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Biochemistry (B.S.)

Solve Global Challenges at the Molecular Level

As a biochemistry student at UD, you can work side-by-side with faculty on research projects such as discovering novel inhibitors of bacterial efflux pumps as a way to combat multi-drug resistance in bacteria, studying biodegradation of polymer coatings and discovering new photodynamic lung cancer treatments. And with an available concentration in medicinal-pharmaceutical chemistry, you can personalize your studies to align with your interests and career goals.

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Fast Facts

ACS

American Chemical Society approved

100% of students

can participate in experiential learning activities
Program Overview

Why Study Biochemistry at UD?

Whether students are in upper-level teaching laboratories or individual faculty research laboratories, they gain hands-on experience with modern chemical instrumentation as they study research problems. Some research projects result in student-authored publications.

UD has strong support for undergraduate research, including the Honors Program, College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Summer Fellowships, Integrated Science and Engineering Summer CoRPs and the Berry Summer Thesis Institute. Our department has the longest standing undergraduate research program at UD.

Qualified students pursuing a Bachelor of Science may participate in cooperative education after completion of their sophomore year.

The University of Dayton is approved by the American Chemical Society.

Ready to take the next step? Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about biochemistry at UD.

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Experiential Learning

Degree Information and Sample Plan

The biochemistry B.S. degree has emphasis in biology and biochemistry that satisfies the needs of students who anticipate careers in the life sciences. A mark of distinction and rigor is the program's focus on research. Each student is encouraged to conduct a research project that normally includes a 10-week summer period following the junior year and culminates with the submission of a research thesis and the presentation of a seminar.

A concentration in medicinal-pharmaceutical chemistry is available with the biochemistry degree.

Sample Plan of Study

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2025-26 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations, and your personal goals and interests. Please contact your holistic advisor if you have any questions.

Semester 1
  • CHM 123 AND 123L – 123: General Chemistry I; 123L: General Chemistry Laboratory
    4
  • MTH 148 OR 168 – 148: Introductory Calculus I; 168: Analytic Geometry & Calculus I
    4
  • HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
    3
  • CAP Social Science
    3
  • ASI 150 – Introduction to the University Experience
    1
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 2
  • CHM 124 AND 124L – 124: General Chemistry II; 124L: General Chemistry II Laboratory
    4
  • MTH 149 OR 169 – 149: Introductory Calculus II; 169: Analytic Geometry & Calculus II
    4
  • HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
    3
  • BIO 151 AND 151L – 151: Concepts of Biology I: Cellular & Molecular Biology; 151L: Concepts of Biology Laboratory I: Cellular & Molecular Biology
    4
  • CMM 100 – Principles of Oral Communication
    3
  • CHM 190 – Seminar I
    0
  • Total Credit Hours 18
Semester 3
  • CHM 313 AND 313L – 313: Organic Chemistry; 313L: Organic Chemistry Laboratory
    4
  • PHY 201 AND 201L – 201: College Physics I; 201L: College Physics Laboratory I
    4
  • ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
    3
  • BIO 152 – Concepts of Biology II: Evolution & Ecology
    3
  • CAP Interdisciplinary Investigations
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 17
Semester 4
  • CHM 314 AND 314L – 314: Organic Chemistry; 314L: Organic Chemistry Laboratory
    4
  • CHM 201 AND 201L – 201: Quantitative Analysis; 201L: Quantitative Analysis Laboratory
    4
  • PHY 202 AND 202L – 202: College Physics II; 202L: General Physics Laboratory
    4
  • MTH 367 OR 218 – 367: Statistical Methods I; 218: Analytic Geometry & Calculus III
    4
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 5
  • CHM 303 AND 303L – 303: Physical Chemistry; 303L: Physical Chemistry Laboratory
    4
  • CHM 451 – General Biochemistry I
    3
  • CHM/BIO Elective
    3
  • CAP Arts
    3
  • CAP Faith Traditions
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 6
  • CHM 304 – Physical Chemistry
    3
  • CHM 452 AND 462L – 452: General Biochemistry II; 462L: Biochemistry Laboratory
    4
  • CHM 317 – Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds
    1
  • CHM/BIO Elective
    3
  • Social Science Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 14
Semester 7
  • BIO Elective with Lab
    4
  • CAP Advanced Historical Studies
    3
  • CAP Diversity and Social Justice
    3
  • General Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 13
Semester 8
  • CHM 490 – Seminar IV
    1
  • BIO/CHM Elective
    3
  • CAP Advanced Philosophical Studies/Practical Ethical Action
    3
  • CAP Advanced Religious Studies
    3
  • General Electives
    4
  • Total Credit Hours 14

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Bachelor's Plus Master's Program
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Admission Information

At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.

Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.

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Tuition and Financial Aid

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.

Transparent Tuition Plan
Undergraduate Tuition
Undergraduate Financial Aid

Success After Graduation

Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our College of Arts and Sciences, you will have the opportunity to combine the classroom and business world together in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It’s a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.

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Fast Facts

$61,279 average

starting salary for recent UD graduates across all majors

97% success rate

after graduation across all UD majors

Design Your Academic Path

Beyond the Classroom

Learning is not limited to the classroom. Your academic study is enriched by a wealth of opportunities.

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Scholarships

In addition to University scholarships, the Department of Chemistry offers undergraduates two renewable scholarships.

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Bachelor’s Plus Master’s Program

The BPM degree option allows undergraduate students majoring in biochemistry to obtain both a bachelor of science and a master of science in five years.

Learn More About BPM

Apply to Graduate School a Year Early

UD students who want to pursue physician assistant or physical therapy graduate programs can join the competitive Flyer Commitment Pathway for Health Professions to get a head start on graduate school.

Learn About the Pathway
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Ready to Study Biochemistry?

Let’s explore the possibilities. Now you know what we’re about: community, personal attention, hands-on learning, integrity and global thinking. Take the next step and connect with us today.

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