Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the study of the chemical reactions that sustain life at the molecular level, making it the foundation of next-generation medicine, biotechnology, and environmental innovation. From developing targeted therapies and advanced diagnostics to addressing global challenges in food security and sustainability, understanding these reactions is essential to solving some of humanity's most pressing problems. The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at Missouri S&T, offered through the Department of Chemistry, provides students with a rigorous scientific foundation and a clear pathway to high-demand careers in industry, research, healthcare, and biotechnology, as well as admission to top professional and graduate programs. Built on a 120-credit framework, including 78 major-focused credits and 42 flexible credits, the curriculum introduces foundational coursework and laboratory techniques right from the start.
Participating in research programs is central to the Biochemistry major at Missouri S&T. Students collaborate directly with research faculty, gaining early, practical lab experience through an integrated Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE). This early involvement often leads to valuable hands-on experience, competitive awards, and the possibility of publications and recognition in the chemistry workplace. Students may opt to participate in the campus wide "Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience" (OURE) program, earning academic credit and a stipend for conducting a research project of mutual interest to the student and a faculty member.
Biochemistry graduates are well equipped to pursue admission to top-tier medical, dental, pharmacy, or patent law programs, or enter the fast-expanding biotechnology workforce. Furthermore, Biochemistry graduates are equipped with the technical expertise and real-world insight required to lead in modern scientific fields as their experience in enriched by tailored pre-health advising, specialized BioDesign electives, and robust support from Missouri S&T's Career Center.
Located in Schrenk Hall, the Department of Chemistry provides access to modern teaching and research laboratories, advanced instrumentation, dedicated faculty mentors, and opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship that helps students translate scientific discoveries into real-world solutions.
Bachelor of Science
Biochemistry
A minimum of 120 credit hours is required for a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry, and an average of at least two grade points per credit hour must be obtained. These requirements for the B.S. degree are in addition to credit received for algebra, trigonometry, and basic ROTC.
General Education Electives must fulfill the Missouri S&T general education requirements applicable to the student’s catalog year.
| Freshman Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Credits | Second Semester | Credits |
| CHEM 1100 | 1 | BIO SCI 1213 | 3 |
| CHEM 1110 | 1 | BIO SCI 1219 | 1 |
| CHEM 1310 | 4 | CHEM 1320 | 3 |
| CHEM 1319 | 1 | CHEM 4010 | 1 |
| ENGLISH 1120 | 3 | ENGLISH 1160 or SPM S 1185 | 3 |
| MATH 1214 or 1210 and 1211 | 4 | MATH 1215 | 4 |
| 14 | 15 | ||
| Sophomore Year | |||
| First Semester | Credits | Second Semester | Credits |
| BIO SCI 2213 | 3 | CHEM 2220 | 3 |
| BIO SCI 2219 | 1 | CHEM 2229 | 1 |
| CHEM 2210 | 3 | CHEM 2510 | 4 |
| CHEM 2219 | 1 | General Education Elective1 | 3 |
| COMP SCI 1973 | 2 | PHYSICS 2145 | 4 |
| COMP SCI 1983 | 1 | ||
| PHYSICS 1145 | 4 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Junior Year | |||
| First Semester | Credits | Second Semester | Credits |
| CHEM 4610 | 3 | BIO SCI 2223 | 3 |
| CHEM 4619 | 2 | CHEM 4620 | 3 |
| General Education Elective1 | 3 | General Education Elective1 | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Electives | 6 |
| STAT 3425 | 4 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Senior Year | |||
| First Semester | Credits | Second Semester | Credits |
| CHEM 4099 | 1 | BIO SCI 3313 | 3 |
| CHEM 4630 | 3 | CHEM 2410 | 3 |
| General electives | 9 | CHEM 4650 | 3 |
| HISTORY 1200, or 1300, or 1310, or POL SCI 1200 | 3 | General Education Elective1 | 3 |
| General Electives | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits: 120 | |||
- 1
Gen. Ed. Elective must fulfill the Missouri S&T general education requirements applicable to the students catalog year.
Notes:
Grade Requirements: A minimum grade of ”C” is required for each chemistry course counted towards the degree.
ROTC: Basic ROTC may be taken in the freshman and sophomore year, but does not count towards the degree.
Electives: The degree has twenty-one (21) hours of general electives credit that may not include Math courses prerequisite to calculus. Not more than one (1) credit hour of CHEM 4010 can be included for degree credit. Up to eight (8) credit hours may be taken of CHEM 4099.