical products to doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies.
  • Science Writer: Communicating scientific findings to the public through writing and other media.
  • Biotechnology Researcher: Developing new products and technologies in areas such as agriculture, food science, and environmental science.
  • Patent Lawyer: Specializing in intellectual property law, with a focus on biotechnology patents.
  • Quality Control Specialist: Ensuring that products and processes meet quality standards in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and other industries.
  • Clinical Research Coordinator: Coordinating clinical research studies and ensuring compliance with regulations and ethical guidelines.
  • Science Educator: Teaching biochemistry and related subjects at the high school or college level.
  • Medical Laboratory Technician: Performing tests and analyzing biological samples in a laboratory setting.

Related Programs

We also offer a general major in Chemistry and a concentration in Forensic Science.

Science & Health Spotlight

See more news and stories related to the School of Science & Health

Alumni Alumni in the Field In our Alumni in the Field series, we're highlighting the achievements of Emmanuel College graduates who have leveraged their undergraduate research...
In the News Assistant Professor at Emmanuel College receives Nat... Dr. Juan Duchimaza Heredia, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Emmanuel College, was awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant for his research on the fluorescence of carbon dots. Under the NSF program ‘Launching Early-Career Academic Pathways in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences’ (LEAPS-MPS), the project will create...
Research Summer Research Series: eMRGE Biology research group... Emmanuel College’s summer research program offers students and faculty alike the distinct opportunity to collaborate on scholarly work. This summer...