Biochemistry (Chemistry)

Explore Life at the Molecular Level Through Research and Lab Experience

The chemistry major with a concentration in biochemistry focuses on the molecular and chemical foundations of living systems. You’ll explore how matter behaves in biological contexts and gain the tools to investigate life at its most fundamental level.

Through interdisciplinary coursework in chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics, you’ll gain the scientific insight and lab experience needed to explore everything from cellular processes to chemical reactions—preparing you for careers in research, biotechnology, healthcare, and beyond.

Located in Boston’s Longwood Medical and Academic Area, Emmanuel connects you with one of the most dynamic life sciences communities in the world. With access to expert faculty, modern labs and research and internship opportunities, you’ll graduate ready to pursue advanced study or enter the workforce as a confident, capable scientist.

The Curriculum

Major Requirements

View the 2024-2025 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)
CHEM1102 Principles of Chemistry II (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 Social Justice Chemistry Seminar (SJ) (WI)
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

Major Requirements - ACS

View the 2024-2025 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)
CHEM1102 Principles of Chemistry II (SI-L)(NSL)
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 Social Justice Chemistry Seminar (SJ) (WI)
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

Learning Goals & Outcomes

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?

What are some career paths?

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.