Biochemistry Major | Temple University

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

Study the chemical reactions that occur in living matter with the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry in Temple's College of Science and Technology. Biochemical concepts and techniques have become the basis for research in environmental and health sciences, nutrition and physiology. The 123-credit-hour degree prepares graduates to pursue various careers in medicine, science and technology, or advanced study in biochemistry, bioengineering, biotechnology, cell biology and other related fields.

The interdisciplinary biochemistry curriculum combines principles of biology and chemistry with fundamentals of mathematics and physics. Chemistry is a discipline of science that studies the structure and composition of atoms, whereas biology studies the science of life and living organisms. You’ll study how atoms and molecules form new chemical compounds through chemical bonds. From there, students will dig deeper into the chemical processes that are required for living organisms to exist, including their chemical composition, function and physical structure.

Faculty members encourage firsthand experience with cutting-edge technology in the classroom. You'll also solve real-world problems in state-of-the-art laboratories while building practical research and teamwork skills. Biochemistry Majors take part in advanced research, scientific breakthroughs and new discoveries that benefit society.

Biochemistry student wearing a lab coat and safety goggles adjusting a machine in the lab

Classes & Curriculum

In this degree program, courses will include

Calculus or Honors Calculus I, II and III;
Cell Structure and Function;
General Biochemistry II;
Genetics; and
Techniques of Biochemistry Research.

Learn more about Biochemistry Major courses.

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

Scientific Writing

+1 Bachelor-Master Programs

The College of Science and Technology offers +1 Accelerated Bachelor-Master Programs. Students can earn a BA or BS and, at the end of the fifth year, an MA or MS. Coursework is completed over five years instead of taking the usual six-year course of study.

Learn more about the College of Science and Technology’s +1 Bachelor-Master programs.

Dual Bachelor-Master Program for International Students

International students have the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree from their home institution and a graduate degree from Temple over five years. This multidisciplinary program includes undergraduate- and graduate-level coursework at Temple. Students are prepared for professional careers in today’s global economy and job market.

Learn more about the College of Science and Technology’s Dual Bachelor-Master Program for international students.

3+4 Accelerated Programs

The College of Science and Technology offers 3+4 Accelerated Degree Programs in a seven-year course of study, instead of the usual eight years. Qualifying undergraduate students can obtain the Biochemistry Major from CST and a

Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from the Kornberg School of Dentistry,
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the School of Podiatric Medicine,
Doctor of Medicine from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, or
Doctor of Pharmacy Medicine from the School of Pharmacy.

Learn more about the College of Science and Technology’s 3+4 Accelerated Degree Programs.

3+3 Accelerated Program

Qualified students can earn the Biochemistry Major and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from the College of Public Health over a five-year course of study, instead of taking the usual six years.

Learn more about the College of Science and Technology's 3+3 Accelerated Degree Program.

Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program

The College of Science and Technology Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program is designed for students planning to apply to medical school or pursue other health-related professions. The program offers the following two tracks.

The Basic Core in Health Sciences is intended for professionals who need the required science courses to apply to medical school.
The Advanced Core in Health Sciences is a program for current students who have met the premedical requirements and who seek advanced science coursework.

Both tracks include classes in the Lewis Katz School of Medicine and the College of Science and Technology. Learn more about the College of Science and Technology’s Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Science offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2023–2024 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $22,224.00 per year
Out-of-state: $36,624.00 per year

Our Advisors

The Center for Academic Advising and Professional Development in the College of Science and Technology helps you navigate New Student Orientation, advises on specific degree programs and courses, provides post-graduation guidance, and offers peer support. You can also be matched with a qualified student advisor or advocate who will further assist with degree and academic questions or concerns.

Learn more about the Center for Academic Advising and Professional Development’s academic advisors and the CST Peer Team.

Program Contact

Contact the following faculty for more information about the Biochemistry BS.

Last Names A–G
Spiridoula Matsika is the faculty advisor and professor in the Department of Chemistry.
Phone: 215-204-7703
Email: spiridoula.matsika@temple.edu

Last Names H–N
Robert Stanley is the faculty advisor and professor in the Department of Chemistry.
Phone: 215-204-2027
Email: robert.stanley@temple.edu

Last Names O–Z
Michael Zdilla is the faculty advisor and associate professor in the Department of Chemistry.
Phone: 215-204-7886
Email: michael.zdilla@temple.edu

Student Clubs and Organizations

Student clubs and organizations in the College of Science and Technology provide opportunities to meet with peers, network with professionals or scientists in your field of study and learn about internship opportunities. The College of Science and Technology offers 15 major clubs and 12 pre-health clubs for undergraduate students. Enhance your academic study and social life by participating in a club related to your major or interests.

Students pursuing a Biochemistry degree may be interested in the following clubs and organizations.

Biology Society provides students with information and resources to facilitate their future careers related to biology.
Temple University Chemical Society facilitates undergraduate students with opportunities pertaining to research, careers in the industry and education after undergraduate studies.
Leadership, Education and Development in Science empowers students from disadvantaged North Philadelphia middle schools to gain an interest in natural and/or physical sciences, such as chemistry, physics and biology.

Learn more about your options for studying away.

Study Away Opportunities

Deepen your understanding of your math, natural science or computer science coursework by experiencing firsthand how such disciplines are studied overseas. Temple’s study abroad program offers College of Science and Technology students opportunities to spend a summer or semester studying in Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain. Learn more about your options for studying away.

College of Science and Technology undergraduate students can also take part in international research. These opportunities include the following external scholarship programs.

The Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship provides funding for underrepresented students to study in nontraditional destinations such as Australia and Eastern Europe.
The Boren Scholarship Summer STEM Initiative offers undergraduate STEM majors opportunities to participate in a language-intensive program.
The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research and Temple offer opportunities for students in biology, chemistry and physics programs to work in research groups in Pune, India, over the summer.
The Siena Biomedical Research Program provides the opportunity for students to spend their summer working full time in a biotechnology and pathology lab based in Tuscany, Italy.
The Sicily Applied Biotechnology Program allows students to learn the biological basis behind the technology used for art conservation and then apply that knowledge in the laboratory and in the field.

Learn more about study abroad programs for College of Science and Technology students.

Accreditation

ST-BIOC-BS