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Biochemistry, B.S.

ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø's Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry is designed for students interested in the applications of chemistry to the life sciences. The program prepares students for professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, law and pharmacy. The program provides excellent preparation for students interested in working in biochemistry, molecular biology or biotechnology.

The chemistry department at ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø emphasizes participation in undergraduate research, and majors have ample opportunities to involve themselves in research projects under the close mentorship of a full-time faculty member. Students can use a variety of specialized equipment and computers in their instructional and research laboratories.

Each year, the department hosts several social events and sponsors a chemistry club for interested students.

Program HighlightsÌý

  • A rigorous program that makes graduates competitive for employment in STEM areas.
  • Opportunities for students to strengthen their scientific communication skills through research activities that pair an undergraduate with a faculty researcher.
  • A unique mentoring program that continues from freshman to senior year, providing guidance and support for students in reaching their professional goals.

Curriculum Overview

  • First Year: General Chemistry 1 and 2, Calculus I and II, Principles of Biology I and II
  • Second Year: Organic Chemistry 1 and 2, Analytical Chemistry 1, Engineering Physics I and II
  • Third Year: Biochemistry 1 and 2, Chemistry Literature, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry 1 and 2, Physical Chemistry Lab, undergraduate research
  • Fourth Year: Principles of Genetics, undergraduate research, one chemistry elective

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Selected undergraduate students may have opportunities to work with faculty members as assistants in undergraduate laboratories and receive a stipend.

The benefits of SLU's biochemistry program also include many internship and career opportunities. In addition, undergraduates who study biochemistry at SLU can attend professional meetings and present their research results. SLU students have presented numerous talks and poster presentations at regional and national meetings of the American Chemical Society and other scientific conferences in recent years.

Careers

Career options in biochemistry include:

  • Teaching at the university, college or high school level
  • Chemical research and development in industry or government laboratories
  • Pharmaceutical research
  • Drug discovery and drug development
  • Biotechnology
  • Environmental research
  • Management and administration in the chemical industry
  • Chemical and pharmaceutical sales
  • Patent law and environmental law
  • Opportunities in the public health sector

A Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry is good preparation for students who want to continue their education in graduate school studying chemistry, biochemistry and health-related areas such as pharmacology and toxicology, as well as in professional school studying medicine, law, pharmacy or dentistry.

ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø Requirements

Begin Your Application

ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test.Ìý

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit mustÌýsubmit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

  • Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
  • Proof of financial support must include:
    • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø
    • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
  • Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken post-secondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Tuition

Tuition Cost Per Year
Undergraduate Tuition $54,760

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø education:

  • Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
  • Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry has been continuously certified by the American Chemical Society since 2004.

Ìý
  1. Graduates will be able to demonstrate a foundational understanding of organic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry, and advanced knowledge in biochemistry.
  2. Graduates will be able to demonstrate proficiency in basic (general, organic, analytical and physical) and advanced biochemistry laboratory techniques and conduct laboratory experiments safely.
  3. Graduates will be able to collect, interpret and analyze quantitative data.
  4. Graduates will be able to communicate scientific results effectively, especially through written reports and oral presentations.
  5. Graduates will be able to design and conduct independent research.

Biochemistry students must complete a minimum total of 72 creditsÌýfor the B.S. major.

