Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Chemical Techniques to Study Biological Systems
About the B.S. in Biochemistry Program
Explore Where Chemistry Meets Biology
The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at the University of St. Thomas in Houston applies chemical principles and techniques to the study of biological systems. Through coursework, students examine the structure and function of proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids while developing a strong foundation in both chemistry and biology.
B.S. in Biochemistry Curriculum
Explore Advanced Biochemistry Coursework
The B.S. in Biochemistry curriculum includes General, Organic, Analytical, Inorganic, Physical and Advanced Biochemistry, along with Introductory Biology, Genetics and Molecular Biology. Students also complete Calculus, Physics, Scientific Communication, Laboratory Research Methods and a senior thesis. Elective options allow further study in courses such as Computational Chemistry, Advanced Analytical Techniques or Advanced Organic Chemistry.
Earn an ACS-Certified B.S. in Biochemistry
Complete an ACS-Approved Biochemistry Program
The University of St. Thomas chemistry program is approved by the American Chemical Society Committee on Professional Training. Students who complete the requirements of the approved B.S. in Biochemistry curriculum earn an ACS-certified degree and receive a certificate and electronic credential from the ACS. The program prepares students for graduate study in biochemistry, medical, dental, pharmacy and other professional programs, as well as careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and biomedical research.
Frequently Asked Questions About the B.S. in Biochemistry
What is the UST advantage for B.S. in Biochemistry students?
UST combines the rigor of an American Chemical Society-approved biochemistry program with the personal attention of a small university. Students learn in small classes, work closely with faculty and receive individualized guidance as they prepare for professional school, graduate study, scientific research or employment.
What research resources and opportunities are available to students?
Students have access to modern biochemistry research instrumentation and techniques, including HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, NMR, dynamic light scattering, ultracentrifugation, SDS-PAGE, flow cytometry, qPCR, fluorescence analysis, microscopy, molecular modeling, Python-based computational analysis and more.
UST’s location in Houston places students near the Texas Medical Center and a growing community of biotechnology, pharmaceutical, healthcare and biomedical research organizations.
How does research fit into the B.S. in Biochemistry curriculum?
Undergraduate biochemistry research is an integral part of the B.S. in Biochemistry curriculum. Students complete an independent faculty-mentored research project through Laboratory Research Methods, continue that work in the Senior Thesis course and produce a formal research paper. Scientific Communication further prepares students to present scientific findings in professional written and oral formats.
A three-year, $165,000 grant from the Robert A. Welch Foundation for 2024–2027 supports student scholarships, research supplies, instrumentation, conference participation and publication-related expenses.
What types of research can B.S. in Biochemistry students pursue?
The department’s 2026–2027 chemistry and biochemistry research opportunities represent the breadth of modern scientific research. Students may pursue projects in areas including:
- Bioanalytical chemistry and cardiovascular disease research using fluorescence-based anion-exchange HPLC, density-based ultracentrifugation, SDS-PAGE and dynamic light scattering
- Biochemistry and viral-vector engineering research for targeted gene delivery in triple-negative breast cancer, meningioma and the tumor microenvironment using molecular modeling, cloning, metabolic assays, flow cytometry, qPCR and microscopy
- Computational environmental chemistry and sustainable catalysis, including pollutant remediation, photoredox catalysis, density functional theory, structure-property datasets and machine learning
- Computational biochemistry research involving protein dynamics, enzyme mechanisms, molecular docking and antibiotic targets in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Research on large language models and undergraduate learning
- Inorganic and microbial chemistry research involving organometallic synthesis, catalysis, nanoscience, electrochemistry, green chemistry and the isolation and characterization of antimicrobial natural products using microbiological screening, GC-MS and LC-MS
- Carbon dioxide capture research using green solvents, gas-liquid absorption, design of experiments and process optimization
- Organic synthesis, transition-metal chemistry and electrochemistry research, including bioinspired catalysts for hydrogen production and carbon dioxide recapture
What opportunities are available to students beyond their research projects?
Students may present at the American Chemical Society National Meeting and the UST Research Symposium, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, collaborate with national and international researchers and participate in the American Chemical Society student chapter.
Beginning with a planned Summer 2027 pilot, selected Welch Undergraduate Research Scholars may have the opportunity to conduct research with faculty at the MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Participating students will receive scholarship support and course credit through CHEM 4150 or CHEM 4151, with UST faculty overseeing academic requirements, project progress and completion.
Study Chemistry
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Richa Chandra, Ph.D.
Richa Chandra, Ph.D., is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of St. Thomas in Houston. She is a tenured faculty member, an award winning researcher, and a dedicated mentor whose bioanalytical chemistry research has led to peer reviewed publications with undergraduate students.