Biochemistry Bachelor's Degree Overview
Biochemistry combines biology and chemistry to study living organisms at the cellular and molecular levels. Biochemists try to solve biological problems.
It’s easy to see how biochemistry applies to medicine. A biochemist can investigate viruses and bacteria that cause human disease. They help develop treatments for cancer, heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
Biochemistry is central to many other fields as well, including:
- Agriculture (fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides)
- Food science (food safety and preservation, flavor chemistry)
- Cosmetics
- Forensics (DNA analysis)
The University of Toledo offers both a BS and a BA in biochemistry.
BS degree
- For undergraduates who want to be professional chemists and continue their studies in graduate school
- For undergraduates considering professional programs in dentistry, medicine, optometry and veterinary science
- Mathematically rigorous
- Certified by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society
- Grads typically get jobs with significant responsibility in laboratories in the chemical, pharmaceutical, clinical and allied professional industries
BA degree
- For students who want a broader curriculum that can include additional preparation in another science. BA students often double-major in biology or chemical engineering.
- For students who want to:
- Work in the business or sales end of the chemical profession
- Work in laboratories as lab technicians or research assistants
- Pursue medical, dental or veterinary school
- Pursue a career as a secondary school science teacher
Biochemistry Bachelor's Degree Highlights
- Award-winning, research-active faculty. Our professors study everything from the smallest molecular structures to how chemistry impacts the environment. We encourage undergraduates to get involved in faculty research, and even offer part-time research positions in labs. Students often present their results at conferences and publish their work in scientific literature.
- Top-of-the-line instruments and labs that rival those at larger institutions. UToledo biochem students use advanced equipment they’ll find on the job, in academic and corporate research facilities. Our instruments include:
- High-field NMR spectrometers
- High-resolution mass spectrometers
- Powder and single crystal X-ray diffractometers
- Study abroad. UToledo has an exchange program with the University of Salford, England. More than 200 UT pre-medical, chemistry and science students have studied at Salford since 1984.
Career Opportunities
UToledo biochemistry graduates use their education, skills and creativity to solve problems and develop new products and ventures. Some biochemists run their own businesses or work as consultants. Others are employed by:
- Chemical and pharmaceutical companies
- Educational institutions
- Government agencies
- Large, specialized labs sponsored by agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Energy or NASA
UT biochemistry graduates have continued their educations in professional and graduate degree programs throughout the country, including:
| Ohio State University | MIT |
| University of Michigan | University of Chicago |
| Penn State University | University of North Carolina |
| University of California, Berkeley |
Our Alumni
Biochemistry Bachelor's Degree Plan of Study
Biochemistry Bachelor’s Degree Sample Courses
- Biophysical Chemistry
- Protein Chemistry
In the News
UT biochemist, with help from astronauts, studies new way to target dangerous stomach bacteria. Read more.
Biochemistry Bachelor's Degree
4-year programProgram Availability
Program Quick Links
View Admission RequirementsDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Have a question?
Scholarship Opportunities
The University of Toledo is on a mission to make college affordable for everyone. Use our search tool to find scholarships you qualify for.Search Now