Biochemistry Major

Explore how living organisms function and what impacts them on a micro level.

As a Biochemistry major, you will learn how nutrition and pharmaceuticals can best prevent or correct damage to one’s body. You'll gain plenty of hands-on experience in the lab, which will prepare you for diverse scientific environments. Houghton's faculty members invest and care about your success. Experience Christian mentorship that supports your spiritual, emotional, and professional growth.

Degree Snapshot

Undergraduate - Bachelor's

Degree Types: BS

Program Credits: 124

Explore Courses & Degree Requirements Careers Meet the Faculty

What will I learn?

Two Houghton students working on research project at the Shannon Summer Research Institute.

Through Houghton’s degree in Biochemistry you will:

Receive hands-on training and access to professional equipment and instruments, allowing for a wide range of experiments
Learn fundamental principles and special topics within biochemistry while being immersed in a community of Christian scientists
Gain the experience you need to enter one of the health professions or a career in biochemical research

Why study Biochemistry at Houghton?

Exceptional Preparation Through Hands-on Experience

Follow your interests through independent study or collaborative research with faculty members. You may also publish your findings in peer-reviewed journals or present at regional and national conferences. Interested in working in the field? Explore off-campus study or opportunities through practicums, internships, Science Honors and student/faculty research collaboration. You'll receive excellent preparation for medical or graduate school.

100% of majors applying to medical or health programs have been accepted into a program in the first application round

Research Experience

Each summer, Houghton’s Shannon Summer Research Institute allows you to collaborate with Houghton faculty on faculty-led research projects. Projects include research in physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics and computer science. You'll have the opportunity to be a part of professional research. Generous donors and grants make it possible for you to earn a stipend while you research.

Personal Attention from Invested Faculty

Houghton's small classes, allow you to develop meaningful relationships with professors. Experience individualized instruction and direct mentorship from faculty who help you understand your vocation and calling. Be a part of a collaborative environment with professors who are passionate about biochemistry and living out faith in Christ.

Courses & Degree Requirements

Popular Courses

CHEM 332 Biochemistry I

Learn about the structures, functions, and metabolic relationships of representative compounds involved in life processes. Brief introduction to enzymology, inborn errors, regulation of metabolism, nutritional implications, and clinical applications.

CHEM 241 Organic Chemistry I

This course covers modern organic chemistry. You’ll explore the relationships between organic molecular structure and chemical reactivity, mechanisms of molecular transformations, and synthesis and spectroscopy.

CHEM 278 Chemical Instrumentation in Research

Use various instruments to analyze research. Principles and application of various types of spectroscopy (including UV-VIS, IR, and NMR), atomic absorption and emission, mass spectrometry, thermal and electrochemical methods of analysis, etc.

Degree Options

BS - 124 credits

70-75 credits
Required Courses

49-54 credits
Elective courses + general education

BA/BS Degree Requirements

Meet a Faculty Member

student filling test tubes in science lab

Alzheimer’s Disease Research

The Van Dyk Scholars of the Shannon Summer Research Institute utilized exploratory data analysis to screen and gather information about various chemicals and proteins that can cause the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.