Bachelor of Science
Biochemistry
As a biochemistry major you’ll enjoy graduate-style training for careers in medicine, health science research, or biomedical technology.
If you seek superior hands-on research experience, Oakland University’s Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry fits the bill. Our undergraduate biochemistry degree offers graduate-caliber research opportunities, putting you ahead of the curve in your career preparation. Biochemistry majors get rigorous academic instruction and focused lab training from nationally recognized researchers, including faculty from Oakland’s medical and nursing schools. Whether you’re interested in medical or dental school, a graduate biochemistry degree, or a research career in the health sciences industry, our biochemistry major provides an advanced education that gives you a competitive edge.
If you seek superior hands-on research experience, Oakland University’s Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry fits the bill. Our undergraduate biochemistry degree offers graduate-caliber research opportunities, putting you ahead of the curve in your career preparation. Biochemistry majors get rigorous academic instruction and focused lab training from nationally recognized researchers, including faculty from Oakland’s medical and nursing schools. Whether you’re interested in medical or dental school, a graduate biochemistry degree, or a research career in the health sciences industry, our biochemistry major provides an advanced education that gives you a competitive edge.
Biochemistry Major: The Oakland University Advantage
With medical and nursing schools on campus and an active Center for Biomedical Research, our biochemistry degree offers the breadth and depth you need to develop first-rate skills. We also have a tight-knit program that ensures every biochemistry major gets extensive one-on-one attention from research-active faculty and from an academic adviser. You’ll work in an apprentice-style setting that cultivates proficiency in research design, scientific writing, and biomedical inquiry rather than just lab techniques.
Oakland’s biochemistry degree also excels for its:
- Extensive research training. Students in our biochemistry program typically spend 10 to 20 hours per week in the lab during the semester, with opportunities to gain additional experience and spend even more time in the lab through our Summer Undergraduate Research Program. You can start participating in research as early as your freshman year, developing skills that biochemistry majors usually don’t acquire until graduate school.
- High-caliber facilities. As a tier 2 research university, Oakland maintains professional labs with advanced instrumentation such as electron microscopes and mass spectrometers. Our biochemistry program enables you to work with research technology involved in cell physiology, gene regulation, environmental science, molecular biology, and other subdisciplines.
- Distinguished faculty. At Oakland you’ll take every biochemistry course and laboratory from Ph.D. faculty, rather than graduate students. You’ll train with active researchers who go far beyond classroom instruction, acting as career mentors and professional guides.
- Diverse areas of inquiry. You can pursue a wide range of research interests in our biochemistry degree. Current investigations focus on niches such as heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders, DNA repair mechanisms, cancer prevention, cell microstructures and medicinal-related chemistry. Our Center for Biomedical Research fosters collaboration between academic departments and with off-campus partners in the healthcare, pharmaceutical and medical technology industries.
- Strong outcomes. Graduates of Oakland’s biochemistry degree have an outstanding record of postgraduate success. Our biochemistry majors achieve strong MCAT scores and excellent admission rates to medical, dental, and biochemistry Ph.D. programs.
What Can You Do With a Biochemistry Degree?
Biochemistry majors at Oakland University get exceptional training for careers in biomedical research, medical practice, and health sciences. You’ll receive excellent preparation for preadmission exams such as the MCAT and GRE, with outstanding opportunities to move on to:
- Graduate degree programs in biochemistry or related fields
- Medical school
- Dental school
- Military research programs
- Pharmaceuticals
- Medical technology
- Education
Biochemistry Major: What You’ll Learn
Oakland’s biochemistry degree is offered jointly by the biology and chemistry departments. Biochemistry majors consult with academic advisers to design a plan of study that includes 16 credits in biology, 32 credits in chemistry, and 12 credits in biochemistry, plus required coursework in calculus and physics.
The degree includes extensive lab work and many opportunities for undergraduate research in biochemistry. You can also choose electives that focus on areas of particular interest. Options include:
- Molecular Biology
- Medical Microbiology
- Advanced Genetics
- Immunology
- Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics
- Genetics
Biochemistry Degree Resources
- Major Requirements
- Minor Requirements
- Department of Biological Sciences
- Department of Chemistry
- College of Arts and Sciences
Programs Related to the Biochemistry Major
Not sure if the biochemistry degree is right for you ? Check out these other undergraduate programs at Oakland, and contact our admissions team to discuss your options.