School of Physical Sciences

Biochemistry (Pre-Professional)

The field of biochemistry resides at the interface of the chemical and biological worlds. Biochemists seek further understanding of the chemical processes occurring within organisms and biological systems. For example, their work may focus on the structure and function of biological macromolecules like DNA, proteins and lipids, the fate of molecules in cells, such as the metabolism of glucose, or signaling within or between cells.

Due to its interdisciplinary nature, the biochemist must have a comprehensive understanding of chemistry and biology. Students in the Biochemistry Program at Lake Superior State University take coursework in general chemistry, organic chemistry, instrumentation, inorganic chemistry, toxicology, general biology, genetics and biochemistry. The bachelor of science degree in biochemistry at LSSU prepares students for jobs in medical and life sciences, professional studies in medicine and pharmacy and a variety of graduate programs.

Chemistry Department Website

Why Study Biochemistry at LSSU?

Community: Chemistry and Environmental Students are eligible to live in Huron Hall, a living learning community.
Access to Faculty: The LSSU BioChemistry Program boasts a low student to faculty ratio. The class size in the capstone Advanced Biochemistry class is limited to 15 students. In addition, the course is team taught by faculty with varying areas of specialization.
Access to Instrumentation: It is imperative that graduates have a strong foundation in the operation of instrumentation. At Lake Superior State University, students are not merely introduced to, but regularly operate instruments such as Q-PCR thermocyclers, ICP-MS, NMR, HPLC, GC-MS and FTIR spectrometers.
Research: Students in the Biochemistry Program have the opportunity to perform a senior research project under the guidance of a faculty member. Projects are related to the student’s area of focus and culminate in a poster presentation and talk at our Research Symposium. Students have also presented their work at national conferences and been published in peer reviewed journals.
Internships: Internships are a great opportunity for students to gain experience with methodology, operate instrumentation and acquire job specific skills in your field of study. On campus internships are available during both the academic year and summer in faculty research projects, the Chemical Preparation Laboratory and the Environmental Analysis Laboratory.
Placement: The Biochemistry Program at LSSU has been successful in maintaining a high placement in summer internships, jobs upon graduation, and seats in graduate and professional schools.
Accreditation: The Chemistry Department at LSSU is approved by the American Chemical Society. As an ACS-approved program, LSSU is charged with holding and maintaining modern instrumentation, offering a rigorous and coherent program, and employing accomplished faculty which will attract top talent entering college.

Chemistry Department Website

Research Opportunities

National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates

The NSF-REU program allows students to travel to a variety of locations to participate in biochemistry research during the summer. Participants are awarded a stipend in addition to travel, meal and lodging costs.

Environmental Protection Agency Greater Research Opportunity

The EPA-GRO fellowship supports students in physical and biological sciences performing environmental research. Students receive support for their junior and senior years of undergraduate study and perform an internship at an EPA facility during the summer of their junior year. Award amounts are $19,700 per academic year and $9,500 during the summer internship

American Chemical Society Scholars Program

The ACS Scholars Program supports underrepresented minority students majoring in chemistry related fields. Awards amounts are for up to $5000 and are renewable

Related Resources

Degrees

Biochemistry Pre-Professional: Bachelor of Science

Annual Starting Salary

$39,560

American Chemical Society 2013

Career Choices

Scientific Lab Technician
Clinical Research Specialists
Quality Control Manager
Biomedical Scientist
Technical Science Writer
Patent law
A wide variety of fields such as life sciences, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, health and beauty, chemical manufacturing
Academia.

Scholarships

American Chemical Society Scholars Program

The ACS Scholars Program supports underrepresented minority students majoring in chemistry related fields. Awards amounts are for up to $5000 and are renewable.

American Society of Crime Lab Directors Scholarship Program

The ASCLD scholarship is available to junior and senior levels students majoring in forensic science, forensic chemistry or physical sciences. Awards are in the amount of $1000.

The Association of Firearms and Tool Mark Examiners Scholarship Program

The AFTE scholarship is awarded to students majoring in forensic chemistry with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their 3rd or 4th year. Awards are in the amount of $1000.

See for yourself!

We would enjoy the opportunity to discuss careers in the chemical sciences with you. During a campus visit, be sure to ask to speak with the Chemistry Department. We would like to show you our excellent facilities and take the time to discuss some of the exciting research projects now underway.