Chemistry

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology—BS (Chemistry Focus)

Get Ready To Make an Impact

Prepare yourself for the emerging field of biochemistry and molecular biology with an innovative bachelor's degree that takes a blended approach to chemistry and biology education. You get twice the research opportunities, twice the technology, and twice the faculty experts.

Biochemists and molecular biologists investigate the microcosm of biomolecules, studying biological chemistry to understand the molecular and genetic bases of life processes. When you earn a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Michigan Tech, you'll be well on your way to a rewarding career in virtually any branch of the life sciences you choose.

Our bachelor's degree program will equip you with the knowledge and hands-on skills to influence global change and empower humanity through scientific advancement. After graduation, you could create solutions to some of the world's most critical problems, such as designing lifesaving drugs and vaccines, feeding a hungry world, or harnessing the combined powers of chemistry and biology to revolutionize how we make make things.

Focus on Biochemistry with a Chemistry Concentration

The cross-disciplinary bachelor's degree in biochemistry and molecular biology is designed to provide a broad, integrated education in chemistry and biological sciences, with a primary focus on either discipline chosen as a concentration.

With a concentration in chemistry, you'll investigate the molecular basis of cellular processes. Biochemistry is the study of the structure, composition, and chemical reactions of substances in living systems. Explore the structures and functions of cellular components, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules and how they work together to make living organisms

You'll develop a strong grounding in the quantitative and physical sciences while working in our world-class research labs and applying the latest technology in DNA, RNA, and protein analysis; gene cloning and transformation; and chromatography.

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  • 4,400
    individual peer coaching sessions in the Chemistry Learning Center
  • 70%
    of undergraduates do research projects alongside a professor
  • 18
    maximum number of students in advanced major courses
  • 100%
    of students use state-of-the-art instrumentation in teaching labs

Tomorrow Needs Talented Biochemists

There is a 15% growth in the demand for biochemists over the next decade. A bachelor of science degree in biochemistry prepares you for a successful career—you'll have opportunities to solve real-world problems in many different areas like agriculture; alternative fuels and energy; biomedicine and pharmacology; genomics and molecular genetics; and forensic science and identification. Create sustainable agriculture. Develop greener energy and cleaner, leaner manufacturing processes. Develop tests to detect disease and the risk of developing or transmitting one. Identify criminals and victims at crime scenes.

Career Opportunities for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Majors

Your future career options are unlimited with a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology majors. Career opportunities include, but are not limited to:

  • Analytical Chemist
  • Biochemist
  • Clinical Lab Technician
  • College or University Professor
  • Ecologist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Forensic Scientist
  • Geneticist
  • High School Chemistry Teacher
  • Lab Technician
  • Pharmacologist
  • Physician
  • Research Associate
  • Researcher
  • R&D Scientist
  • Science Writer
  • Toxicologist
  • Veterinarian

You can explore career options further.

Michigan Tech Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Majors Have Been Hired By

The growing list of companies that have hired Michigan Tech chemistry graduates includes:

  • Cargill
  • Cayman Chemical
  • Eurofins
  • Health Department of Northwest Michigan
  • Neogen Corporation
  • Pathnostics
  • Prevention Genetics
  • U.S. Army CCDC Ground Vehicle Systems Center

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about studying biochemistry and molecular biology at Michigan's flagship technological university.

Michigan Tech is a wonderful community in which to study Biochemistry. The academics are amazing. All these non-engineering STEM departments are small. There is a collective knowledge here I don't think I could have experienced anywhere else. It's been amazing to see my own development. Tech has helped me to grow so much.

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Vincent Pellizzon
Vincent Pellizzon '23
BS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Student Learning Goals

When you complete our bachelors of science biochemistry and molecular biology degree, you can expect to achieve the following:

  • In-depth theoretical and experimental knowledge in organic and biophysical chemistry, and biochemistry.
  • Fundamental theoretical and experimental knowledge of quantitative and instrumental analytical methods.
  • Safely work in a laboratory to collect, analyze and evaluate experimental data.
  • Use scientific literature to research and solve problems.
  • Communicate with other members of the scientific community using both oral and written methods.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the societal and environmental implications of chemistry as a discipline, and your professional responsibilities as an ethical chemist.

Study Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at a Technological University

At Michigan Tech, you will build knowledge and research foundations required to succeed in graduate school, research, or the job market. You'll learn and experience first-hand how chemistry is central to solving real-world problems in sustainability, human health, environment, and industry. With chemistry faculty that also serve as your research advisors and mentors, you'll use chemistry in the lab, and present results in classrooms, research symposia, and scientific journals.

  • Get personalized attention: 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures your academic advisors and professors know you and understand your interests and needs. You receive guidance in a timely fashion. They can better help pair you with research opportunities that meet your needs and provide valuable experience.
  • Customize your biochemistry education: At Michigan Tech, our programs span pure chemistry (BS and BA options), biochemistry and molecular biology, computational chemistry and chemical informatics, and medicinal chemistry(includes pharmaceutical chemistry). That interdisciplinary approach gives you exposure to different areas of chemistry. Take classes across these topics to tailor your degree to fit your individual pathway.
  • Engage in chemistry research: Become involved in a research project under the direction of a faculty member. Whether you are planning to go to graduate school or pursue a career upon graduation, one of the factors that gives our students an edge is the opportunity to engage in research as an undergraduate student and gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art research instrumentation. A majority of our students conduct undergraduate research with faculty members.
  • Practice basic chemistry concepts: Work as a peer coach in the Chemistry Learning Center helping other students understand chemistry concepts while reinforcing your understanding of the basics.

Undergraduate Majors

Not sure which major is the right fit? No problem.
Just declare the General Sciences and Arts major, give yourself time, and decide when you arrive on campus. To learn more speak to an academic advisor.

Undergraduate Minors and Certificates

A minor in chemistry or medicinal chemistry allows you to specialize in a discipline outside of or complementary to your major, expand your knowledge base, and boost your potential career options. A minor in a pre-professional program such as Pre-Law or Pre-Health prepares you for graduate school and future careers in law and medicine. You can declare a major anytime, but it is recommended you begin your minor studies as early as possible in your academic career. To learn more speak to an academic advisor.

Tomorrow Needs You

Supercharge your biochemistry skills to meet the demands of a technology-driven society at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to solve real-world problems and succeed in academia, research, and tomorrow's high-tech business landscape.

"It's so great to be a part of the biochemistry research here. It feels like what I'm doing here could really make a difference in the world."Deanna Springgay '21, BS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology