Major
	Biochemistry (BA, BS); program in the Carver College of Medicine, degrees from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Four-year Graduation Plan
	Yes
Honors
	Yes
Teacher Licensure
	Yes, in Science
Links
	Web Site Courses General Catalog

If you enjoy science and math and want to build a career as a research scientist, check out biochemistry—the study of the basic chemical processes that occur in all living systems. In addition to its biochemistry core, this interdisciplinary field involves biosciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science. Nearly all life science disciplines engage in biochemical research.

• Why Study Biochemistry at Iowa?
• Course Work
• Facilities
• Summer Biochemistry Research for Undergraduates
• Internships
• Careers
• Scholarships

Why Study Biochemistry at Iowa?
Iowa’s biochemistry program focuses on individual students. It is designed to develop creative researchers, effective physicians and other health professionals, and excellent teachers. The major has a strong liberal arts emphasis, which will give you a broad-based foundation for careers and advanced study.

Close to 100 students major in biochemistry. All of the department's Bachelor of Science students and many of its Bachelor of Arts students engage in one-on-one research with faculty members.

As a biochemistry student, you'll study with research-oriented faculty who make themselves available for informal meetings with their students, often without an appointment. You'll have access to the department's research facilities. You'll also be able to join the Biochemistry Undergraduate Majors Club, where you can learn about biochemistry careers and graduate study.

The Department of Biochemistry is one of the basic science departments of the University's Carver College of Medicine. Its faculty are internationally known. They supervise research in biochemistry; molecular, cellular, developmental, computational, and structural biology; and model system genetics. Their research is supported by agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the American Heart Association, and the American Cancer Society.

The department also has 30 graduate students, 10 postdoctoral fellows, and a support staff of more than 25.

Course Work
Students majoring in biochemistry earn a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. Both degrees require a minimum of 120 semester hours (s.h.), including credit for the major: 55 s.h. for BA students and 71 s.h. for BS students.

You'll take the following courses whether you're a BA or a BS student:

• Principles of Biology I–II
• Principles of Chemistry I–II
• Organic Chemistry I–II
• Calculus I–II
• Physics I–II
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I–II
• Experimental Biochemistry
• Advanced science electives (BA students take two courses, BS students take three)
• Physical chemistry or biophysical chemistry (BA students take one course, BS students take two)

If you're a BS student, you'll also take these:

• Organic Chemistry Laboratory
• Technical Communication in Biochemistry
• A research and independent study course or a lab-intensive advanced science course

All biochemistry majors are encouraged to become affiliated with one of the department's active research laboratories early, taking independent study or honors courses that lead to research in specific interest areas with faculty advisors.

In addition to work required for the major, you'll take courses in other disciplines. If you're a BA student, you'll be likely to include courses in subjects such as business, psychology, and journalism.

See Biochemistry in the UI General Catalog to learn more about the major and for information about graduating with honors.

Facilities
The Department of Biochemistry is housed in the Bowen Science Building and the Medical Education Research Facility. It has 19 well-equipped research laboratories, the Biochemistry Stores, a reading room, a health conference room and other conference rooms, and a number of state-of-the-art instruments. It also has access to many Carver College of Medicine facilities.

Summer Biochemistry Research for Undergraduates
The department offers a 10-week program for qualified undergraduate students who would like experience working in an active research laboratory directed by an established scientist.

Students in the Biochemistry Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship conduct laboratory research and present their findings in a poster session. They also attend weekly seminars and workshops on graduate school and career opportunities.

You are eligible to apply if you have completed at least two years of a biological science or related major, have at least one more year of undergraduate study to complete before graduating, and are interested in graduate school and a career in biological research. Participants receive a stipend of $4,000 and free lodging in a UI residence hall.

Learn more at the Biochemistry Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship web site or e-mail biochem@uiowa.edu.

Internships
As a biochemistry major, you'll be encouraged to apply for paid internships in industry. You'll gain additional research experience and get an idea of whether you might enjoy working in an industrial setting when you graduate. You also might take a part-time job in the biochemistry department, where you'd assist in ongoing research projects.

Careers
Students often choose the undergraduate major in biochemistry as preparation for careers in medicine, biology, chemistry, dentistry, research, or related sciences. About one-third of biochemistry majors go on to study medicine. Others enter professional programs, such as dentistry, or graduate programs. Some find jobs in industry and research.

Biochemists with advanced degrees work in teaching and research. They also pursue administrative careers at universities, medical schools, hospitals, private research agencies, government laboratories, biotechnology companies, and in food, drug, cosmetics, chemistry, petroleum, and other industries.

Scholarships
Consult multiple sources for scholarship information, including the Office of Admissions, the Office of Student Financial Aid, and departmental web sites.