Biochemistry
College of Science, Health, & Liberal Arts
Biochemistry in general:
Description of Major:
Biochemistry studies chemical substances and
processes that occur in living organisms. Because of
the field’s enormous breadth, biochemists work in a
variety of fields within the scientific community and
have a plethora of opportunities available to them.
With a degree in biochemistry, students can work in
virtually any field developing new products or modifying
existing ones. The need for biochemists is increasing
due to the nation's continued concern with heath and
as more research develops, the knowledge and
expertise of the biochemist will become more desired.
Biochemistry is an ideal major for pre-medicine
students or for those considering graduate study in the
biological sciences. It is often the major selected by
those who wish to enter careers in pharmaceuticals,
genetics, molecular biology, bioengineering or research
and development.
The Biochemistry major at PhilaU combines College Studies
courses with both a math and science core, undergraduate
research, and a biochemistry core. Students use contemporary
chemical and biochemical research techniques such as High
Resolution Multi-dimensional Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and
Molecular Modeling of Biological Macromolecules and work with
software packages such as SYBYL on Silicon Graphics work
stations.
Biochemistry is an ideal major for pre-medicine students or for
those considering graduate study in the biological sciences. It is
often the major selected by those who wish to enter careers in
pharmaceuticals, genetics, molecular biology, bioengineering or
research and development.
The biochemistry program at PhilaU is fully accredited by the
American Chemical Society.
Specializations:
Students interested in biochemistry can pursue several specialized niches, including: nutrition, genomics (the study of genes and
their functions), pharmaceuticals, genetic counseling, research, academia, medicine, public health, exercise and sports physiology
and working in a crime lab. Another field that many biochemists are interested in is organism development. 1
Careers/Job titles: 2
Acquisition Logistics Manager
Bench Chemist
Biochemist
Biological Scientist
Business Process Analyst
Chemical Lab Technician
Chemist
Color Development Chemist
Drug Application Reviewer
EPA Inspector
FDA Inspector
Food Biochemist/Scientist
Forensic Chemist
Laboratory Technician
Medical Technologist
Natural Resource Manager
Patent Examiner
Pharmaceutical Manufacturer
Principal Scientist
Product Development Manager
Quality Control Technician
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Research and Development
Research Assistant
Scientific Editor
Science Writer
Technical Sales Representative
Teacher, Science
Toxicologist
Water Purification Chemist
Biochemistry
College of Science, Health, & Liberal Arts
Who employs PhilaU graduates?
Many students who pursue Biochemistry at Philadelphia University go on to graduate school in disciplines including Biomedical
Sciences and Biochemistry, working toward either a Master’s degree or PhD. Some go on to work in the science field after
earning their Bachelor’s degree at pharmaceutical or technology organizations like Cephalon, Colgate-Palmolive, ICQ-USA,
Merck, and Micron.
Helpful websites:
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Bureau of Labor Statistics: 2000 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates – Biochemists:
http://www.bls.gov/oes/2000/oes191021.htm
Biochemical Society: Biochemistry as a Career:
http://www.biochemistry.org/Education/Careers/Schoolsandcolleges.aspx
Options after a Bioscience degree: http://www.biochemistry.org/Portals/0/Education/Docs/Next%20steps%20%20(Final)%2013th%20Sept%202012%20(Web%20version)%20.pdf
How to Become a Food Chemist: http://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-careers/how-to-become-afood-chemist
Guide to Biochemistry Careers: http://www.innerbody.com/careers-in-health/guide-to-biochemistry-careers.html
Major worksheet brought to you by:
Career Services Center | Kanbar Campus Center, Suite 313
CONTACT US! phone: (215) 951-2930 | email: [email protected] | website: www.philau.edu/career
1 Industry
and major information taken from the Philadelphia University website at several locations: Undergraduate Degree Programs
(http://www.philau.edu/academics/undergrad.html), the Undergraduate Catalog (www.philau.edu/catalog/Cat200708), and BBWiki, a
biology specific industry and career research database.
2 Job
titles compiled from a variety of sources, including the Senior Survey (http://www.philau.edu/career/success/index.htm), and a variety of
web-based job boards: http://www.ncsu.edu/majors-careers/do_with_major_in/showmajor.php?id=85,
http://www.mymajors.com/majors/BIOC_major.html, http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs009.htm, http://www.uwec.edu/career/Students/Major/biochem.htm,
http://www.quintcareers.com/majors/chemistry.html, http://www.umbc.edu/chem/grads/careers.html, http://www.juju.com/keyword/entry-levelbiochemistry?page=2