Biochemistry

Your Future In Biochemistry

Are you interested in understanding the biomolecular machinery of life? Do you enjoy biology and chemistry? Are you looking for a career in biotechnology? Then, you should pursue a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry at the University of North Texas.

Many of our  students complete the program in preparation for medical school. Other potential employers include:

• Agricultural chemical manufacturers
• Biotechnology companies
• Consulting agencies
• Cosmetic manufacturers
• Educational institutions
• Environmental organizations and labs
• Food manufacturers
• Independent research firms
• Pharmaceutical companies

With some additional course work, this major also will help prepare you to enter dental, medical or veterinary school or a training program to become an allied health care professional.

What we offer

Our success is measured through your achievements as well as the quality of our intellectual contributions to the improvement of society. We offer course work leading to a:

• Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry degree if you’re planning a research career in biochemistry, medicine, clinical chemistry or other areas of biochemistry or molecular biology
• Bachelor of Arts degree that provides a strong foundation in biochemistry and molecular biology, but with more flexibility to support careers in teaching, medicine and other non-research focused pursuits

We also administer a joint program with the UNT Health Science Center at Fort Worth that allows you to combine college and medical school. This saves you time and money by reducing the usual eight-year program to seven.

You’ll learn from faculty members who are dedicated to excellence and represent a wide range of research interests. Many have been honored nationally by various organizations.

Through our affiliation with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science Education Alliance, we provide you opportunities to receive hands-on experience in complex research at the undergraduate level. You may also receive course credit by working on a project in one of our research centers or laboratories. For example, you may study plant biochemistry in the BioDiscovery Institute. In addition, you can pursue research in avian genomes, cyanide biodegradation, molecular motors and response of organisms to stress.

UNT’s Life Sciences Complex is a state-of-the-art research facility for biochemistry and molecular biology, developmental physiology and genetics and plant science. It features an open research laboratory concept, a climate-controlled rooftop greenhouse for advanced plant science research and an aquatics lab that incorporates fresh and salt water facilities.

What to expect

As a Biochemistry major, you’ll take courses focusing on:

• Cell biology
• Chemical reactions
• Compounds and solutions of chemical elements
• Macromolecules
• Metabolic pathways
• Molecular biology of genes
• Organic chemistry
• Physical chemistry
• Quantitative analysis in chemistry

You’ll also be required to take technical writing, calculus-based physics and calculus courses. To be prepared for upper-division course work in Biochemistry, you must complete foundational courses in biology, chemistry and math with minimum acceptable grades and GPAs. Visit catalog.unt.edu for specific requirements.

How to enroll at UNT

High school students

Get detailed information on recognized high school graduation programs and SAT/ACT requirements.

In your senior year, apply for admission at ApplyTexas.org by the March 1 priority date and request that your high school transcript be sent to the UNT admissions office. Do you live out of state? For your convenience, you can apply through the Common Application.

Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses can count toward college credit at UNT.

Transfer students

If you're attending a Texas community college, you should consult our online transfer guides, the UNT Undergraduate Catalog and an academic counselor to review your degree plan. Proper planning will allow you to receive the maximum amount of transfer credits.

Our Transfer Center will help you make a successful transition to college life at UNT by connecting you with a peer mentor and other campus resources.

 

HELPFUL RESOURCES

Our Career Center, Learning Center and professional academic advisors are among the many valuable resources that are available to you at UNT. The Career Center can provide advice about internships, future employment opportunities and getting hands-on experience in your major. The Learning Center offers workshops on speed reading, study skills and time management. Academic advisors will help you plan your class schedule each semester.