Biochemistry
- Overview
- Careers
- New Freshmen
- New Transfer
- Illinois State Students
The course framework for the Biochemistry program provides a solid foundation necessary for advanced study in medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, chemistry and biology, as well as forming the basis for entry-level positions in the pharmaceutical and biotechnical industries. While the degree requirements may satisfy many professional or graduate programs, it is important to consult the admission requirements as early as possible for the particular programs at schools to which the individual is likely to apply. Additional coursework may be taken as electives which may be applicable to postgraduate work.
Why Study Biochemistry?
Biochemists are involved in the study of life in a level as minute as the molecular level. Biochemistry involves the study of the structure and the function of cellular components, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids enzymes etc.
Related Skills
- Good teamwork skills and independent worker
- Problem solving skills
- Good mathematical background including knowledge of statistics
- Knowledge of operating scientific equipment and posses strong technicalskills
- Application of biological theories into practice
- Communication skills
- Creativity
- Strong work ethic and professional behavior
- Flexibility in thought and adaptive to new ideas
Related Fields
Research
- Basic
- Applied
- Medical
- Grant Writing
- Administration
Employers
- University laboratories
- Federal government laboratories/agencies including:
- National Science Foundation
- National Institutes of Health
- Food and Drug Administration
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Department of Agriculture
- Armed Services
- State and local government laboratories/agencies
- Public health departments
- Hospital laboratories
- Commercial medical laboratories
- Private testing laboratories including forensics
- Independent research foundations
- Industry laboratories:
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Biotechnology firms
- Food processors
- Cosmetic manufacturers
- Chemical and petroleum industries
- Agricultural industry
Strategies
- Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, biology, or chemistry qualifies one for laboratorytechnician or research assistant positions.
- Choose courses with laboratory work.
- Get on the job experience in a laboratory and/or complete a senior researchproject.
- Complete a certificate training program, usually one year, to learnspecialized laboratory techniques.
- Take a course in grant writing.
- Earn master's degree in biochemistry for better positions, advancement opportunities,more responsibility and higher pay.
- Obtain Ph.D. to direct research projectsand lead research teams.
Healthcare
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Optometry
- Podiatry
- Pharmacy
- Veterinary Medicine
- Allied Health
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
Employers
- Hospitals
- Medical centers
- Nursing homes
- Private practice
Strategies
- Plan on attending medical school or other related graduate program.
- Maintainan outstanding grade point average, particularly in the sciences.
- Secure strongfaculty recommendations.
- Meet with a pre-health advisor periodically.
- Join relatedstudent organizations.
- Demonstrate leadership abilities.
- Volunteer to work ina hospital or healthcare setting.
- Find a summer job or internship in a hospital.
- Develop a back up plan in case medical/graduate school admission is denied.
- Consider alternative but related careers such as physician assistants.
- Researchall of the various fields within medicine to determine a particular career goal.
Teaching
- Elementary
- Secondary
- Post-secondary
Employers
- Public and private elementary, middle, and high schools
- Two-year community colleges/technical institutes
- Four-year institutions
- Medical schools
Strategies
- Complete an accredited teacher preparation program for certification/licensurein biology and/or chemistry.
- Ph.D. required for college or university teaching.
- Some teaching positions in two-year institutions may be available for thosewith a master's degree.
- Prepare to attend graduate school by maintaining a highgrade point average and securing strong faculty recommendations.
- Serve as atutor for high school or college students.
- Learn to communicate effectively.
Other Professional Opportunities
- Sales/Marketing
- Technical Writing
- Scientific Journalism
- Scientific Illustration
- Regulatory Affairs
- Administration/Management
- Scientific/Technical Recruiting
- Intellectual Property/Patent Law
Employers
- Biotechnology industry
- Pharmaceutical and chemical companies
- Publishers: Textbook, magazine, newspaper, book
- Software firms
- Regulatory agencies
- Search firms
- Law firms
- Legal departments of corporations
Strategies
- For sales positions, gain sales experience through internships, part-time work,or summer jobs.
- Take business and/or computer classes. Become familiar withdesktop publishing and other software packages.
- Develop strong written and oralcommunication skills.
- Get experience writing for a school or local newspaper.
- Obtain an MBA or Ph.D. to reach high levels of administration. Plan on attendinglaw school if interested in law.
Other Professions
- Anatomist
- Biochemist
- Clinical researcher
- Environmental Engineer
- Genetic Engineer
- Histopathologist
- Industrial Hygienist
- Laboratory Tech.
- Marine Biologist
- Microbiologist
- Mycologist
- Nutritionist
- Oceanographer
- Paramedic
- Pharmacist
- Toxicologist
- Veterinarian
- Virologist
- Wildlife Biologist
- Zoologist
Career Industry Liaison
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debbie Ungson-Walbert | 208 Bone Student Center | dungson@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2200 |
Internship Coordinator
| Name | Office | Phone | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elisha Swanson | enswans@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-7232 | Professional Practice | |
| Shawn Hitchcock | 317 Science Laboratory Building | srhitch@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-7854 | Research |
Applying to Illinois State
Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!
Applying to Illinois State
Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!
Minimum GPA
2.30
Middle 50% GPA
2.87 - 3.85
Required Courses
For students with 45 or more earned hours, completion of the following courses with grade of C or better:
- Calculus I (MAT 145),
- General Chemistry I (CHE 140), and
- General Chemistry II (CHE 141).
Recommended Courses
To find the course equivalencies at an Illinois community college, please review our Course Articulation Guides.
- Calculus II (MAT 146)
- Organic Chemistry I (CHE 230/231)
- Organic Chemistry II (CHE 232/233)
- Biological Diversity (BSC 196)
- Molecular and Cellular Basis of Life (BSC 197)
- Engineering Physics I (PHY 110)
- Engineering Physics II (PHY 111)
Academic Advising
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandy Webster | Julian Hall 214A | alwebs1@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-1522 |
Minimum GPA
2.30
Middle 50% GPA
2.87 - 3.85
Application Period
Applications are always available.
Application Information
Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.
Major Requirements
If 45 or more earned hours: Grade of “C” or better in MAT 145, CHE 140 and CHE 141.
Academic Advising
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandy Webster | Julian Hall 214A | alwebs1@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-1522 |