Biochemistry
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Undergraduate Major
Allendale • Face to face • 120 Credits
Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms.
Overview
The major combines principles from both biology and chemistry to understand how biological molecules like proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids contribute to the functions and structures of cells.
Required cognate courses cover general biology, genetics, calculus, and physics, and electives options include courses in microbiology, human physiology, green chemistry, and more. The program also includes seminars and a field research practicum, with additional recommendations for those pursuing graduate studies or American Chemical Society certification.
You will gain extensive hands-on laboratory experience conducting experiments, synthesizing new molecules, and using advanced research instruments. Upper-division courses are smaller and more intimate, taught by Ph.D. chemists with specialized training and research expertise. You will have opportunities to engage in genuine scientific research with one-on-one faculty mentoring and gain professional experience through internship. The program prepares students for advanced degrees and careers in research, and graduates are in high demand in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and environmental industries.
Department of Chemistry
gvsu.edu/chem
312 Padnos
Hall
(616) 331-3317
Admissions and Recruitment Office
Career Opportunities
Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Top skills- Speaking
- Instructing
- Learning Strategies
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 46,406.69 | 10% |
| $ 60,100.88 | 25% |
| $ 85,823.68 | 50% |
| $123,123.26 | 75% |
| $166,433.09 | 90% |
Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 48,037.57 | 10% |
| $ 63,155.33 | 25% |
| $ 80,378.85 | 50% |
| $111,834.86 | 75% |
| $134,401.88 | 90% |
Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Science
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 48,037.57 | 10% |
| $ 63,155.33 | 25% |
| $ 80,378.85 | 50% |
| $111,834.86 | 75% |
| $134,401.88 | 90% |
Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
Top skills- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 52,020.38 | 10% |
| $ 60,002.48 | 25% |
| $ 70,247.88 | 50% |
| $ 86,061.92 | 75% |
| $101,816.69 | 90% |
Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Coordination
- Speaking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 81,785.60 | 10% |
| $104,083.20 | 25% |
| $135,179.19 | 50% |
| $178,235.20 | 75% |
| $239,200.00 | 90% |
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