Collaborative Research
The majority of our students engage in undergraduate research projects with professors.
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Using chemical principles to solve biological problems can illuminate so much about our world. Biochemistry at the University of St. Thomas blends biology and chemistry by using molecular principles to investigate essential processes in living systems.
Why Study Biochemistry at St. Thomas?
Our program draws upon faculty and courses in the biology and chemistry programs. This interdisciplinary approach prepares you for numerous fields such as medicine and drug design. You learn to solve complex problems associated with the structure and function of biological molecules in the context of living systems in our world. Alumni have gone on to graduate programs focusing on biochemistry, medicine and other related fields. They have also pursued positions in emerging fields like biotechnology.
Blending Biology and Chemistry Together
Course Requirements
Biochemistry is interdisciplinary with allied requirements in math and physics along with courses in biology and chemistry. The biochemistry seminar series is a unique opportunity for you to hone your skills presenting and analyzing biochemical data. Ultimately, you equip yourself with the tools to lead in virtually any aspect of biochemistry.
Four-Year Plan
You start your college career by taking foundational courses in chemistry, biology and math. In your second year, you transition to organic chemistry and physics while also taking advanced elective classes in biology. You complete biochemistry and the biochemistry seminar courses along with electives in chemistry during your junior year, capping off your St. Thomas career with biology electives and physical chemistry.
Degrees Awarded
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
Biochemistry is interdisciplinary with allied requirements in math and physics along with courses in biology and chemistry. The biochemistry seminar series is a unique opportunity for you to hone your skills presenting and analyzing biochemical data. Ultimately, you equip yourself with the tools to lead in virtually any aspect of biochemistry.
Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan
You start your college career by taking foundational courses in chemistry, biology and math. In your second year, you transition to organic chemistry and physics while also taking advanced elective classes in biology. You complete biochemistry and the biochemistry seminar courses along with electives in chemistry during your junior year, capping off your St. Thomas career with biology electives and physical chemistry.
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Changing the World
Our students, faculty and alumni are utilizing their scientific knowledge in unique ways, whether that is in the field or the classroom!
Happy-Sarah Kim ‘20
Happy-Sarah is a senior majoring in biochemistry and plans to pursue a PhD after graduating. She received a Young Scholars Grant to research how to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. She also serves as a student ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences.
Gemma Mendonsa (Shaffer) ‘14
Gemma works as a biochemist at Zepto Life Technology in the Twin Cities. She conducted research with Dr. Justin Donato on metagenomics and antibiotic resistance as an undergraduate at St. Thomas, specifically focusing on the rise of bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
Career Paths
Our innovative curriculum gives you the academic knowledge and practical skills to prepare you for careers in many fields.
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacy
- Patent law
- Public policy
- Medical and dental careers
Scholarships
Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarship
St. Thomas offers two full-tuition scholarships and two $8,000 scholarships to top candidates who intend to pursue degrees in the sciences, mathematics or engineering.
Scholarships
William D. Larson Scholarship
We award these scholarships to students displaying exceptional achievement in the field of chemistry who intend to pursue careers in chemistry, medicine or related fields. We award the scholarships to juniors at St. Thomas, and they have historically exceeded $5,000.
A Community of Scholars
Our program not only gives you the academic knowledge to be successful in the classroom, but also practical skills preparing you for life after St. Thomas.
International Research Conferences
Many of our students have presented research at renowned international conferences.
Academic Excellence
Biochemistry majors have a higher average GPA compared to the rest of the university.
Faculty with Real Experience
Dr. Afshan Ismat
Dr. Ismat researches developmental and cancer biology in humans.
Dr. Codrina Popescu
Dr. Popescu focuses on the chemistry of life processes involving iron.
Dr. Amy Verhoeven
Dr. Verhoeven studies how plants acclimate and adapt to stressful environments.
Get Out and Explore
We encourage you to get out of the classroom and explore the world around you. Whether you stay in the Twin Cities or study abroad, we have the paths to get you there.
Visit the Eternal City
We want you to get out and see another part of the world during your undergraduate career. As a sophomore, you can study organic chemistry in Rome for a semester.
Be on the Cutting-Edge
Do you want to make an impact? You can work directly with faculty on innovative research projects, either for credit or as a paid student researcher.
Opportunities for Growth
You will benefit from internal and external funding opportunities to support your research projects. These projects will foster a competitive skillset that will be useful in fast-growing job markets.
The Best of Both Worlds
Throughout their undergraduate careers, biochemistry students engage in impactful research with faculty that examines biological processes using molecular principles. This hands-on approach prepares our students to go on to a variety of careers after graduating from St. Thomas.
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.