51³Ô¹ÏÍø

51³Ô¹ÏÍø cherry "T" logo

51³Ô¹ÏÍø

Search Keywords
20180828_160_90_Giordano_033_BiochemBS.jpg

Biochemistry Major

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

Study the chemical reactions that occur in living matter with the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's College of Science and Technology. Biochemical concepts and techniques have become the basis for research in environmental and health sciences, nutrition and physiology. The 123-credit-hour degreeÌýprepares graduates to pursue various careers in medicine, science and technology, or advanced study in biochemistry, bioengineering, biotechnology, cell biology and other related fields.

The interdisciplinary biochemistry curriculum combines principles of biology and chemistry with fundamentals of mathematics and physics. Chemistry is a discipline of science that studies the structure and composition of atoms, whereas biology studies the science of life and living organisms. You’ll study how atoms and molecules form new chemical compounds through chemical bonds. From there, students will dig deeper into the chemical processes that are required for living organisms to exist, including their chemical composition, function and physical structure.

Faculty members encourageÌýfirsthand experience with cutting-edge technology in the classroom.ÌýYou'll also solve real-world problems in state-of-the-art laboratories while building practical research and teamwork skills.ÌýBiochemistry Majors take part in advanced research, scientific breakthroughs and new discoveries that benefit society.

Biochemistry student wearing a lab coat and safety goggles adjusting a machine in the lab

Classes & Curriculum

In this degree program, courses will includeÌý

  • Calculus or Honors Calculus I, IIÌýand III;
  • Cell Structure and Function;
  • General Biochemistry II;
  • Genetics; andÌý
  • Techniques of Biochemistry Research.

Learn more about Biochemistry Major courses.Ìý

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

+1 Bachelor-Master Programs

The College of Science and Technology offers +1 Accelerated Bachelor-Master Programs. Students can earn a BA or BS and, at the end of the fifth year, an MA or MS. Coursework is completed over five years instead of taking the usual six-year course of study.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Science offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $23,856.00 per year
Out-of-state: $39,480.00 per year

Our Advisors

in the College of Science and Technology helps you navigate New Student Orientation, advises on specific degree programs and courses, provides post-graduation guidance, and offers peer support. You can also be matched with a qualified student advisor or advocateÌýwho will further assist with degree and academic questions or concerns.

Learn more about the and the .

Program Contact

Contact the following faculty for more information about theÌýBiochemistry BS.

Last Names A–G
Spiridoula Matsika is theÌýfaculty advisor and professor in the Department of Chemistry.
Phone: 215-204-7703
Email:

Last Names H–NÌý
Robert Stanley is theÌýfaculty advisor and professor in the Department of Chemistry.Ìý
Phone: 215-204-2027
Email:

Last Names O–ZÌý
Michael Zdilla is the faculty advisor and associate professor in the Department of Chemistry.
Phone: 215-204-7886
Email:

Student Clubs and Organizations

Student clubs and organizations in the College of Science and Technology provide opportunities to meet with peers, network with professionals or scientists in your field of study and learn about internship opportunities. The College of Science and Technology offers 15 major clubs and 12 pre-health clubs for undergraduate students. Enhance your academic study and social life by participating in a club related to your major or interests.

Students pursuing a Biochemistry degree may be interested in the following clubs and organizations.

  • provides students with information and resources to facilitate their future careers related to biology.
  • facilitates undergraduate students with opportunities pertaining to research, careers in the industryÌýand education after undergraduate studies.
  • empowers students from disadvantaged North Philadelphia middle schools to gain an interest in natural and/or physical sciences, such as chemistry, physics and biology.

Study Away Opportunities

Deepen your understanding of your math, natural science or computer science coursework by experiencing firsthand how such disciplines are studied overseas. 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s study abroad program offers College of Science and Technology students opportunities to spend a summer or semester studying in Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain. .

College of Science and Technology undergraduate students can also take part in international research. These opportunities include the following external scholarship programs.

  • The Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship provides funding for underrepresented students to study in nontraditional destinations such as Australia and Eastern Europe.
  • The Boren Scholarship Summer STEM Initiative offers undergraduate STEM majors opportunities to participate in a language-intensive program.
  • The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research and 51³Ô¹ÏÍø offer opportunities for students in biology, chemistry and physics programs to work in research groups in Pune, India, over the summer.
  • The provides the opportunity for students to spend their summer working full time in a biotechnology and pathology lab based in Tuscany, Italy.
  • The allows students to learn the biological basis behind the technology used for art conservation and then apply that knowledge in the laboratory and in the field.

.

Accreditation

As a division within 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, the College of Science and Technology is accredited by the .

Additional Program Information