Biochemistry

Biochemistry Degree

Are you preparing for a career in a health-related profession like medical, pharmacy, or dental school? Want to go to graduate school for biochemistry, molecular biology, or the biological sciences? The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Indiana University Kokomo will prepare you for whatever comes next.

When you graduate with a BS in Biochemistry, you’ll be ready to address challenges in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries and will be ready to dive in to a wide range of careers.

The unique feature of this degree program is that you will understand the biochemistry of cells, such as metabolism, cytokinetics, and enzyme kinetics. Students with this degree are well prepared to address issues of the effects of increasing concentrations of some of the components of modern materials (for example, plasticizers and polymer constituents) on the physiology of various species. At IU Kokomo, we have small, intimate class sizes which allow opportunities for you to do undergraduate research side-by-side with esteemed faculty and gain skills at presenting research data at conferences and in journals. How many undergraduates have that experience on their resumes?

If course topics like biochemistry, chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics excite you, you’re in the right place. To help you become a well-rounded citizen, you’ll also have the opportunity to take courses in the humanities, cultural diversity, and social and behavioral sciences. By the end of your program, you’ll have a firm foundation in science and an understanding of how the sciences fit into the “big picture.”

The objective of the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biochemistry is to prepare students for health-related professional schools including medical, pharmacy, and dental schools, as well as for admission to graduate programs in biochemistry, molecular biology, and biological sciences. Students with a diverse background in chemistry and biochemistry will be well prepared to address challenges in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. 

To find out what the next four years might look like for this degree, fill out your information and follow the prompted steps to arrive at a sample degree map. For more information specific to you and your situation, please schedule a visit with an advisor today. For the most recent and up-to-date information regarding this degree, please visit our Academic Bulletin

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Description of the video:

Biochemistry 2022 Transcript 

Hunt Hall is shown by drone point of view and transitions to a science classroom full of students.

Student, Tifany Burnett is speaking to the camera.

00:00:00:02 - 00:00:12:05

Tifany Burnett

After I took the second biology course you take as a bio major, we had a section on biochemistry. Completely fell in love with it. It was like, "This is it. I love this. I'm doing this." And I changed my major.

Dean of the School of Sciences, Christian Chauret, is speaking on camera.

00:00:12:16 - 00:00:31:01

Christian Chauret

So biochemists may work in the pharmaceutical industry, in research or in labs where they they may study, for example, the impact of drugs on cells. They may be involved in production or development of vaccines. We've had some examples of that in recent times with COVID19.

Student, Nate Moore is speaking to the camera.

00:00:31:09 - 00:00:45:22

Nate Moore

I know I want to do something that is meaningful in the long term and then find ways to help people in new and engaging ways. In the sciences, Biochemistry has really been a way to hit both of those.

Christian Chauret continues.

00:00:46:01 - 00:01:05:06

Christian Chauret

I think our greatest asset at IU Kokomo, is the fact that our students in biochemistry get to experience working in research. So as part of the curriculum, they have to do at least one semester of research with a faculty mentor, and many university students can do research with faculty, but it's not it's not a requirement.

Nate Moore continues. 

00:01:05:10 - 00:01:16:05

Nate Moore

Being able to do one on one faculty research has been a really, really valuable experience so far. It almost feels like the... like the Sorcerer's Apprentice, you know, like you're working in a lab. You've got stuff going on.

Tifany Burnett continues.

00:01:16:05 - 00:01:26:08

Tifany Burnett

Initially yes, it's terrifying because you don't know them, but once you start talking to them and you get to know each other, you know, it's almost like they're kind of your buds, but not really because they're your professor

Dr. Chauret continues.

00:01:26:21 - 00:01:47:10

Christian Chauret

And I think gaining that experience in the lab working with Dr. Masuda or Dr. Hussein or another faculty member is extremely beneficial. It looks very good on their resume. It looks good if they decide to apply to medical school or dentistry. So it's it's really a unique experience that can benefit students tremendously.

Tifany Burnett continues.

00:01:47:16 - 00:02:06:13

Tifany Burnett

Talking about DNA and CRISPR, this is super cool. I want to keep doing that. And then I think when I got into, like organic chemistry and biochemistry courses, the actual course for those, I was like, this is like super fun. I really enjoy this. And why not do what you enjoy.

The IU Kokomo logo appears on screen with the website iuk.edu/biochemistry

Want to further specialize your course of study? Consider adding a minor! You can choose from any minor IU Kokomo has to offer; work with your academic advisor to get started!

Assessment information for this degree is available.

Plan on going to graduate school and want to get involved with your peers? Check out our School of Sciences Pre-Professional Club!

Ready to begin your journey?