Biochemistry
What this major studies in college, the health tracks it can lead to, and careers open with a bachelor’s degree. Every fact below names its source.
Last checked:
What it is
Penn State's biochemistry and molecular biology major applies basic principles of chemistry and physics to the study of living cells and their components, and students develop a strong foundation in quantitative and analytical biological sciences. [1]
ASBMB-recognized programs require a cumulative total of 400 or more contact hours of direct, hands-on laboratory experience in STEM areas over the course of the degree, and every major should be given the opportunity to participate in research or related activities. [2]
Typical college courses
At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), the chemistry B.S. biochemistry track also combines general, organic, analytical, inorganic and physical chemistry with biochemistry courses, introductory biology, molecular genetics, calculus and calculus-based physics. [3]
The major requires Molecular and Cell Biology I and II, Molecular Biology of the Gene, two General Biochemistry courses, Genetic Analysis and Introductory Microbiology, plus biochemistry and molecular biology lab courses. [1]
The rows below show one named program as an example: Penn State, B.S. in biochemistry and molecular biology, 2026–2027 bulletin. Course descriptions are in our own words. Course names and numbers differ at every college; confirm each college’s own list.
| Course | Status | What it covers (example: Penn State bulletin) | Comes after |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Principles I and II, with labs | Required in this example programThe major requires Chemical Principles I and II, each with a grade of C or better, and the experimental chemistry labs. [1] | Chemical Principles I (CHEM 110) introduces the basic principles of chemistry, linking the structure of matter at the smallest scale to the properties we can see, and Chemical Principles II (CHEM 112) builds on it with reaction rates and kinetics, nuclear applications, catalysis, and gas and aqueous equilibrium. [4] | CHEM 110 comes after completion of or placement beyond MATH 22, and CHEM 112 comes after CHEM 110. [4] |
Get ready with these topics: Atoms and electron arrangement · Periodic table patterns · Ionic and covalent bonding · The mole and molar mass · Stoichiometry and conservation of mass · Acids and bases · Quantities, units and rates · Literal equations and formulas | |||
| Organic Chemistry I and II, with lab | Required in this example programThe major requires Organic Chemistry I and II and the organic chemistry lab. [1] | Organic Chemistry I (CHEM 210) covers bonding in organic molecules, stereochemistry and molecular shapes, and reactions of alkyl halides, alkenes, alkynes, aromatics and alcohols, and Organic Chemistry II (CHEM 212) continues it, with emphasis on the role of organic reactions in biological chemistry. [4] | CHEM 210 comes after CHEM 112, and CHEM 212 comes after CHEM 210. [4] |
Get ready with these topics: Ionic and covalent bonding · Lewis structures and molecular shape · Forces between particles and bulk properties · Organic chemistry basics · Acids and bases · Reaction rates and collision theory | |||
| Molecular and Cell Biology I and II | Required in this example program[1] | Molecular and Cell Biology I (BMB 251) introduces how molecules and cells work, focusing on eukaryotic cells, their large biological molecules, organelles and membranes, and Molecular and Cell Biology II (BMB 252) continues with the cytoskeleton, cell growth and division, signaling, differentiation, and the immune and nervous systems. [5] | BMB 251 comes after CHEM 112, and BMB 252 comes after BMB 251. [5] |
Get ready with these topics: The molecules of life · Cell structure: prokaryotes and eukaryotes · The cell membrane and transport · Cellular respiration · The cell cycle, mitosis and differentiation | |||
| Molecular Biology of the Gene | Required in this example program[1] | Molecular Biology of the Gene (BMB 400) follows how information flows in living things at the molecular level, from copying, repairing and recombining DNA to making RNA and building, folding and modifying proteins. [5] | It comes after Molecular and Cell Biology I and Organic Chemistry II. [5] |
Get ready with these topics: DNA structure and replication · From DNA to protein · Gene regulation and expression · Genes, environment and biotechnology | |||
| General Biochemistry I and II | Required in this example program[1] | The first General Biochemistry course (BMB 401) covers the structure and function of carbohydrates, lipids, membranes, proteins and enzymes, and the second (BMB 402) surveys the pathways and regulation of metabolism. [5] | BMB 401 comes after Organic Chemistry I and Molecular and Cell Biology I, and BMB 402 comes after BMB 401. [5] |
Get ready with these topics: The molecules of life · Enzymes and how reactions happen in cells · Cellular respiration · From DNA to protein · Chemical equilibrium and Le Chatelier's principle · pH and neutralization | |||
| Analytical Biochemistry (Biochemistry option) | One of the choices in this example programThe Biochemistry option adds Analytical Biochemistry, two physical chemistry courses and a general physics sequence. [1] | Analytical Biochemistry (BMB 474) teaches the theory and lab techniques used to purify and characterize large biological molecules such as proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. [5] | It comes after, or is taken at the same time as, BMB 428 or CHEM 450. [5] |
Get ready with these topics: The molecules of life · Enzymes and how reactions happen in cells · Solutions and concentration · Acids and bases | |||
Typical high school preparation
We did not find an official source that gives high school course advice for this major, so none is listed. For the high school courses colleges ask for in general, see the College Preparation page.
