BGSU student and faculty member in a biochemistry lab. A large part of the BGSU chemistry specialization in biochemistry education happens in the lab.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Biochemistry

The Chemistry Department at Bowling Green State University offers a broad-based, rigorous specialization in biochemistry as a part of the Bachelor of Science in chemistry. Students are equipped with an education that provides them with intellectual, experimental and communication skills to become effective scientific professionals.    

Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms. It focuses on processes happening inside our cells – like how cells communicate with each other during growth or when fighting illness.

The biochemistry degree has two available tracks:

Track 1 places more emphasis on chemistry courses and is the recommended option for students preparing for graduate school in chemistry or biochemistry.

Track 2 requires more biology and fewer chemistry courses. Students in pre-health professional programs may find this track especially attractive.

Grow from the building blocks of life

Chemistry degree graduates with a specialization in biochemistry often go on to further education and careers in environmental research, forensic science, medicine and pharmaceutical industries.  

Chemistry majors at BGSU benefit from small class sizes and close faculty attention. The faculty has extensive research experience and are leading experts in their fields.  

There are abundant opportunities for chemistry degree majors to contribute to undergraduate biochemistry research projects and work with state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and instrumentation.

Moseley Hall on the BGSU campus houses an interdisciplinary science complex featuring flexible laboratory and classroom spaces. The chemistry labs were recently upgraded and feature cutting-edge equipment and facilities.

Biochemistry students have a variety of undergraduate research opportunities to work with chemistry faculty on independent research projects.

Career - what can you do with a biochemistry degree?

As well as being a good pre-med choice, a biochemistry degree can also open doors to further study and rewarding careers in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology or nanotechnology.   

Chemical processes in the body are often the difference between health and illness, leading many biochemistry graduates to pursue work in the development, testing and production of medicines.  

Biochemists often work for research institutes, consulting firms, and diagnostic or forensic laboratories. They can also work at federal agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health.

Areas of more rapid growth in the field include bioinformatics, the creation of software tools to deal with the increasing amounts of biological data. To pursue this career, a computer science major would complement a biochemistry degree well

Career paths

  • Agricultural Scientist
  • Biochemical Engineer
  • Chemical Engineer
  • Cosmetics Developer
  • Educator
  • Fermentation Scientist
  • Food Researcher and Developer
  • Petroleum Engineer
  • Pharmaceutical Researcher
  • Physician

Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

View Average Salaries

Student Organizations

Chemistry Club is an academic and social organization that aims to provide chemistry and biochemistry students and the wider Bowling Green community with a greater appreciation of chemistry.

The AIMS Learning Community

The Academic Investment in Mathematics and Science (AIMS) Learning Community is a place to live and learn alongside peers who share your interest and enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This learning community assists students in navigating challenging first-year courses in science, technology and math disciplines while making lifelong friendships.

It is a friendly, comfortable spot on campus where you will have easy access to your classmates and where you will have the opportunity to practice and master the fundamentals of calculus and other vital courses right in your residence hall. Students in the AIMS Learning Community live close to their classrooms and laboratories.

Curriculum

The biochemistry program is designed for students interested in the chemistry/biology interface.

At BGSU, biochemistry degree students have the opportunity to work with faculty members and graduate students on research projects. This work often leads to publications in professional journals and presentations at regional or national meetings.  

Students have opportunities to work with highly sophisticated equipment such as NMR spectrometers, mass spectrometers, gas and liquid chromatographs, ultracentrifuges, and laser systems.

Many fundamental questions in physiology, ecology, evolution, medicine, pharmacology, microbiology, cell biology and other fields have been addressed using tools developed in biochemistry and molecular biology.  

With the speed of development of new techniques, even more questions can start to be answered and many others solved. Today’s biochemistry students will help answer those questions.

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is the world's largest scientific society and the premier home of chemistry professionals. The Bachelor of Science in chemistry, including the specialization in biochemistry, is eligible for certification by the ACS with an appropriate selection of chemistry elective courses.

BGSU biochemistry degree students conduct research in well-equipped labs

Sample courses

  • Quantitative Chemical Analysis
  • Integrated Analytical and Physical Laboratory
  • Organic Chemistry 
  • Calculus and Analytical Geometry
  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry
  • General Genetics

Updated: 08/07/2024 10:22AM