Dallas Hall is a historic building on the SMU campus and is home to the B.S. in Statistical Science program.

Undergraduate programs

Biochemistry

B.S.

Overview

The SMU Dedman Bachelor of Science in biochemistry (B.S.) program at SMU Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences reflects the interdisciplinary nature of modern biochemistry, and includes courses in physics, mathematics, chemistry and biology. Students are prepared for graduate study leading to a Ph.D. degree, for entrance to professional schools such as medicine, or for the chemical or biotechnology industry. Undergraduate research is highly recommended for students pursuing this degree.

This program has a core curriculum of required courses and two options for choosing additional upper-division courses. Option 1 is certified by the American Chemical Society for professional training in biochemistry, whereas Option 2 provides a more traditional curriculum for biochemistry majors.

A biochemistry major can graduate with departmental distinction by successfully completing a special program of study that includes independent reading and research culminating in a senior thesis. Students obtaining a B.S. degree in biochemistry may not also obtain a minor or major in chemistry or biology.

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11:1

undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio

90+

undergraduate majors at Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences

Admissions

Deadlines and details

Key dates and admissions information to help plan your application with confidence.

Transfer students

Everything transfer students need to know about admission requirements.

International students

All the essential admission requirements international students need to know.

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Tuition and financial aid

2 out of 3 first-year students are awarded grants and/or scholarships with an average total of $38,598.

Tuition and costs

Explore the cost breakdown of tuition for undergraduate programs.

Financial aid

Find information on scholarships and financial support available at SMU.

Curriculum and learning

Featured courses

BIOL/CHEM 4310

Biological Chemistry: Macromolecular Structure and Function

Introduces the structure and function of macromolecules of biological importance, with a focus on nucleic acid and protein structure, enzyme kinetics, and carbohydrate and lipid chemistry.

BIOL 3222

Molecular Genetics Lab

Students learn to manipulate DNA using recombinant DNA techniques and to generate genomic DNA sequences using MinION nanopore sequencing technology.

BIOL 4305 and BIOL 4105

Genomics and Bioinformatics and Genomics Lab

In this lecture/lab combination, students learn the concepts by which genomic DNA sequences are analyzed and apply those techniques in the computer-based lab.

View course catalog

Outside the classroom

Student success

Students with a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from Dedman College know they leave the program with a strong foundation for careers in medicine or research. The interdisciplinary approach to the curriculum and extensive lab experience give them the skills needed to go on to advanced study and rewarding careers.

Student stories

Gabrielle Gard ’22

“The biochemistry B.S. degree at SMU prepared me incredibly well for completing medical school at a prestigious institution. The degree not only provided me with a solid foundational knowledge base critical to the fast pace of medical school, but also the degree had strengthened my ability to synthesize many complex research articles and relate these findings to the real world (also known as evidence-based medicine).” 

Shriya Siddhartha ’26

“Pursuing a biochemistry major at SMU was the perfect choice for a research-oriented individual passionate about health, like myself.”

Faculty

The biochemistry faculty at SMU is an interdisciplinary team of professors and lecturers from the departments of Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics and Physics, focusing on hands-on undergraduate research, personalized instruction and active mentorship.

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pia vogel portrait

Pia Vogel

Professor
Jon Hibshman photo

Jon Hibshman

Assistant Professor
Annika Wylie Photo

Annika Wylie

Assistant Professor
Professional photo of Edward Glasscock wearing a sportcoat

Edward Glasscock, Ph.D.

Professor, Prothro Distinguished Chair & Director of Graduate Studies

Portrait of professor Bianca Batista

Bianca Batista, Ph.D.

Lecturer
Alejandro Dbrot portrait

Alejandro D’Brot

Lecturer
Bethany Smith photo

Bethany Smith

Lecturer

Facilities

Dedman College’s 16 academic departments can be found across 10 different buildings at SMU. Biochemistry majors will find their instructional classrooms, faculty offices and labs concentrated in the northwest corner of the SMU campus in the Dedman Life Sciences Building, the Fondren Science Building and Dallas Hall.

Chemistry bachelor’s degree students often use the labs within SMU’s Dedman Life Sciences Building.

Dedman Life Sciences Building

Dedman Life Sciences Building is located in the Science Quad. It houses classrooms, research and teaching labs, computer labs and faculty offices for the Department of Biological Sciences as well as the offices of the University’s pre-health program.

Students pursuing bachelor’s degree in chemistry are often attending labs and classes in Fondren Science Building.

Fondren Science Building

Part of Dedman College’s Science Quad, this building is home to both the Physics and Chemistry departments as well as teaching laboratories for the departments of Biological Sciences and Earth Sciences.

The historic Dallas Hall on the SMU campus is the home of Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences.

Dallas Hall

For 100 years, SMU’s elegant first building has served as a symbol of the University. Today, in addition to the Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute and the administrative offices of the dean of Dedman College, it houses the English Department, the William P. Clements Department of History and the William P. Clements Center for Southwest Studies.

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Frequently asked questions

Biochemistry acts as a bridge between biology and chemistry, focusing on molecular-level life processes. It is an interdisciplinary subject that requires combined coursework in both sciences – as well as mathematics and physics – and prepares students for professional schools like medicine, or industries like biotechnology or pharmaceuticals.

In short, biochemistry focuses on the chemical mechanisms of life. Biology focuses on the overall function and behavior of living organisms. And chemistry focuses on the properties of all matter, both living and nonliving.

A bachelor’s degree in biochemistry can prepare you for entry-level roles in research labs, clinical settings and the biotech industry. It also serves as a strong starting point for master’s or professional programs in fields such as medicine, pharmaceutical or biomedical research.

Here are some potential career paths for biochemistry majors, most of which are projected to see faster than average job growth over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov).

  • Veterinarian
  • Forensic science technician
  • Medical scientist
  • Chemical engineer
  • Biochemist
  • Agricultural and food scientist
  • Microbiologist
  • Chemical technician
  • Clinical laboratory technologist
  • Pharmacist

Yes! Biochemistry is highly relevant for pre-med or pre-health majors. It combines key aspects of biology and chemistry, plus courses in mathematics and physics, offering rigorous training that prepares students for the MCAT and medical school curriculum. The curriculum includes core medical prerequisites, and it is valuable for demonstrating academic rigor to admissions committees.

A B.S. in biochemistry from SMU prepares students for medical school or Ph.D. studies through a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum. Students are able to select an American Chemical Society (ACS)-certified track for professional training in biochemistry or a more traditional curriculum, depending on whether their focus is on research or immediate professional school entry. The program also includes specialized, upper-division courses and research opportunities designed to prepare students for the demands of Ph.D. research and provides a strong foundation for MCAT success.

SMU offers extensive undergraduate research opportunities for biochemistry majors, starting as early as their first year. Students can engage in faculty-led research, earn credit, apply for funding and participate in programs like the BRITE (Biomedical Researchers In Training Experience) Scholars Program for students planning research careers in the biomedical sciences. Other research opportunities exist within the Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Drug Discovery, Design and Delivery (CD4).

Biochemistry majors typically apply to doctoral or master’s programs in fields like molecular biology, pharmacology or bioinformatics to specialize in research – or to professional health schools to enter clinical practice as a medical doctor, pharmacist, dentist or veterinarian.

Biochemistry students at SMU can access internships focusing on research, healthcare and industrial applications in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Key opportunities include paid research fellowships at UT Southwestern Medical Center, and summer research positions in on-campus labs focusing on neuroscience, cancer, drug resistance, gene regulation, inflammation and immunity, structural biology, stress biology, and more. Other internship opportunities are offered through the Hegi Family Career Development Center (CDC).

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