Biochemistry program

MUndergrad major

Learn the chemistry behind living things.

Biochemistry is the study of molecules used by living things, as well as how these molecules can be used to develop new products and solve problems. As a biochemist your future could be in the growing biotechnology industry or in graduate or professional school in areas such as pharmacy or medicine. Biochemists have the knowledge and skills to take these diverse directions and many more.

UWL's biochemistry major is accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, which allows the program to offer a prestigious ASBMB-certified bachelor of science degree in biochemistry. UWL biochemistry graduates often find themselves choosing among several good job offers. They are also highly attractive to graduate and professional programs.

What is biochemistry?

Biochemistry is the chemistry of biology. It is one of the five main subdisciplines of chemistry. A biochemist explores chemical processes within basic biological systems. Biochemical research has provided a more comprehensive understanding in regenerative medicine, infectious disease, organ/tissue transplantation, clinical diagnostics and genetic disease.

Quite frankly, I couldn’t be where I am today without the training I received at UWL. The culmination of the rigorous curriculum and an abundance of practical laboratory experience gave me the confidence to begin a career in the life sciences and made me an ideal candidate for prospective graduate schools and employers.

Janek Walker

Biochemistry jobs

Many biochemistry students pursue careers in the health professions, biotechnology industry or government laboratories, working in areas such as drug design, vaccine development, biological assays, and protein or genetic engineering. Employment surveys show that biochemistry majors are the primary candidates recruited by biotechnology companies. Biochemistry graduates also may continue their education in doctoral programs.

Chemistry-related occupations and chemistry-related industries are projected to grow in the state, according to the Department of Workforce Development.

Entry level

  • Analysis/testing as a laboratory chemist or biochemist
  • Management trainee
  • Pollution control
  • Production control
  • Quality assurance chemist
  • Research technician
  • Sales representative
  • High school science teacher (with teacher certification)

Advanced

  • Chief project biochemist
  • Director of research and development
  • Industrial administrator
  • Plant manager
  • Production control manager
  • Research and development biochemist

Further education

  • Medical or other professional study in pharmacy, veterinary medicine, nuclear medicine, optometry, dentistry and more
  • Graduate study in cell and molecular biology, systems biology, genetics, genetic counseling, developmental biology, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, material science, polymer chemistry, biomedical engineering and more
  • Law school (example: patent law)
  • Industrial management training
  • Graduate study in business

What distinguishes UWL's Biochemistry program?

Prestigious ASBMB-Certified B.S. degree in biochemistry

The UWL Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is fully accredited by both the American Chemical Society-Committee on Professional Training (ACS-CPT) and the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). These recognitions acknowledge the quality program, staff and facilities of the department, and they enable the program to offer prestigious ASBMB-Certified degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry, along with several other degree options.
Student scholarships available

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry awards student scholarships annually to support returning undergraduate students in the major and graduates of the program who are entering a professional program in the basic sciences and/or health professions. 
Undergraduate research opportunities

Students have numerous opportunities to get involved in cutting-edge chemical, biochemical, and educational undergraduate research projects. In 2019-20, the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department had the highest percentage of students participating in undergraduate research at UW-La Crosse. Summer undergraduate research fellowships are also available to conduct research with a faculty member. Learn about the research interests of faculty.
Co-author with faculty

Students routinely co-author professional presentations ​and publications with chemistry faculty members. Students often present their research at regional and national meetings, and have even won awards for their research presentations at national conferences. 
Preparation with technical and soft skills

Students are given broad preparation with both technical and soft skills. This leads to graduates who are flexible and creative problem solvers who can adapt and thrive as their career advances. Students gain real-world skills including:

  • Problem solving
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Independent learning
  • Data organization and analysis
  • Mentoring
  • Project management
  • Clear and concise writing
  • Public speaking
Experiential learning opportunities for all majors

Students gain 300 hours of hands-on, practical laboratory experience with specialized scientific equipment.
Make connections with other students

Students have opportunities to connect and enjoy fun and informative experiences through the Chemistry and Biochemistry Club.
One-on-one advising

Students in the program benefit from a comprehensive and inclusive approach to academic and career advising. Each student is assigned a departmental staff member to provide coordinated and focused academic and career planning. This approach empowers each student to make decisions compatible with their interests.
Internships available

Students are encouraged to participate in internship experiences, which may be taken for academic credit. They offer practical experiences in the field, and, in some cases, are paid. Campus support is available to help find internships through UWL Career Services and Handshake.
High percentage of graduates successfully pursue doctoral degrees

The Chemistry & Biochemistry Department currently has over 250 student majors. Each year, over 30 students graduate with bachelor of science degrees in chemistry or biochemistry. Typically, 30-50% of graduating seniors apply to, and are accepted by graduate programs at major research universities where they pursue doctoral degrees in chemistry or related areas.

Sample courses

CHM 419 Advanced Biochemistry Lab A capstone biochemistry laboratory course that provides students with the opportunity to undertake hypothesis-driven research. Students will use a variety of contemporary biochemical and biophysical techniques to study biomolecular structure and function. As the capstone course in the biochemistry major, students will give written and oral reports of their work that incorporate the primary literature. Lect. 1, Lab 6. Prerequisite: "C" or better in CHM 417; CHM 418 or concurrent enrollment; junior standing. Offered Spring.

CHM 417 Biochemistry I: Macromolecules This course is the study of the structure and function of biological macromolecules with special emphasis on proteins. Topics include protein folding, protein-ligand interactions, protein function, and membrane structure and function. The laboratory focuses on contemporary biochemical techniques including quantitative biochemical assays, ligand binding, protein purification, and enzyme function. Lect 3, Lab 3. Prerequisite: "C" or better in CHM 300 or CHM 304 is required; a 300 or 400-level chemistry course with a lab (excluding CHM 461, CHM 489, and CHM 499) is recommended; junior standing. BIO 315 or MIC 425 also recommended. Students with credit in CHM 325 cannot earn credit in CHM 417. Offered Fall.

CHM 418 Biochemistry II: Metabolism and Genetic Information This course provides a comprehensive and integrative approach to fundamental metabolism and the flow of genetic information. In particular, the course emphasizes the chemical principles governing metabolite inter-conversions, energy flow, regulation of metabolic pathways, and the maintenance of genetic information. Prerequisite: "C" or better in CHM 417; junior standing. BIO 306 and BIO 315, or MIC 416 and MIC 425 recommended. Offered Spring.

CHM 419 Advanced Biochemistry Lab A capstone biochemistry laboratory course that provides students with the opportunity to undertake hypothesis-driven research. Students will use a variety of contemporary biochemical and biophysical techniques to study biomolecular structure and function. As the capstone course in the biochemistry major, students will give written and oral reports of their work that incorporate the primary literature. Lect. 1, Lab 6. Prerequisite: "C" or better in CHM 417; CHM 418 or concurrent enrollment; junior standing. Offered Spring.

BIO 435 Molecular Biology A study of molecular biology with an emphasis on eukaryotic systems. The course will focus on the molecular aspects controlling biological processes. The impact of recombinant DNA technology on biotechnology and medicine will also be examined. This course is taught largely at an undergraduate level. Graduate students will have additional course requirements/expectations. Prerequisite: BIO 306 and BIO 315, or MIC 416 and three semesters of college chemistry including organic chemistry; junior standing. Biochemistry strongly recommended. BIO 436 is an optional laboratory which can be taken concurrently. Offered Fall, Spring.

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