University Undergraduate Core32-35
Major Requirements
BIOLÌý1240
&ÌýBIOLÌý1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
4
BIOLÌý1260
&ÌýBIOLÌý1265
General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter
and Principles of Biology II Laboratory
4
CHEMÌý1130
&ÌýCHEMÌý1115
General Chemistry 1 for Majors
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
CHEMÌý1140
&ÌýCHEMÌý1125
General Chemistry 2 for Majors
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory
4
CHEMÌý2200
&ÌýCHEMÌý2205
Analytical Chemistry 1
and Analytical Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
CHEMÌý2430
&ÌýCHEMÌý2435
Organic Chemistry 1 for Majors
and Organic Chemistry 1 Lab for Majors
4
CHEMÌý2440
&ÌýCHEMÌý2445
Organic Chemistry 2 for Majors
and Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory for Majors
4
CHEMÌý3100The Chemical Literature1
CHEMÌý3970Undergraduate Research (Students take 1 credit for 3 semesters for a total of 3 credits)1
CHEMÌý3330
&ÌýCHEMÌý3345
Physical Chemistry 1
and Physical Chemistry Laboratory
4
CHEMÌý3340Physical Chemistry 23
CHEMÌý4500Inorganic Chemistry3
CHEMÌý4610
&ÌýCHEMÌý4615
Biochemistry 1
and Biochemistry 1 Laboratory
4
CHEMÌý4620
&ÌýCHEMÌý4625
Biochemistry 2
and Biochemistry 2 Laboratory
4
Additional CHEM 4000 Elective3
Required biological elective 13
Select 3 credits of electives from the approved list 1
MATHÌý1510Calculus I4
MATHÌý1520Calculus II4
PHYSÌý1610
&ÌýPHYSÌý1620
University Physics I
and University Physics I Laboratory 2
4
PHYSÌý1630
&ÌýPHYSÌý1640
University Physics II
and University Physics II Laboratory 2
4
General Electives21-24
Total Credits120
1

BIOLÌý3010 Evolutionary Biology (3 cr), BIOLÌý3030 Principles of Genetics (3 cr), BIOLÌý3400X Introduction to Neuroscience 1: Cellular, Molecular and Systemic (3 cr),ÌýBIOLÌý4070 Advanced Biological Chemistry (3 cr), BIOLÌý4250 Neurobiology of Disease (3 cr), BIOLÌý4430 Principles of Virology (3 cr), BIOLÌý4460 Exercise Physiology (3 cr), BIOLÌý4520 Biochemical Pharmacology (3 cr), BIOLÌý4540 Human Systemic Physiology (3 cr), BIOLÌý4600 Developmental Biology (3 cr), BIOLÌý4630 Foundations of Immunobiology (3 cr), BIOLÌý4640 General Microbiology (3 cr), BIOLÌý4720 Cancer Biology (3 cr), BMEÌý2200 Applied Physiology for Engineers (3 cr), PPYÌý2540 Human Physiology (4 cr), PPYÌý4410 Molecular Pharmacology (3 cr)

2

Engineering Physics I and II with lab are recommended for majors unless they are pre-medical. Physics I and II with labÌýPHYSÌý1310 Physics I, PHYSÌý1320 Physics I Laboratory, PHYSÌý1330 Physics II, and PHYSÌý1340 Physics II LaboratoryÌýalso fulfill the physics requirement and are recommended for pre-medical students.

Non-Course Requirements

All Science and Engineering B.A. and B.S. students must complete an exit interview/survey near the end of their bachelor's program.Ìý

Continuation Standards

The following standards apply to all new freshmen and transfer students:

  • Students must earn a "C-" or better inÌýCHEMÌý1110 General Chemistry 1ÌýorÌýCHEMÌý1130 General Chemistry 1 for Majors) and a "C-" or better inÌýCHEMÌý1120 General Chemistry 2ÌýorÌýCHEMÌý1140 General Chemistry 2 for Majors, or the equivalent in transfer.
  • Students must earn a "C-" or better in CHEMÌý2200 Analytical Chemistry 1.

Students who do not earn a "C-" in any of the identified courses must retake the course at SLU in the following semester. If a "C-" is not earned on the second attempt the student will be dismissed from the major. A student who withdraws from one of these courses on the first attempt thus has one more attempt to earn a "C-."

