Biochemistry is the study of the molecules present and chemical processes that take place in living things. Inside a living cell, an astounding number of very carefully-regulated chemical reactions are occurring all the time. Biochemists are the individuals who work to bridge the gap between pure chemistry and biology.
The biochemistry degree is a common degree obtained by those interested in pre-health professions, especially those studying pre-dental, pre-med, pre-pharmacy and pre-physician assistant programs. It builds on the strong interdisciplinary approach in educating students, a distinctive feature of the Natural and Health Sciences Department at the University of St. Francis. Biochemists plan and conduct complex projects in basic and applied research; they manage laboratory teams and monitor the quality of their work; they research the effects of substances such as drugs, hormones, and nutrients on tissues and biological processes; they prepare technical reports, research papers, and recommendations based on their research findings and they present those findings to scientists, engineers, and other colleagues.
The University of St. Francis is thrilled to add that USF’s B.S. in Biochemistry is now accredited through the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). As stated by ASBMB, “ASBMB accreditation is a national, independent, outcomes-based evaluation mechanism that recognizes excellence in B.S. or B.A. degree programs in biochemistry and molecular biology and related disciplines.” This accreditation allows USF biochemistry majors to register for a national exam, which is an additional credential that biochemistry students can earn and add to their resumes. It also makes available research funding and additional opportunities through ASBMB for students.
The University of St. Francis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and is authorized to operate as a post-secondary institution by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (ibhe.org). The Biochemistry program is accredited by American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (asbmb.org).
“USF has given me an unforgettable experience. Faculty members have allowed me to grow both intellectually and as a person. Each professor has supported me and my goals, and was more than willing to help me achieve anything I set my mind to. I was pushed and motivated to learn, grow, and become a better person. This incredible support system has surrounded me with an incredible group of colleagues, mentors, and friends.“
–Autumn Lee
The job market for biochemists and related professionals—including those in the health professions—is strong. Biochemists have a wide variety of employment options both with a bachelor’s degree and with further study. With a bachelor’s degree, a biochemistry major can work as a lab technician, research scientist, or on the business side of the chemical or pharmaceutical industry. Employment of biochemists and biophysicists is projected to increase eight percent between now and the year 2024. Biochemists and biophysicists are expected to be needed to do basic research that increases scientific knowledge and to research and develop biological products and processes that help to improve people’s lives.
From dissecting human donors, to assisting faculty with compelling research projects, to doing internships at nationally-acclaimed research facilities such as Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi Lab, Shedd Aquarium and Morton Arboretum— USF prepares students for competitive careers in science. USF’s Science Fellows Program represents another way to get involved in science activity, and of course, you’ll get the feel of a real laboratory by using the lab equipment in USF’s new science hall. The labs are outfitted with the latest resources and students are encouraged to use them to collect, analyze and synthesize data, design and conduct experiments and discover how living things work and interact.
