Biochemistry

The Biochemistry program prepares students for careers requiring a strong background in basic principles of the physical and life sciences. The curriculum provides you with an interdisciplinary background in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and molecular biology. Not only will this program prepare you for professional schools like human and veterinary medicine, but it also provides a strong background for graduate study in fields such as animal and plant agriculture, biotechnology, chemistry nutrition and physiology.

Program Admission and Curriculum

Students who meet University admission requirements may be accepted directly into the Davis College as Biochemistry majors. To earn a bachelor’s degree, all students must complete 128 credit hours including the General Education Curriculum required by the University.

Biochemistry majors have the option of pursuing a bachelor of science degree through the College’s Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences or a bachelor of arts in molecular biology or chemistry through an interdepartmental program in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.

Examples of core courses within the major are agricultural biochemistry, molecular biology, organic chemistry and genetics. Complete course listings and descriptions can be found in the current WVU Undergraduate Catalog.

Students majoring in Biochemistry who wish to graduate with honors must complete a senior thesis and maintain a 3.5 GPA. This allows students to acquire hands-on research experience under the direction of faculty working in laboratories within the Davis College and College of Arts and Sciences.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for professional employment in the expanding fields of agricultural and environmental sciences, the chemical industry, the healthcare industry, and in biotechnology. Some students enter into graduate programs in fields such as agriculture, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, nutrition and physiology; or apply for acceptance to professional degree programs in dentistry, human or veterinary medicine, optometry and pharmacy.