Biochemistry

Academics

Alive with chemistry 

Biochemistry is such a compelling field that it’s utilized by almost all other life sciences. Studying the chemical processes that take place within living organisms is a fascinating business, so it’s easy to see how biochemistry has become such an integral science.

Our Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry trains students for careers in science through mentoring, research and demanding coursework. Research projects and access to state-of-the-art instrumentation give students real-world chemistry experience. Our professors take pride in providing Lumberjacks a well-rounded education both inside and outside the classroom. 

Impressive career opportunities

Pre-med students would have a hard time selecting a more effective major to prepare for the rigors of professional studies. Plenty of Lumberjack biochemists go on to study medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine, utilizing their knowledge of biochemical processes to diagnose and treat patients. Other biochemistry majors choose to conduct research in a laboratory, work within the chemical industry or share their knowledge with students in a classroom setting.

Roll up your sleeves 

Who succeeds in SFA’s challenging biochemistry program? We’ve found that our best students pursue their studies with enthusiasm and commitment. Critical thinking skills and work ethic go a long way in this department. And you’ll have every advantage necessary – from small classes to high-tech equipment – to achieve a world-class chemistry education.

Flexible courses

The department has added online options to all major course requirements so students can finish their degrees in the modality that works best for them. With flexible course delivery formats, this degree can also be completed online with only two to three weeks spent on SFA's campus. For more information, contact the department.

Undergraduate programs and requirements

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

The biochemistry degree program is accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, one of only seven programs in Texas with the distinction. The biochemistry option combines the fundamentals of chemistry with advanced courses in biochemistry and the life sciences. The degree program is a highly structured sequence of courses with prerequisites. Some courses are only taught once per year. Taking courses in their proper sequence and in a timely manner is important for planning to graduate with a degree in four years. Talk to your SFA advisor about how you can save money and earn your degree faster by testing out of certain courses.

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (online)

The distance biochemistry program provides an alternative to the traditional face-to-face delivery for the Bachelor of Science in biochemistry. Students can switch easily between the distance and the face-to-face deliveries with little to no loss of credit hours. Each student is assigned a faculty coach who mentors them throughout the program.

The program uses flexible course delivery formats available at SFA and other institutions so students spend only two to three weeks in their final summer semester on campus to take a comprehensive laboratory course. Students may transfer credits, including laboratory course credits, from accredited institutions.

Students in the distance biochemistry program learn from the same faculty members and receive the same course contents and diploma as students in the traditional face-to-face program. The diploma and transcripts do not indicate the mode of instruction.

Biochemistry (Online) Sample Course Sequencing

Five-year dual degree

With careful planning, it is possible to condense the conventional six-year plan of study typically required to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree into five years. By using the summers to remove prerequisite blocks, balance academic loads and begin research work as an undergraduate, a student can earn both degrees in five calendar years.

Graduate programs and requirements

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers several graduate programs for students interested in advanced degrees.