Pre-Health Foundations: coming soon
Health tracks this can lead to
Each card opens that track’s page. A reason is shown only where a cited source gives one. Every program sets its own prerequisites, so confirm them with each school.
Pre-Med (MD / DO)
Nonscience majors applying to medical school should, at the very least, complete a year of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry. [6]
Pre-Pharmacy (PharmD)
Students are not required to major in "pre-pharmacy" to be eligible for admission to pharmacy degree programs. [7]
Pre-Dental (DDS / DMD)
Pre-PA (Physician Assistant)
Pre-Veterinary (DVM)
Where this degree can lead with a bachelor’s
National figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay varies by state, setting and experience. This is not a promise of pay or a job.
Examples from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Other careers may need more study after the bachelor’s degree.
Clinical laboratory technologists
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians perform medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. [8]
Some states require clinical laboratory technologists and technicians to be licensed. [8]
The median annual wage for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians was $62,930 in May 2025. [8]
Employment of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. [8]
Clinical laboratory technologists typically earn a bachelor's degree in medical technology or a related life sciences field, such as biology or chemistry. [8]
Chemists
Chemists and materials scientists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products or knowledge. [9]
The median annual wage for chemists was $91,240 in May 2025. [9]
Overall employment of chemists and materials scientists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. [9]
Chemists and materials scientists typically need a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related physical science field. [9]
Questions people search
Chosen from our search-question research. Every answer is cited.
What can you do with a biochemistry degree?
Clinical laboratory technologists typically earn a bachelor's degree in medical technology or a related life sciences field, such as biology or chemistry. [8]
Chemists and materials scientists typically need a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related physical science field. [9]
Biochemistry vs biology: which major is better for pre-med?
There are no required or even preferred majors that medical schools are looking for; students should make sure they fulfill the prerequisite coursework for the schools they want to apply to. [10]
Nonscience majors applying to medical school should, at the very least, complete a year of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry. [6]
Your next step
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Sources
- The Pennsylvania State University. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/eberly-science/biochemistry-molecular-biology-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked .
- American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). Characteristics of an ASBMB-accredited program. https://www.asbmb.org/education/accreditation/characteristics. no edition stated (footer © 2026). Checked .
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chemistry Major, B.S., Biochemistry Track. https://catalog.unc.edu/undergraduate/programs-study/chemistry-major-bs-biochemistry-track/. 2026–2027 Academic Catalog. Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Chemistry (CHEM) course descriptions. https://bulletins.psu.edu/university-course-descriptions/undergraduate/chem/. current University Bulletins (the BMB, BIOL and NUTR course pages show the 2026–27 edition). Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) course descriptions. https://bulletins.psu.edu/university-course-descriptions/undergraduate/bmb/. University Bulletins, 2026–27 edition. Checked .
- Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Applying to Medical School as a Nonscience Major. https://students-residents.aamc.org/getting-organized/applying-medical-school-nonscience-major. no edition stated (page footer © 2026). Checked .
- PharmCAS, American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP). Pre-Pharmacy Prep. https://www.pharmcas.org/helpful-resources/pre-pharmacy-prep. no edition stated (footer © 2026 PharmCAS). Checked .
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/clinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians.htm. OOH page last modified October 29, 2026 (pay data May 2025; projections 2025–35). Checked .
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Chemists and Materials Scientists. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/chemists-and-materials-scientists.htm. OOH page last modified August 27, 2026 (pay data May 2025; projections 2025–35). Checked .
- Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). How to Choose the Best Premed Major. https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/how-choose-best-premed-major. no edition stated (page footer © 2026). Checked .
Format: Publisher. Page title. URL. Edition or catalog year. Checked date.