Biochemistry

Learn how to tackle complex, interdisciplinary problems that require an understanding of both chemistry and biology through Suffolk’s biochemistry program. In small lectures and hands-on labs, you’ll examine the chemistry of biomolecules and living things, focusing on molecules and cells. Opportunities outside the classroom—including internships at Boston’s leading biotech pharmaceutical companies and research hospitals—will help you further develop your technical skillset and grow your professional network.

Student and professor performing an experiment in a lab
Experiential learning is at the core of our biochemistry and chemistry programs. Nearly every lecture course is paired with a lab to help you build in-demand skills.

Biochemistry is an ideal major for a pre-med or health careers pathway. Our curricular emphasis on novel research also serves as excellent preparation for graduate school. Alumni of our program can be found working at top research institutes, hospitals, and biotech companies throughout Greater Boston, or completing advanced degrees at prestigious institutions like Harvard Medical School, Simmons School of Nursing, and University of California Davis.

Students in our biochemistry program will:

  • Master a variety of laboratory or bench skills, such as DNA and protein purification and characterization
  • Learn the structure and function of biomolecules, including DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates
  • Investigate the latest developments in the field, reading, summarizing, and citing primary literature
  • Gain important scientific writing skills through writing lab reports and a senior thesis
  • Collaborate with classmates during labs and develop strong communication and leadership skills

Experience is Everything

During Biochemistry II, majors are asked to do novel research as part of their Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE)—some of which have gone on to be published in peer-reviewed journals!

Interested in pursuing medical school or a health professional degree after graduation? Biochemistry is an excellent place to start prepping your skills and knowledge for the healthcare industry.

Boston is a global hub for biotech and biopharma companies. Over half of our majors participate in at least one off-campus internship before they graduate.

Thanks to the interdisciplinary nature of our program, students can take advanced biology electives and explore specialty topics like cell cultures and molecular genetics.

Program Options

The Major

In this major, students can choose to earn a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry. All chemistry lecture courses are paired with a required 4 hour per week laboratory course, capped at 18 or 24 students, where you’ll learn in-demand laboratory or bench skills. Together with required courses in biology, math, and physics, you’ll gain an interdisciplinary understanding of the chemistry of living organisms, with the opportunity to produce your own novel research.

All biochemistry majors complete a senior capstone thesis project. Working one-on-one with a faculty member, you’ll conduct original research, write a thesis paper, and present your findings at a department symposium at the end of your senior year.
View the Biochemistry Major Curriculum

Customize Your Degree

Some biochemistry students choose to minor or take added courses in areas that will complement their skills such as:

Our Students & Alumni


Beyond the Classroom

Two students performing experiment with a test tub whil wearing lab gear

If you learn best by doing, you’ll fit in well here. As a biochemistry student at Suffolk, you’ll apply what you learn in the classroom almost immediately during experiments in our labs. Our sole focus on undergraduate education means you’ll do meaningful research as soon as possible, working directly with faculty mentors to:

  • Gain in-demand bench skills such as DNA and protein purification and characterization
  • Conduct original research on clinically-relevant human mutations that cause metabolic disease and cancer
  • Learn in-demand skills such as cell culture or gene editing techniques
  • Use virtual reality technology such as Nanome, a powerful molecular visualization program originally developed for drug design and discovery
  • Present your findings at academic conferences
  • Publish original research undertaken with faculty and classmates

During your senior capstone thesis project, you’ll have the unique opportunity to conduct novel research as an undergraduate. Supported by one-on-one faculty mentoring, you’ll gain the scientific skills and confidence to plan and carry out experiments, then present your work to your peers and professors.

Student examines content of a beaker

Approximately 60% of our biochemistry majors participate in at least one off-campus internship prior to graduation. Boston is a world-renowned leader in biotech and biopharma, as well as high-level academic and medical research. Our students take advantage of our central location and many connections within this hub of discovery to find rewarding internships and employment with some of the industry’s most innovative and well-respected scientific organizations, such as:

  • MGH Institute of Health Professions
  • MGH Cancer Center
  • Gro Biosciences (Biotech)
  • Dana-Farber/Harvard Medical school
  • Wyzer Bioscience (Biotech)
  • Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
  • Motif Foodworks (Biotech)
  • Northeastern University
  • Cell Signaling Technology (Biotech)

Our faculty will work closely with you—along with professionals from the University’s Center for Career Equity, Development & Success—as you prepare for your next step. You’ll also find information tailored to your interests in our Healthcare & Wellness and STEM & Sustainability Career Communities.

Healthcare Careers

Our program provides a solid foundation and specific advising support for students who want to apply to medical school and other graduate programs in healthcare. We’ll also help you explore a range of career options in health and medicine so you can find the best match for your academic interests and overall life goals.

Three students in lab gear performing an experiment

A supportive community of classmates, faculty, alumni, and industry contacts will help you broaden your view of the scientific world and find your place within it.

Student Clubs & Organizations

Attend career and networking meetings, research presentations, and fun events through one of our active student groups, including:

You can also present your research alongside peers and professionals at the annual national meetings of the American Society for biochemistry and Molecular Biology or the American Chemical Society.

Career & Alumni Networking Events

Explore different options by meeting people in the fields that interest you. We work closely with the Center for Career Equity, Development & Success to hold annual job fairs and career roundtables, and regularly invite alumni back to campus for class visits and talks.

Success after Suffolk


Here's a sampling of recent graduates’ current job titles and employers.

Research Technician
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Associate Scientist
GSK
Research Assistant
Boston Children's Hospital
Research Lab Technician
University of Michigan Hospital
Research Associate
Mercy BioAnalytics
Research Associate
Sarepta Therapeutics
Senior Research Associate
UNIVERCELLS
Clinical Research Systems Specialist
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Medical Laboratory Assistant
Mass General Brigham
Senior Research Associate
C4 Therapeutics
Research Technician
Massachusetts General Hospital
Clinical Pharmacist
Lowell General Hospital
Learn more about our Career Community

Continuing Education

Many of our alumni go on to health professional schools to become nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, and doctors, or to a variety of graduate programs in fields such as biochemistry, food science, and pharmacology. Our recent graduates have pursued advanced degrees at esteemed institutions including Rush University Medical College, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Simmons School of Nursing, Harvard Medical School, University of New Hampshire, Boston University, University of Washington in Seattle, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and University of California Davis.

Questions? Get in touch!

Melanie Berkmen

Melanie Berkmen

Professor & Department Chair of Biochemistry, Chemistry, Environment & Physics

Email [email protected]

Send a Message

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