Male superimposed in front of light brown backdrop with molecular structure in the background

An Inside Look at Life

If understanding the biological world intrigues you, look no further. Majoring in IUP’s Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry goes beyond the surface level—taking you deeper into the study of living organisms.

Why Major in Biochemistry at IUP?

IUP's degree program is one of only a few in the country where you can earn an undergraduate degree in biochemistry. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art equipment and work within a small, close-knit group of peers to encourage cooperation and accountability. All your classes and labs are taught by faculty, not graduate students, so you'll have a strong support system of faculty and biochemistry alumni dedicated to guiding and helping you throughout the program and even after graduation.

Significant funding and university investment has provided top technical facilities that are dedicated to biochemistry. You'll have plenty of lab time and with the help of your mentoring professors you’ll learn about and use this equipment to conduct advanced research.

In addition to research with faculty, IUP encourages internships or Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs). IUP is proud of the success rate it has in helping biochemistry students land highly competitive internships.

What You'll Learn

As a science-loving student, you’ll enjoy our concentrated biochemistry curriculum, covering the structure and function of cellular components, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules.

You'll get the top-quality education you’ll need to begin your career or to get into graduate and professional schools.

Imagine Your Future

Biochemistry prepares you for a wide range of career opportunities. Since new options continue to open up in this growing industry, your combined interest in biology and chemistry can lead to an extensive professional life that contributes greatly to the scientific community.

Industry, universities, and government institutions need biochemists to carry out research for both applied and exploratory studies, including:

  • Chemical manufacturing
  • Environmental safety
  • Food and drink production
  • Medical instrument development
  • Pharmaceutical treatments
  • Protein engineering
  • Standards for health and beauty care
  • Stem cell and genetics therapies

Career Fields for Biochemistry Graduates

  • Bioengineering
  • Biotechnology
  • Cancer research
  • Education
  • Food science
  • Genetic engineering
  • Government research
  • Immunology
  • Industrial production
  • Medical research
  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Toxicology
  • Veterinarian practice/medicine

Biochemist

Median salary

$102,270 per year

Biochemists with bachelor's degrees

46%

Biochemists with master's degrees

31%

Biochemists with doctoral degrees

23%

Classes and Requirements

Biochemistry is a truly varied degree program. Each day will bring new questions and challenges. Over and above biochemistry courses, you'll take courses in:

  • Cell and molecular biology
  • Genetics
  • Math
  • Organic and analytical chemistry
  • Physics

As a biochemistry major you study biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, alongside your general education courses for the first two years of the program.

Beginning in the third year, you'll specialize in biochemistry and take focused courses that build your knowledge of the subject. In your senior year, your participation in research is a unique feature among university undergraduate programs. IUP professors are highly committed to student field experiences, research, and hands-on projects.

Qualified students who are admitted to the Biochemistry Honors Certificate Program can take advantage of IUP's guaranteed admission agreements with PhD programs at department-affiliated doctoral schools.

Full Academic Catalog Listing

The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.

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Student Groups

IUP encourages out-of-classroom experiences with other biochemistry and chemistry majors, allowing for teamwork and interaction that will add to your undergraduate experience. We are proud to offer several subject-specific groups where you can network with your peers.

American Chemical Society (ACS)

The American Chemical Society student affiliate is the professional organization for chemistry and biochemistry majors. They host professional meetings and hold tutoring sessions.

Alpha Chi Sigma (AXE)

Alpha Chi Sigma is a professional fraternity that encourages networking for connections after graduation. It holds professional advancement workshops for STEM majors. AXE graduates form the core of the alumni mentoring programs, such as Alumni Mentors Empowering Students (AMES).

American Medical Students Association (AMSA)

The American Medical Students Association brings in health care professionals to provide career tips, volunteer opportunities, and group study sessions.

Research Opportunities

As a biochemistry major, research opportunities are important. All students complete two courses of research under the supervision of a faculty member. IUP students get rich experience from biochemistry, chemistry and biology faculty members, including:

  • Building up confidence in analytical and experimental skills
  • Designing and performing experiments
  • Gaining critical scientific skills that are highly valued by employers and graduate/professional schools
  • Interpreting data
  • Opportunities to present and discuss research at regional and national conferences
  • Opportunities to publish in research journals in conjunction with a faculty mentor
  • Taking part in the scientific process
  • Understanding how new knowledge is discovered

Biochemistry Honors Certificate

The Biochemistry Honors Certificate program challenges you to take more advanced courses to complete your degree and provides the opportunity to give a public presentation of your research. The Biochemistry Honors Certificate also ensures you are eligible* for guaranteed admission at various PhD programs that are partnered with IUP.

*Minimum GPAs vary by program

Full Academic Catalog Listing

The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.

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Research Facilities

  • Biohazard Hoods
  • Cell culture equipment
  • Centrifuges
  • Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography System
  • Gel documentation imaging
  • Real-time PCR thermocycler
  • Research freezer storage (-80 C)
  • Spectrofluorimeter
  • UV-Vis and spectrophotometers

Biochemistry Minor

What do the health care industry, parts of the chemical industry, homeland security, environmental testing, and genetic engineering have in common? They all rely on biochemists.

This minor is designed to provide a core background in biochemistry to complement a major in another area such as biology, chemistry, nutrition, or safety science.

Full Academic Catalog Listing

The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.

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