Program Description

The B.S in Biochemistry is sponsored jointly by the Biology Department and the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology.

Biochemistry includes nearly the entire spectrum of science —from physics and chemistry to biology and medicine. The biochemistry major provides a strong foundation in mathematics and the physical sciences as well as thorough training in biochemistry, biology, and chemistry. In addition to formal classwork, opportunities are available for participation in faculty research programs on an individual basis or through the honors program. The large number of biotechnology companies and biomedical facilities in the Boston area provides a rich source of opportunities through Northeastern’s program of cooperative education.

A Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry allows students to enter the job market directly or go on to graduate, medical, veterinary, dental, law, or business school. Students may find positions in biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical companies, or government agencies, working in laboratory or clinical research, quality control, production, information systems, marketing, or technical sales. Students may also pursue graduate study in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, biophysics, genetics, toxicology, biotechnology, clinical chemistry, animal science, nutrition, plant science, or other biomedical sciences.

Students who are interested in attending medical, dental, or veterinary school following graduation are urged to consult with the preprofessional advisory committee early in their careers at Northeastern.

The faculty and administration of the College of Arts and Sciences strongly believe that experiential education should be one of the most distinctive aspects of a student career at Northeastern. Experiential education encompasses traditional NU opportunities such as co-op, as well as academic internships, study abroad, community service, field work, research collaborations with faculty, artistic performance, student-directed projects, and leadership of student organizations. Experiential education combines an important learn-by doing component and a reflection component, to help students understand the relationship between their studies and their careers, between living and learning. Though most students usually participate in more than one experiential activity by the time they graduate, it is because such experiences are so valuable that they are part of the academic program graduation requirements.

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