Biochemistry
For the student who is interested in what makes living systems tick.

The Biochemistry Program prepares students for careers requiring a strong background in basic principles of the biological and physical sciences. Students completing the bachelor of arts or the bachelor of science in biochemistry are prepared for professional employment in the expanding fields of biotechnology, agricultural and environmental sciences, biomedical sciences, the chemical industry, and the health-care industry.

Faculty members provide students with an interdisciplinary education- in biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics- necessary for employment in industry or government laboratories and entrance into graduate programs in a variety of fields, including agriculture, biology, chemistry, nutrition, and physiology, or for acceptance to professional degree programs in dentistry, human or veterinary medicine, optometry, and pharmacy.

Biochemistry majors have the option of pursuing a BS degree through the Division of Animal and Veterinary Sciences in the Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Consumer Sciences or a BA in biochemistry with emphasis in molecular biology or chemistry through an interdepartmental program in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. The Senior Seminar assists students in making the transition from college to a career in biochemistry or graduate/professional education by leading students through individual research projects.

Admission

Students who meet University admission requirements may be accepted directly into the college as biochemistry majors.

Curriculum

The Biochemistry curriculum meets the recommendations of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for undergraduate degrees in biochemistry. Opportunities for hands-on research are available through the Departments of Biology and Chemistry in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Agricultural Biochemistry in the Davis College of Agriculture, and the School of Medicine. All Biochemistry students take a common core of 48 credit hours. Biochemistry majors complete 30 hours in an emphasis area. Students choose between earning a BS in applied biochemistry from the Davis College or a BA in either biochemistry with emphasis in chemistry or molecular biology from the Eberly College. Students also take General Education Curriculum courses and a variety of electives to complete the 128 credit hours required to earn a bachelor's degree in biochemistry.

Accreditation

West Virginia University is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Career Opportunities

Students completing a Biochemistry major are prepared for employment in the expanding fields of agricultural and environmental sciences, the chemical industry, health care, and biotechnology.

Graduate School Opportunities

The Biochemistry Program provides students with an outstanding background for professional programs in dentistry, human or veterinary medicine, optometry, and pharmacy, and well as graduate programs in biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, food science, nutrition, and physiology. WVU offers MS and PhD programs in biochemistry through the School of Medicine.

Salary Range

Biological and life scientists with a bachelor's degree working in private industry earn on average starting salaries of $30,116 to $41,000.

Course Work
Biochemistry Core

Course Orientation to Biochemistry MATH 155 & 156 PHYS 101 & 102 (or 111 & 112) BIOL 115 BIOL 117 BIOL 219 BIOL 310 CHEM 115 & 116 CHEM 233/235 CHEM 234/236 Total

Hours 1 8 8   4 4 4 3 8 4 4 48

Please click here for more information on the BA in Biochemistry with a Chemistry Emphasis.

Please click here for more information on the BA in Biochemistry with a Biology Emphasis.

Please click here for more information on the BS in Biochemistry through the Davis college.