UMass Boston

Biochemistry BS

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Explore the chemical processes that power all living organisms.

UMass Boston's Biochemistry bachelor's program offers a firm background in the chemical processes that take place within living organisms. The biochemistry major also provides students a vehicle to engage in, and complete, an independent research project within a biochemistry-related laboratory from the Departments of Biology or Chemistry.

Biochemistry is a rich, interdisciplinary area of study at the intersection of biology, chemistry, calculus, and physics. Explore the fundamentals and interactions of these areas in coursework and labs. Whether your interest lies within marine science, human physiology, animal behavior, bioinformatics, or elsewhere—UMass Boston has a lab setting for you.

Career Options

UMass Boston is focused on developing scientific knowledge while opening pathways for inclusivity and diversity within the academic realm. Explore career options in settings from the lab and the field to the boardroom and academia.

Examples of future careers for Biochemistry majors include:

  • Laboratory technician
  • Chemical engineer
  • Forensic scientist
  • Life sciences consultant
  • Wildlife biologist
  • Pharmacist
  • Physician

Plan Your Education

How to Apply

Apply for Admission

Please review the first-year and transfer apply pages for important information about application requirements, deadlines, and application status check.

Apply as a First-Year Student

Apply as a Transfer Student

Deadlines & Cost

Early action deadline: November 1; Regular Decision Deadline: June 15

Financing Your Education

Become a Beacon and pursue your passion in UMass Boston’s diverse, supportive environment. Many students across our 200+ undergraduate and graduate programs receive financial aid—providing access to an education that’s exceptional and affordable. Click below to learn more about financial aid opportunities and deadlines.

Financial Aid Deadlines & Application Process 

Scholarships for First-Year & Transfer Students

For additional information regarding tuition and fees, please visit the Bursar’s Office or send an email to Bursar@umb.edu.

Curriculum

For detailed course descriptions, please visit the university catalog for Biochemistry BS.

Required Science Courses (78 to 80 Credits)

  • BIOL 111 - General Biology I 4 Credit(s)
  • BIOL 112 - General Biology II 4 Credit(s)
  • BIOL 210 - Cell Biology 4 Credit(s)
  • or

  • BIOL 212 - Cell Biology (Lecture) 3 Credit(s)
  • BIOL 252 - Genetics 4 Credit(s)
  • or

  • BIOL 254 - Genetics (Lecture) 3 Credit(s)
  • BIOL 370 - Molecular Biology 4 Credit(s)
  • BIOL 372 - Molecular Biology (Lecture) 3 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 115 - Chemical Principles I Lecture 3 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 116 - Chemical Principles II Lecture 3 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 117 - Chemical Principles I Laboratory 2 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 118 - Chemical Principles II Laboratory 2 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 251 - Organic Chemistry I Lecture 3 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 252 - Organic Chemistry II Lecture 3 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 255 - Organic Chemistry I Laboratory 2 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 256 - Organic Chemistry II Laboratory Credit(s)
  • CHEM 311 - Analytical Chemistry 4 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 313 - Analytical Chemistry Laboratory 2 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 312 - Physical Chemistry 4 Credit(s)
  • MATH 140 - Calculus I 4 redit(s)
  • or

  • MATH 145 - Calculus I for Life & Environmental Sciences 4 Credit(s)
  • MATH 141 - Calculus II 4 Credit(s)
  • or

  • PHYSIC 113 - Fundamentals of Physics I 4 Credit(s)
  • PHYSIC 114 - Fundamentals of Physics II 4 Credit(s)
  • PHYSIC 181 - Physics Laboratory I 2 Credit(s)
  • PHYSIC 182 - Physics Laboratory II 2 Credit(s)
  • BIOCHM 383 - Biochemistry I 3 Credit(s)
  • BIOCHM 384 - Biochemistry II 3 Credit(s)
  • BIOCHM 385 - Biochemistry Lab I 3 Credit(s)
  • BIOCHM 386 - Biochemistry Lab II 3 Credit(s)

Non-Major Courses

The courses below are not required and do not count toward the major, but are recommended for students who are looking to enhance their skills for professional or post-graduate academic opportunities.

Recommended for Research Experience

  • BIOCHM 491 - Directed Research in Biochemistry I 1-6 Credit(s) (6 credits maximum)
  • BIOCHM 492 - Directed Research in Biochemistry II 1-6 Credit(s) (6 credits maximum)
  • BIOL 478 - Independent Study 1-3 Credit(s)
  • BIOL 479 - Independent Study II 1-3 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 481 - Advanced Laboratory in Chemistry I 1-4 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 482 - Advanced Laboratory in Chemistry II 1-4 Credit(s)

Recommended Electives

  • BIOCHM 471 - Readings in Biochemistry I 1-3 Credit(s)
  • BIOCHM 472 - Readings in Biochemistry II 1-3 Credit(s)
  • BIOL 360 - Bioinformatics 3 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 361 - Analytical Instrumentation 4 Credit(s)

For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.

Graduation Criteria

Degree Requirements

If this is the student’s only or primary major, the degree requirements below must be completed for graduation. See graduation requirements for more information.

University Requirements

College of Science and Mathematics Requirements for Bachelor of Science

Major Requirements

Complete a minimum of 78 credits from 26 required biochemistry, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics courses.

Students are also encouraged to take additional recommended research and elective courses, but they are not required for the degree.

GPA: A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required from all biochemistry, biology, and chemistry courses.
Pass/fail: No more than one course taken pass/fail in mathematics or physics may be applied toward the major.

Program Honors

To graduate with honors in biochemistry, students must fulfill the following requirements:

  • A cumulative average of 3.0 or higher.
  • A cumulative average of 3.3 or higher in the major (this includes many, but not all, biology, chemistry, and biochemistry courses).
  • Satisfactory completion of an independent research project that the Biochemistry Steering Committee deems worthy of honors recognition.

Contact

Program Director Marianna Torok, PhD
Marianna.Torok@umb.edu
(617) 287-6199

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Biochemistry

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