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Biochemistry, B.S.

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Overview

The pioneering geneticist Craig Venter famously stated in 2004, “If the 20th century was the century of physics, the 21st century will be the century of biology.” The wealth of genomic data that has become available in recent decades, along with parallel development of methods in biochemistry and molecular biology, has offered new opportunities for solving some of humanity's most pressing challenges, including issues related to human and environmental health. Furthermore, biochemistry is foundational to the practice of modern medicine.

Our growing knowledge of how life operates at the biochemical level has already ushered in remarkable advances in technology, including new chemical and biologic drugs, vaccines, cancer immunotherapies, sustainable catalysts and chemical synthesis approaches, genetically modified crops, and engineered biomaterials. A degree in Biochemistry opens the door to a wide variety of careers in fields where the ability to leverage the exponential growth of available biological data and to extract meaningful biochemical insights from this vast sea of information is critical, such as in medical research, biotechnology, and environmental health.

UC MERCED BIOCHEMISTRY PROGRAM

Students majoring in Biochemistry at abcֱ will pursue a highly interdisciplinary understanding of biology at the scale of atoms to molecules with a level of depth and rigor that is not provided by programs in either Chemical or Biological Science majors. The program develops students' fundamental knowledge of biochemical principles, and provides training in cutting edge experimental techniques, data analysis and computational methods, and effective scientific communication.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A BIOCHEMISTRY DEGREE?

Upon graduation, you might become:

  • Biochemist*
  • Biophysicist*
  • Chemist
  • Medical Scientist*
  • Post Secondary Chemistry Teacher*
  • Natural Sciences Manager
  • Microbiologist
  • Biological Technician
  • Medical Technologist
  • Clinical Research Coordinator

*these occupations typically require additional education/training

Employment Outlook for Program Graduates

  • 2022 Median Pay in California: $106,903
  • 3,328 job openings/year
  • 10.5% projected growth in 2022-2032