Biochemistry (B.S.)
Understand the reactions that occur in living organisms and prepare for careers in biotechnology, health care, and pharmaceutical industries through Illinois Tech’s hands-on-driven biochemistry bachelor’s degree.
Develop the Know-How for a Career in Medicine or Research Through Illinois Tech’s Hands-On-Driven B.S. in Biochemistry
Understanding and harnessing the core concepts of biochemistry—the examination of biomolecular processes and chemical reactions that occur in living organisms and systems—is the first step toward pursuing a career in medicine, biotechnology, pharmaceutical industries, and laboratory research. No matter which career path you plan to pursue, Illinois Tech’s B.S. in Biochemistry provides you with a deep understanding of core biochemistry concepts through hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. You can also pursue our concentration in computation, where you’ll learn to utilize computational tools to understand complex biological systems, building a highly sought skill set.
Program Overview
The hands-on-driven biochemistry bachelor’s degree program at Illinois Tech is designed to equip you with a deep understanding of biochemistry concepts by examining and addressing real-world problems through cutting-edge laboratory research and project-based learning, all with a focus on preparing you for future success in biotechnology, health care, and pharmaceutical industries careers or by continuing your education. Students in the B.S. in Biochemistry receive personalized support and instruction from faculty, resulting in easier access to all the resources and opportunities provided at a research-intensive institution.
Career Opportunities
As a student in the B.S. in Biochemistry program, you'll find a multitude of career opportunities available to you upon graduation. Your experience will prepare you to pursue career paths in a range of areas, such as:
- Physician
- Research Scientist
- Lab Director
Here are some courses that are among our students’ favorites:
CHEM 456 Computational Biochemistry and Drug Design This course is a project-based introduction to computer-aided drug design tools and the principles behind them. Topics that are discussed include molecular docking and molecular mechanics force fields for binding enthalpies; continuum dielectric models of electrostatics and solvation; the Boltzmann distribution and alchemical binding free energy calculations; and quantitative structure property relationships, including for activity and membrane permeability.
BIOL 402 Metabolic Biochemistry This course examines the biochemistry of metabolism, with a focus on glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, gluconeogenesis, electron transport, and the synthesis and breakdown of biomolecules (amino acids, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates), blood chemistry, lipid transportation, and metabolic control.
SSCI 318 Global Health This multidisciplinary course addresses the most critical issues and initiatives in global health. It covers the history of the field and its basic principles and goals, the determinants of health and its links with development, competing perspectives on global health challenges and ways to meet them, the most important causes of disease and death, and the organizations and governance mechanisms that are endeavoring to improve outcomes. The course is geared toward developing theories and methods to understand the social, economic, political, and environmental causes of health outcomes, with a focus on disadvantaged communities and health inequalities.
Admission to all undergraduate programs at Illinois Tech is evaluated via a holistic approach that takes various factors under consideration, including your high school performance and essays. Your choice of major will impact this process as well, because each major has its own criteria for admission.
To learn more about our admission selection process, recommended high school coursework, and our admitted student profile, please visit our admission website.
Both on the pitch and in the lab, Gabriella Baltes has established herself as a leader. As a biochemistry major, she has her sights set on becoming a surgeon.
Gabriella Baltes (BCHM 3rd Year)
A passion for STEM has driven Casey Weisfuss since he was young. Now he’s putting his biochemistry degree to work as a laboratory manager in his alma mater’s Center for Nutrition Research.
Casey Weisfuss (BCHM ’21)
Featured Faculty
Nick Menhart
David Minh
Andrew J. Howard
Sameh Elsaidi
