Biochemistry is a laboratory-based science that combines biology and chemistry. It focuses on the chemical processes that are at the heart of living systems. Biochemists study the structure and function of molecules in living systems with the goal of understanding how they function and how those functions are regulated at a molecular level. Biochemistry overlaps with the sciences of molecular biology, immunochemistry, and neurochemistry, as well as bioinorganic, bioorganic, and biophysical chemistry. It has numerous applications in areas such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, food science, agriculture, pharmacology (the study of how drugs work), toxicology, clinical chemistry, and forensics. At Saint Vincent College, biochemistry is studied through the lens of Benedictine values, emphasizing ethical responsibility and a commitment to using science to serve the common good. Students are encouraged to approach scientific inquiry with integrity, compassion, and a sense of purpose.
All students work directly with a faculty mentor over three semesters to design, conduct, report and defend an original research project. The results of these projects are presented each year at the College’s Academic Conference. Some students present their senior research work at professional conferences such as the American Chemical Society meeting or Pittcon.
You’ll work side-by-side with faculty in advanced lab spaces that reflect real-world research and industry environments. As you gain hands-on experience, you’ll learn techniques like protein purification, enzyme kinetics, gel electrophoresis, and spectroscopy, while sharpening your ability to analyze data, communicate results, and collaborate with others. You’ll also have access to state-of-the-art equipment—tools typically reserved for graduate-level work—giving you the confidence and technical expertise to thrive in any chemistry career path.
You can join the Saint Vincent College Chemistry Club, a student affiliate chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS), which has received awards of commendation from ACS for its service to the community, educational outreach and social events for the past 11 years. Our Chemistrees competition is a big hit during the holidays.
You will have opportunities to secure internships in chemistry labs, research universities, and other corporations. Our graduates routinely earn admission to PhD programs, MS programs, or are hired into an industry position directly upon graduation. SVC chemistry graduates have gone on to Stanford University, University of Notre Dame, Penn State, University of Pittsburgh, and University of Florida. Companies that have employed our chemistry students include PPG, Kennametal, Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, and Mylan Pharmaceuticals.
Biochemistry at Saint Vincent College prepares students for a wide range of career paths and advanced study. Whether you're interested in medicine, pharmaceuticals, research, or public service, our program equips you with the scientific knowledge and lab experience to succeed. Graduates pursue roles in healthcare, industry, government, and education—or continue their studies in medical, dental, or graduate school.
Alumni will go on to successful careers in fields such as:
Our students have enrolled in prestigious graduate and medical schools such as:
Graduate schools
Medical Schools
"Studying biochemistry at Saint Vincent College provided the tremendous opportunity to develop my scientific knowledge while surrounded by talented classmates who became great friends. The small class sizes, knowledgeable professors, and state-of-the-art laboratories inspired my love of research while fostering a strong scientific foundation. The success I have experienced in my career thus far – from earning my doctorate in medicinal chemistry to my roles across the pharmaceutical industry – all started with my decision to become a Bearcat."
Robert "Bo" Tokarski, C’15
Senior Analytical Chemist, Research and Development
The biochemistry major is part of The Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Computing and supported by our core curriculum, where students delve into diverse academic subjects at both foundational and advanced levels to explore how different disciplines connect, fostering deeper self-understanding and proficiency in their chosen field of study.
The biochemistry major requirements strongly emphasize laboratory experiences that draw from the important areas of chemistry such as biochemistry, analytical, organic, and physical chemistry. Biochemistry majors also take courses in cellular and molecular biology to complement their chemistry background. Courses in the biochemistry major build toward the senior research project, which serves as the “capstone experience” for students. In the three-semester Senior Research Program, students are fully engaged in all facets of developing and completing a research project.
Biochemistry Major Requirements:
Plus, four credits from the one of the following lecture/lab combinations:
Plus, 5 electives credits
Proteins and Metabolism: In this course, you’ll discover how proteins work and why they matter—like how hemoglobin carries oxygen or how enzymes speed up reactions in your body. You’ll explore key metabolic pathways, including how your body breaks down sugars and fats for energy. Along the way, you’ll learn how these processes are regulated and why they’re essential to everything from health to biotech.
Nucleic Acids and Membranes: In this course, you’ll explore how cells communicate and how genetic information is stored, copied, and used. You’ll dig into topics like how molecules move across membranes, how signals get passed between cells, and how DNA and RNA work behind the scenes to build proteins. You’ll have a better understanding of the molecular details that keep living systems running.
Proteins and Metabolism Lab: In this laboratory course, you’ll work on multi-week projects that let you explore how proteins behave, how to purify them using techniques like chromatography and electrophoresis, and how enzymes function and respond to inhibitors. Students will build real lab skills while learning how biochemists study the molecules that power life.
Students who are accepted as biochemistry majors at Saint Vincent College are eligible to apply for the STEP Scholarship Program. The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Talent Expansion Program (STEP) awards five 4-year $5,000 scholarships to incoming freshmen majoring in biochemistry, data science, or minoring in biotechnology.
Saint Vincent College Chemistry Department is approved by the American Chemical Society’s Committee on Professional Training.
