Biochemistry
Are you fascinated by the wonder and complexity of life and want to understand it on the molecular level? If so, you may be an aspiring biochemist. By gaining a solid foundation in understanding and applying biochemical principles, you will be poised to contribute to the rapidly growing knowledge of the molecular basis of human health and disease and the emerging technologies for improved disease detection and treatment. Whether you’re planning on going on to medical, dental or graduate school, or you want to start your career right after graduation, a biochemistry degree from UB will help set you apart.
What will I learn?
During the first two years, you’ll typically take foundational courses and labs in subjects such as cell biology, organic chemistry, calculus and physics. Starting in your junior year, you’ll dive into biochemistry (including research) as you study genetics, metabolism and how cells work on a molecular level. You’ll have some required courses, of course, but you’ll also be able to choose electives in related topics like anatomy, drug discovery and neurobiology.
This program is in UB’s medical school, which means students have access to expert faculty, state-of-the-art labs, research projects and other opportunities through UB's affiliated hospitals and clinics.
What can I do with a biochemistry degree?
Most students who earn this degree go on to medical school, dental school, veterinary school or another professional health-related school—or to graduate school to get an advanced degree in biochemistry, neurobiology, pharmacy, genetics or other areas.
Of course, you can also start your career right after graduation. Our alumni have worked for universities, industry and government agencies in many different fields, including:
- Agronomy (soil and crop management).
- Biochemistry.
- Bioengineering.
- Biotechnology.
- Chemistry.
- Consumer protection.
- Dentistry.
- Education.
- Environmental science.
- Food and drug analysis and technology.
- Genetics.
- Medicine.
- Nutrition.
- Patent law.
- Pharmaceuticals.
- Public health.
- Sales.
Whether you want to be an educator, laboratory technician, research associate, bioinformatics analyst—or have nearly any career involving biology or chemistry—a degree in biochemistry helps set the stage for the future.
By the Numbers
Check out salary ranges and career outlooks straight from the U.S. Department of Labor to see the return on investment for your degree.
| Occupation Title | Mean Annual Wage | Mean Hourly Wage | Future Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | $87,060.00 | $41.86 | Rapid Growth |
| Biochemists and Biophysicists | $68,860.00 | $33.11 | Rapid Growth |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $63,070.00 | $30.32 | Rapid Growth |
| Food Science Technicians | $55,370.00 | $26.62 | Rapid Growth |
| Biological Technicians | $123,070.00 | $59.17 | Rapid Growth |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,680.00 | $66.19 | Rapid Growth |
Data provided by the and DOL data from 2024.