BS in Chemical Biology

 

ABOUT THE MAJOR

 What is Chemical Biology?

Chemical Biology sits at the intersection of chemistry and biology — using chemical tools to understand and manipulate living systems. It's a new, broad field, and it's growing fast. 

 

Design molecules that affect biology

Synthesize compounds that fluoresce inside cells, attach drugs to antibodies, or probe how enzymes work at the molecular level.

Bridge chemistry and life sciences

Go beyond studying biological molecules — learn to build and modify them using the full toolkit of modern chemistry.

 

Apply chemistry to real problems

From biofuels to AI-assisted protein design, Chemical Biology tackles questions that matter in medicine, industry, and beyond.

An interdisciplinary foundation

Your coursework spans chemistry, biology, math, and physics — giving you flexibility to go in many directions after graduation.

 

WHERE YOU'LL GO

What Can You Do With This Degree?

Chemical Biology graduates are in demand across science, medicine, and research. Here's where our students are headed:

 

Graduate School

Chemistry, chemical biology, biophysics, and pharmaceutical sciences PhD/MS programs

Professional School

Strong preparation for medical, pharmacy, and dental school admissions

 

National Labs

Sandia, Los Alamos, and other national laboratories actively recruit chemical biologists

Biotech & Pharma

Drug development, diagnostics, agricultural-biotech

 

WHAT TO EXPECT

Is This Major Right For You?

  • First two years: familiar ground
    • Your first and second year looks nearly identical to Biochemistry. You'll take general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, calculus, and biology — with time to find your footing.
  • More lab time
    • You will take labs in quantitative analysis, chemical biology, and more. Hands-on skills are exactly what employers and grad schools want.
  • Flexibility in upper-division years
    • Your junior and senior electives can span chemistry, biology, math, physics, and even economics. Tailor the degree to your specific interests and goals.

 

COURSE PLAN 

Sample 4-Year Curriculum

Here's a typical path through the major. Your advisor can help you build a plan that works for you.

Year 1 - Build the Foundation

Fall

  • General Chemistry I + Lab
  • Calculus I
  • Composition I
  • Biology: Molecules to Cells
  • Foreign Language

Spring

  • General Chemistry II + Lab
  • Calculus II
  • Composition II
  • Biology: Organisms & Ecosystems
  • General Education Elective

Year 2 - Core Science Sequence

Fall

  • Organic Chemistry I + Lab
  • Physics I + Lab
  • Introduction to Statistics
  • General Education Elective
  • Other Elective

Spring

  • Organic Chemistry II + Lab
  • Physics II + Lab
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • General Education Elective

Year 3 - Chemical Biology Core

Fall

  • Chemical Biology I
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Research Methods Seminar
  • Minor/Elective

Spring

  • Chemical Biology II
  • Bioinorganic Chemistry
  • Research (Chem 495)
  • Minor/Elective

Year 4 - Specialize & Research

Fall

  • Chemical Biology Lab
  • Upper-division Chem Elective
  • Research (Chem 495)
  • Minor/Elective

Spring

  • Upper-division Chem Elective
  • Research (Chem 495)
  • Minor/Elective x2