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What is Biochemistry?

Get a Master's in Biochemistry

The Biochemistry B.S.

Biochemistry connects the living world to the chemical world to study the processes that occur in plants, animals and single-celled organisms.

This exciting field is behind many life-changing advances in medicine, agriculture and genetic engineering, all of which are generally accomplished by tying together new technologies and discoveries in both genetic and cell biology.

When transformational findings like these are unveiled, it is likely that a biochemist is part of the team. With a biochemistry degree, this could be you.

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Why Choose Florida Tech for Biochemistry?

Whether you want to explore the mysteries of DNA, help develop innovative biotechnologies or study the diagnosis and treatment of disease, a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Florida Tech will set you up for success. Here, you'll develop a strong background in biology and chemistry, get hands-on experience in analysis and instrumentation and learn from expert faculty in state-of-the-art facilities.

Studying biochemistry gives you access to faculty members from two outstanding science departments at Florida Tech: (1) biomedical engineering and science (2) chemistry and chemical engineering. And, with our low student-faculty ratio, you will receive plenty of personalized attention in and outside of the classroom.

As a biochemistry student, you get to work with faculty who are committed to their teaching and scholarly work. They actively engage you in their research—and there’s a lot happening in our labs.

The F.W. Olin Physical Sciences Center is a 70,000-square-foot facility comprising our Life Sciences Building, Instrumentation Center and collection of state-of-the-art teaching and research labs. You’ll also have access to campus facilities like our new Gordon L. Nelson Health Sciences building, equipped with cutting-edge research equipment and resources.

Find educational, social and career development opportunities through our campus chapters of the American Chemical Society or Biomedical Engineering Society, or academic clubs like the Women in STEM Committee, Marine Biological Society and Pre-Med Club. Florida Tech is also home to science-related honor societies, such as Tri-Beta.

Beyond clubs related to your major, you’ll find more than 200 student-run organizations and a steady stream of campus events at Florida Tech.

Our Central Florida location and proximity to biodiversity makes Florida Tech one of the country's top biochemistry schools. Nearby natural resources, such as the estuarine habitats of the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean marine ecosystem, are ideal for biological research.

As Florida's STEM University, Florida Tech is one of the best schools for premed and a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry is excellent preparation for medical school. Florida Tech alumni with an interest in medical biochemistry often pursue careers as physicians and other health care practitioners in a variety of specialties.

Here, you will find the coursework, research opportunities and advising you need to be ready to apply to medical school. We also offer special direct admission pathways into select programs through our partnerships with Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine (located right on the Florida Tech campus) and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Learn more about premed.

Careers in Biochemistry

A degree in biochemistry prepares you for immediate employment in a variety of research, public health, industrial and government settings. With advanced study and professional experience, you can advance into leadership roles and pursue highly specialized biochemistry jobs. Our graduates work in positions such as:

  • Toxicologist
  • Chemist
  • Microbiologist
  • Bioanalyst
  • Product transfer scientist
  • Manufacturing engineering manager
  • Laboratory supervisor
  • Patent agent
  • Protein scientist

A bachelor’s degree in biochemistry is also excellent preparation for medical school. Florida Tech alumni with an interest in medical biochemistry often pursue careers as physicians and other health care practitioners in a variety of specialties.

Looking ahead to your future career can be exciting! Keep in mind that certain roles may entail additional prerequisites, such as an advanced degree.

Florida Tech Career Services assists students, alumni and employers in their search for careers and employee candidates. We help students develop career plans and job search skills. Explore our Career Toolbox to learn more about our services and access additional resources.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), provides information about specific jobs, including median annual pay, working conditions and job outlook, among other things. Check the handbook for information on the outlook for careers in biochemistry.

Advanced Degree Options

After earning their biochemistry B.S., our students pursue graduate, professional and doctoral degrees in a range of life sciences, technology and health-related fields, including these Florida Tech programs:

Explore the Biochemistry, B.S., Curriculum

The Biochemistry, B.S., Curriculum

From microbiology to bioengineering, the field of biochemistry covers a lot of scientific territory. This means our program is quite interdisciplinary; you’ll take core courses and technical electives from across the natural and physical sciences.

Biochemistry B.S. classes include:

  • Introduction to Biotechnology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Genetic Engineering Techniques

Check the catalog for a description of all courses.

Download the Biochemistry, B.S. Curriculum now!

Strong Community Ties Mean Strong Internships

Student working in chemistry lab

Florida Tech’s strong community ties and solid industry connections present internship opportunities near campus and around the nation.

Biochemistry internships allow students to gain experience with the high-tech tools and techniques used by chemists around the world such as NMR spectrometers, mass spectrometers, thermogravimetric analyzers, and more.

These high-quality, enriching internships often lead to full-time biochemistry jobs.

Our students gain real-world biochemistry experience with companies and organizations like:

  • NASA-Kennedy Space Center
  • American Museum of Natural History
  • The Perry Institute for Marine Science
  • SeaWorld Orlando
  • Florida Center for Environmental Studies
  • Florida Medical Entomology Lab
  • Andean Biodiversity Consortium
  • Shedd Aquarium

Learn more about Biochemistry at Florida Tech on the website.

Asking the Big Questions: Build a Portfolio of Original Research

At Florida Tech, you will have unprecedented research opportunities usually not found at the undergraduate level. As early as your first year, you can join a faculty-led research group. This experience often leads to co-authoring a paper with your peers and professors. In fact, many of our chemistry and biochemistry B.S. students have published a paper in a scientific journal by the time they graduate.

You’ll also have a chance to embark on collaborative or independent research projects, including a senior thesis, and you will present papers at academic meetings and conferences on campus and around the country. Year by year, this practical experience will build your portfolio and prepare you for employment or graduate school.

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