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Biochemistry, BS

Prepare for a career in pharma, biotech, medicine or other speciality while learning from innovative faculty who promote research to develop scientific acumen.

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About this Program

Consider a Wide Range of Careers as a Biochemistry Major

If you complete our BS in Biochemistry, you will be well prepared for a scientific career, graduate school, or professional school. Our graduates have successfully entered professional programs in medicine (M.D. and D.O.), dentistry (D.D.S.), and pharmacy (Pharm.D.), as well as Master’s and Ph.D. programs in fields like chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, cancer biology, genetics, biophysics, and more. You will also have the opportunity to embark on professional careers at companies focused on health care, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, drug development, neuroscience, cell biology, and environmental science.

Learn from Innovative, Award-Winning Faculty

Our focus on undergraduate education means you’ll have innovative faculty in every course, not graduate student instructors. One of our faculty members was given an award for teaching a course where students use state-of-the-art Whole Genome Sequencing to study novel bacteria. By working closely with our nationally recognized faculty, you’ll develop the scientific skills and knowledge to succeed in a career, graduate school, or professional school.

Biochemistry Degree at a Glance

Learn this degree from the Department of Chemistry will contribute to your career goals. Then, explore course requirements and see how impactful a Seattle University degree can be.

The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry degree can lead to rewarding careers in medicine, dentistry, chemistry, biochemistry, environmental chemistry, genetic counseling, bioengineering, chemical life sciences and others. This degree has the option for certification by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

As a biochemistry major, you'll unravel the molecular intricacies of life, studying the chemical processes within living organisms. From DNA to metabolism, your academic journey will delve into the core of biological systems, preparing you for a dynamic exploration of the fundamental building blocks that govern life at the molecular level.

Learning Goals

On successful completion of the biochemistry degree program, you will be able to:

  • Chemistry fundamentals. Master fundamental knowledge and principles from general, organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry.
  • Experimentation. Plan, safely conduct, troubleshoot, and document lab experiments that answer chemical questions.
  • Problem solving. Devise and implement approaches that effectively address complex problems.
  • Critical thinking. Analyze data, results, theories, explanations, and hypotheses by applying chemical knowledge and intuition.
  • Communication. Communicate effectively and persuasively with technical audiences in written and oral forms; develop strategies to understand the technical communications of others.
  • Collaboration. Build on individual strengths to work collectively towards a goal; articulate ideas clearly; play various roles that help the group progress.
  • Professional behavior. Demonstrate timeliness, earnestness, honesty, self-awareness, self-regulation, and ethical responsibility in communications and collaborations.
  • Reflection. Develop the habit of reconsidering ideas or experiences to gain new insights, to discover deeper meaning, or to improve over time.

American Chemical Society Certified

The Chemistry Department offers American Chemical Society (ACS) certified degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry.

 

What You’ll Learn

Learn about the classes you’ll take as a student here.

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Top 25% in Science & Engineering

Seattle University ranks #40 in the nation —U.S. News & World Report, 2023

11:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Small classes led by talented faculty to foster active learning, an SU hallmark.

45%

Women

Our average of women STEM students nearly doubles the national average of only 23%.

Assistant professor of Chemistry Christopher Whidbey, Ph.D. left, works with students, junior Megan Bigalk of Seattle, center and junior Tusani Nhleko of Pretoria, South Africa, right while they determine the proteins in different gel samples.

Do Research with Creative Faculty

Research is woven throughout your curriculum, providing you with opportunities every year during your academic career. As a junior or senior, you will work one-on-one with a faculty member on publication-quality research using sophisticated instrumentation—some of you might even start as sophomores. This research experience is required because it prepares you for rewarding careers in biochemistry, as well as for top graduate and professional programs at internationally recognized institutions.

 

Learn More

Prepared for Top Graduate Programs

If the career you want requires an advanced degree, you can be confident that your Seattle University chemistry degree and research experience will make you super competitive for top graduate programs. You’ll find Seattle University chemistry graduates at:

  • UC Berkeley
  • MIT
  • Harvard
  • Stanford
  • Caltech
  • University of Washington
  • ETH in Zurich, Switzerland

Hear From Our Alumni

Headshot of Abigail Spray

Abigail Spray

“The Chemistry Department provided critical research opportunities and training that helped me become the scientist I am today. The incorporation of research courses as well as independent research gave me the skills to succeed as a research scientist in academia. However, what I consider to be the most impactful element of the department is how many faculty supported me throughout my academic career, and how they continue to support me in my professional development even after graduation.”

Biochemistry '22

Featured Faculty

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Program Directory

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    • Bachelor of Arts

  • Biology, BS

    Major, Minor

    As a biology major, you’ll develop skills in critical thinking, quantitative problem-solving and scientific research to explore the wide diversity of life.

    • Bachelor of Science

  • Cell & Molecular Biology, BS

    Major

    With a major in cellular and molecular biology, you’ll explore recent scientific advances in fields that range from genetics to immunology. Develop the tools to succeed in rapidly growing fields.

    • Bachelor of Science

  • Chemical Science, BS

    Major

    Be prepared for a variety of scientific careers or professional medical, pharmacy and dentistry schools with this degree.

    • Bachelor of Science

  • Chemistry, BS

    Major, Minor

    As a chemistry major, you’ll learn about the connections between molecular concepts and the complex systems found in nature.

    • Bachelor of Science

  • Data Science, MS

    Master's

    Our graduate degree in data science combines aspects of statistics and computer science with data analysis and modeling. You’ll gain the technical and analytical skills needed to advance your career.

    • Master of Science

  • Kinesiology, BS

    Major

    As a kinesiology major, you’ll help people improve their health through exercise. You’ll explore the theory and practice of exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control and exercise pyschology.

    • Bachelor of Science

  • Mathematics, BA & BS

    Major, Minor

    As a math major, you’ll explore problem solving, conduct your own research and prepare for a career in education, engineering, medicine and more.

    • Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science

  • Physics, BA & BS

    Major, Minor

    As a physics major, you’ll work closely with faculty researchers in a range of challenging courses. Your degree can lead to diverse jobs in everything from engineering to physics to astronomy.

    • Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science

Get in Touch

We’re here to help. For information about biochemistry at Seattle University, contact: