Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

Learn Biochemistry on the Coast of Maine

Let UNE’s Biochemistry degree be the gateway to your career in the thriving bioscience industry, or build on it as the cornerstone of your health professions training or other graduate study. Either way, you reap the benefits of being part of a comprehensive health sciences university that offers training in state-of-the-art lab techniques and sophisticated instrumentation. You’ll discover an uncommon breadth of undergraduate research opportunities that will develop your skills and put you ahead of the curve.

A student in blue rubber gloves prepares samples above a tank in a chemistry lab
A student in a white lab coat prepares liquids into a tube

Why UNE for Your B.S. in Biochemistry

Biochemistry at UNE offers all the advantages of a major research university. Yet, nestled within the College of Arts and Sciences, the program provides you with close faculty relationships and one-on-one attention. The result? Exposure to a range of research opportunities that is rarely found at the undergraduate level.

  • Training in state-of-the-art lab techniques
  • Focus on independent experimental design
  • Proximity to health professions programs
  • Formal and informal peer mentoring
  • Teaching assistantships
  • Abundant local internship opportunities
Headshot of U N E student Peter Swanson

Peter Swanson ’24

Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Biophysics

Why UNE

I enjoy how there is such an emphasis on teaching and research in my math and science classes. The department is smaller than a larger state school, so you get to know all of [your professors] on a personal level. They are here to mentor you. A lot of [my professors] stress the importance of guided gradual learning instead of just aiming for that perfect GPA. This is the thing that has helped me the most.

I’ve been able to get out of my comfort zone by presenting posters on research that [I’ve done] with my professors. The encouragement from faculty has better prepared me for graduate school and boosted my resume.

My favorite thing about UNE is the accessibility to such high-quality research labs. I have done research under two different mentors. One project studies protein biomaterials [and] the other looks into computational modeling of supercritical carbon dioxide.

Beautiful Locations

I like how [UNE’s campus] is small and quaint. It’s a little secluded outside of the city and right on the water. We have many things to do outside here. There is access to go hiking nearby, and you have the beach right here. A friend and I started back up the rowing team [after it was inactive for a few years] where we can practice here [on the Saco River].

My favorite thing about UNE is the accessibility to such high-quality research labs. I have done research under two different mentors. One project studies protein biomaterials [and] the other looks into computational modeling of supercritical carbon dioxide.

Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Biophysics

What will you study? Biochemistry Degree Curriculum Overview

B.S. in Biochemistry Courses

There are many ways you can navigate our Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. The following are just some examples of the exciting courses that you can take:

  • Advanced Biochemistry Lab
  • Computational Chemistry
  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Advanced Lab
  • Physical Chemistry

Graduate Program Pathways

As a Biochemistry student, you can take part in our GradVantage program for early admission to our medical, dental, physical therapy, and physician assistant graduate programs.

Honors Program

We offer qualified students the option of graduating with Honors. This includes significant research, scholarship or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member. Interested students should consult with their advisor. 

Biochemistry at UNE: Can Protein Polymers Help Injured Spines?

Associate Professor Eva Rose Balog, Ph.D., and Medical Biology student Galen Arnold ’22 discuss their work in Balog’s protein biochemistry and biomaterials research lab.
 

Career Paths for Biochemistry Majors

Follow in the footsteps of our Biochemistry majors who have made their marks at prestigious companies, such as Pfizer, IDEXX, and the Institute for Protein Innovation. With the knowledge, research skills, and internship experience you acquire at UNE, you too will garner distinction in your career as a biochemist.

As a Biochemistry graduate, you will find the door wide open to a number of fascinating careers, including:

  • Biotechnology Researcher
  • Biomedical Scientist
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Research Scientist
  • Teacher
  • Science Journalist
  • Toxicologist
  • Forensic Scientist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Health Care Professional

Career Advising for B.S. in Biochemistry Students 

Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.

Biochemistry Program Facilities

Our Biophysics program is housed in Peter and Cecile Morgane Hall, with additional teaching and research laboratories in the Harold Alfond Center for Health Sciences and biochemistry research laboratories in the Pickus Center for Biomedical Research. All of the facilities are located on our beautiful seaside campus in Biddeford.

Morgane Hall houses the general chemistry, general physics, and biochemistry teaching labs as well as some small research labs. The advanced chemistry teaching and research labs are located on the third floor of the Alfond Center and the first floor of the Pickus Center. Pickus offers flexible biochemistry research space, where you work with faculty using a wide range of modern chemical and biochemical instrumentation in facilities designed to be conducive to learning and research productivity.

Take a Virtual Tour of Our Biddeford Campus Labs and Learning Spaces

Biochemistry Research

The ability to work closely with a faculty member on an interesting research project is one of the highlights of our undergraduate program. Listed below you will find descriptions of the research being carried out by our faculty.

Collaborative Projects for Biochemistry Degree Students

As a biochemistry student at UNE, you have the ability to collaborate with other students and faculty across other biological, chemical, and physical disciplines.

Learn how UNE student researchers and their faculty mentors work on an interdisciplinary research project focused on combating drug-resistant bacteria.

Experiential Learning in the Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry Program

Whether you’re assisting faculty members with their research, interning at a local biotech company, or designing your own experiment in the lab, hands-on learning is an integral part of your major. At UNE, you don’t just study biochemistry — you do biochemistry.

Internships for Biochemistry Majors 

You may complete an internship over the summer in your hometown at sites including hospitals, private or government labs, educational institutions, or science centers. Or intern during the academic year with one of the prestigious employers with which we partner:

  • IDEXX
  • Lonza
  • Jackson Laboratories
  • Envirologix
  • Katahdin Labs

For more information email the Academic and Career Advising Center at advising@810zc.com.

Biochemistry FAQ