A BS in Biochemistry helps students understand the chemical processes within living organisms and requires the understanding of chemistry and biology. Experience student-based research, a wide variety of hands-on labs, and an intersection of topics spanning multiple majors.
Majoring in biochemistry offers a multidisciplinary approach to the sciences, allowing you to explore the molecular mechanisms that drive life processes. A degree in biochemistry can open pathways to advanced studies in medicine, pharmacy, or graduate research, enhancing your expertise and career prospects.
Participate in research projects your first year, and as a junior and senior, you’ll lead individual projects.
Gain hands-on laboratory skills by working for the department as a laboratory prep worker.
Learn a variety of analysis techniques that are used in the industry.
Tailor their studies to admission requirements of medical schools you're interested in by choosing from a wide variety of electives.
Explore health careers such as medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy.
Gain experience biotechnology, molecular genetics, pharmacology, toxicology, and more while working in modern labs.
Through both theoretical knowledge and laboratory skills, you'll learn to analyze complex biological systems and understand the molecular basis of health and disease. Along the way, you will gain interdisciplinary knowledge through our mathematics and biology courses as well.
| Class code | Class title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM-105 | +General Chemistry I | 4 credits |
| CHEM-208 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 credits |
| CHEM 319 | Biochemistry | 3 credits |
| WI CHEM-419 | Advanced Biochemistry | 3 credits |
The cost of your degree depends on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee.
You'll need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees and other expenses. Explore total cost of attendance.
| Expense | By semester | By year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* | $18,189 | $36,378 |
| Housing** | $4,019 | $8,038 |
| Food*** | $2,670 | $5,340 |
| Technology fee | $140 | $280 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $25,018 | $50,036 |
*Based on 2024-2025 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.
SAU offers diverse housing options to meet the needs of our students, including traditional dormitories to apartment-style living. The cost of your housing varies based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
Our Biochemistry faculty uses evidence-based practices in the classroom. They're active members of several professional organizations and attend workshops and conferences to keep up-to-date in the field.
At St. Ambrose, we want you to thrive. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.
SAU believes that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to make college more affordable for our students, providing the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.
Through the Ambrose Advantage scholarship program, a tuition-free St. Ambrose University education is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Iowans. Learn more about the Ambrose Advantage.
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships.
At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit toward your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.
"Cost is obviously a big thing for anybody going to college. When I found out about the Ambrose Advantage, it took the stress off me and my family. Now I can focus on my classes and getting a start on my career."
Bailey Hird, Fairfield, IA
Join our active chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) here on campus. We meet monthly for activities and speakers, and through community outreach activities, we work to inspire the next generation of chemists.
"The Chemistry Club is one of the closest groups on campus, and one of the best. All of the members are super friendly,"
-Nick Schaffner, BS in Chemistry, 2021
Ready to become a Bee? Here are the admissions requirements for our Biochemistry program.
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
Your degree can help you reach your professional goals. SAU can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. Here are potential job titles, traits and settings a graduate in our BS in Biochemistry program could achieve.
For more information on Chemistry employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.
