Biochemistry (BS)

As a student in WPI’s Biochemistry undergraduate degree program, you will make important discoveries at the intersection of chemistry and biology as you study and unravel complicated chemical processes of living organisms—and apply your findings to make a real-world difference.

You will be exposed to the cutting edge in Biochemistry, both in the classroom and through hands-on experience via lab and project work that brings the excitement of scientific inquiry to life.

From day one, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities—like our Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center—where you will ask and answer important questions about the world around us, from studying how cells respond to drugs to using artificial photosynthesis to create renewable energy.

Curriculum

Our Biochemistry program will deepen your content knowledge and give you hands-on expertise using scientific tools and techniques to further your understanding of the processes and transformations that occur in living organisms.

You will study foundational and advanced topics in biochemistry, biology, and chemistry, as well as mathematical sciences and physics. Throughout your program, you will have many opportunities to apply your knowledge through project work and laboratory research aimed at tackling real-world challenges.

If you are interested in pursuing a health-related career, WPI’s Biochemistry degree requirements include all the technical courses needed for admission to medical, dental, and veterinary schools.

Undergraduate Catalog

Similar Majors

Bioinformatics & Computational Biology (BS)

Biology & Biotechnology (BS)

Chemistry (BS)

Project-based Learning

At WPI, students are immersed in applying their knowledge to solve significant problems through hands-on projects, both in the classroom and in communities around the globe. In the process, they gain research skills, a talent for teamwork, the confidence to dive right in and new perspectives of the world.

Our Global Projects Program gives students the opportunity to contribute to communities as close as our home city of Worcester and at more than 40 other locations worldwide. Students work in teams with a faculty advisor and are accountable to a project sponsor on a specific problem that connects science or technology with social issues and human needs.

Biochemistry majors might find themselves working on projects focused on...

Novel treatment strategies for pancreatic and breast cancer
Development of protein tools to control neurons and muscles with light
Single molecule microscopy: following membrane signaling one molecule at a time
Synthesizing caged metal compounds for biological applications

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Students at a Project Center working on a mountain top

Naomi O.

Sophomore, BS in Biochemistry (Pre-Med)

Naomi's work in WPI's Quantitative Neurotechnology and Education Psychology labs gives her the problem-solving skills she'll need to excel as a surgeon.

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Rashid C.

Senior, BS in Biochemistry

A Jamaican-born biochemistry student finds that WPI's project-based curriculum suits his hands-on learning style.

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Whitney D.

Junior, BS in Biochemistry (Pre-Med) & Minor in Spanish

At WPI, Whitney pursues a broad array of outside interests while gaining the perfect preparation for medical school.

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Getting Involved

WPI students explore diverse interests outside the classroom through activities ranging from competitive sports to creative writing groups. You may also join WPI’s chapter of the American Society for the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology to network with fellow biochemistry students and professionals throughout the nation.

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Students organizing project tasks with sticky notes on a whiteboard

After Graduation

When you leave WPI, you will be fully prepared to take on real-world challenges in industries including pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Many of our graduates continue their education as chemists at prestigious medical, dental, and veterinary schools.

Career Outlook

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Chemistry/Biochemistry Department

The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department is accredited by the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.