Students must maintain a 2.00 GPA in their major (CHEM) and required related courses (BIOL, PHYS, MATH, etc.) If a student falls below a 2.00 major GPA the student must meet with the undergraduate program director to review their academic performance. If the student cannot raise the major GPA to 2.00 in two semesters, the student will be dismissed from the major.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollmentÌýunless otherwise noted. Ìý

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
CHEMÌý1130 General Chemistry 1 for Majors 3
CHEMÌý1115 General Chemistry 1 Laboratory 1
MATHÌý1510 Calculus I 4
BIOLÌý1240 General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution 3
BIOLÌý1245 Principles of Biology I Laboratory 1
University Core 4
ÌýCredits16
Spring
CHEMÌý1140 General Chemistry 2 for Majors 3
CHEMÌý1125 General Chemistry 2 Laboratory 1
MATHÌý1520 Calculus II 4
BIOLÌý1260 General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter 3
BIOLÌý1265 Principles of Biology II Laboratory 1
University Core 3
ÌýCredits15
Year Two
Fall
CHEMÌý2430 Organic Chemistry 1 for Majors 3
CHEMÌý2435 Organic Chemistry 1 Lab for Majors 1
CHEMÌý2200 Analytical Chemistry 1 2
CHEMÌý2205 Analytical Chemistry 1 Laboratory 2
PHYSÌý1610 University Physics I 3
PHYSÌý1620 University Physics I Laboratory 1
University Core 3
ÌýCredits15
Spring
CHEMÌý2440 Organic Chemistry 2 for Majors 3
CHEMÌý2445 Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory for Majors 1
PHYSÌý1630 University Physics II 3
PHYSÌý1640 University Physics II Laboratory 1
University Core 6
ÌýCredits14
Year Three
Fall
CHEMÌý4610 Biochemistry 1 3
CHEMÌý4615 Biochemistry 1 Laboratory 1
CHEMÌý3330 Physical Chemistry 1 3
CHEMÌý3100 The Chemical Literature 1
University Core 9
ÌýCredits17
Spring
CHEMÌý4620 Biochemistry 2 3
CHEMÌý4625 Biochemistry 2 Laboratory 1
CHEMÌý3340 Physical Chemistry 2 3
CHEMÌý3345 Physical Chemistry Laboratory 1
CHEMÌý3970 Independent Research in Chemistry 1
University Core 6
ÌýCredits15
Year Four
Fall
CHEMÌý3970 Independent Research in Chemistry 1
CHEMÌý4500 Inorganic Chemistry 3
Required biological elective (see program notes below) 3
University Core 4
General Elective 3
ÌýCredits14
Spring
Completion of Exit Interview Ìý
Completion of Undergraduate Thesis Ìý
CHEM 4XXXElective 3
CHEMÌý3970 Independent Research in Chemistry 1
General Electives 10
ÌýCredits14
ÌýTotal Credits120

Program Notes

Engineering Physics (PHYSÌý1610 University Physics I (3 cr)-PHYSÌý1640 University Physics II Laboratory (1 cr)Ìýis recommended. However, Physics (PHYSÌý1310 College Physics I (3 cr)-PHYSÌý1340 College Physics II Laboratory (1 cr)Ìýalso fulfills the physics requirement.

The required biological elective can be satisfied by selecting 3 credit hours of electives from the approved list:ÌýBIOLÌý3010 Evolutionary Biology (0,3 cr),ÌýBIOLÌý3030 Principles of Genetics (0,3 cr),ÌýBIOLÌý3400X Introduction to Neuroscience 1: Cellular, Molecular and Systemic (3 cr),ÌýBIOLÌý4070 Advanced Biological Chemistry (3 cr),ÌýBIOLÌý4250 Neurobiology of Disease (3 cr),ÌýBIOLÌý4430 Principles of Virology (3 cr),ÌýBIOLÌý4460 Exercise Physiology (3 cr),ÌýBIOLÌý4520 Biochemical Pharmacology (3 cr),ÌýBIOLÌý4540 Human Systemic Physiology (3 cr),ÌýBIOLÌý4600 Developmental Biology (3 cr),ÌýBIOLÌý4630 Foundations of Immunobiology (3 cr),ÌýBIOLÌý4640 General Microbiology (3 cr),ÌýBIOLÌý4720 Cancer Biology (3 cr),ÌýBMEÌý2200 Applied Physiology for Engineers (3 cr),ÌýPPYÌý2540 Human Physiology (4 cr),ÌýPPYÌý4410 Molecular Pharmacology (3 cr)