Are you fascinated by the wonder and complexity of life and want to understand it on the molecular level? If so, you may be an aspiring biochemist. By gaining a solid foundation in understanding and applying biochemical principles, you will be poised to contribute to the rapidly growing knowledge of the molecular basis of human health and disease and the emerging technologies for improved disease detection and treatment. Whether you’re planning on going on to medical, dental or graduate school, or you want to start your career right after graduation, a biochemistry degree from UB will help set you apart.
During the first two years, you’ll typically take foundational courses and labs in subjects such as cell biology, organic chemistry, calculus and physics. Starting in your junior year, you’ll dive into biochemistry (including research) as you study genetics, metabolism and how cells work on a molecular level. You’ll have some required courses, of course, but you’ll also be able to choose electives in related topics like anatomy, drug discovery and neurobiology.
This program is in UB’s medical school, which means students have access to expert faculty, state-of-the-art labs, research projects and other opportunities through UB's affiliated hospitals and clinics.
You’ll typically be doing hands-on laboratory research by your junior year. Here’s how it works:
You can also make friends, build your network and meet speakers by joining student clubs and attending events on campus throughout the year.
Most students who earn this degree go on to medical school, dental school, veterinary school or another professional health-related school—or to graduate school to get an advanced degree in biochemistry, neurobiology, pharmacy, genetics or other areas.
Of course, you can also start your career right after graduation. Our alumni have worked for universities, industry and government agencies in many different fields, including:
Whether you want to be an educator, laboratory technician, research associate, bioinformatics analyst—or have nearly any career involving biology or chemistry—a degree in biochemistry helps set the stage for the future.
SUNY Distinguished Professors, Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, recipients of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities, recipients of the Louis A. and Ruth Siegel Awards for Excellence in Medical Teaching, recipients of the UB Exceptional Scholar, Sustained Achievement Award, and recipients of the student-nominated Milton Plesur Excellence in Teaching Award. These are the types of faculty members you will typically learn from as a biochemistry major.
Faculty in the biochemistry department have been quoted in the journal "Nature" and have been named some of the most influential people in their respective fields of study.
Perhaps most importantly, our faculty members are exceptional teachers who are here to mentor you, train you and prepare you for a successful career in the field.