Biochemistry
Bachelor’s Degree
Create your future at Mines
In the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry program at Colorado School of Mines, students gain an understanding of how biological molecules give rise to the processes that occur within and between living cells, which in turn relates greatly to understanding the structures and functions of tissues, organs, organisms and microorganisms.
Graduates from our Biochemistry undergraduate degree program apply their knowledge of this fusion of chemistry and biology to technological problems in areas as diverse as environmental processes, the development of new biomaterials and new forms of renewable energy. They are prepared to work in academia, for startups and research and for development laboratories associated with practically every advanced technological field, including medicine, energy, biotechnology, computing and agriculture.
Learn more about this exciting program at our Department of Chemistry website.
Experiential major menus
Uniquely tailored to your undergraduate major of choice, these menus offer a wide array of extra-curricular activities that complement and enrich the traditional classroom experience.
Explore the extra-curricular activities that complement your degree.
Biochemistry at a glance
Three new professors
Uniquely focused on analytics, gene editing and microbiology
Hands-on undergraduate research opportunities
$82,340 average salary for bioscience professionals in Metro Denver
Program Objectives
A degree in biochemistry examines these topics to promote a fundamental understanding of the fusion of chemistry and biology and an application toward technological problems. Professional biochemists apply their knowledge in many different areas ranging from environmental processes to the development of new biomaterials and novel renewable energy. They work in academic environments, high-tech start-ups, and research and development laboratories associated with practically every advanced technological field including medicine, energy, biotechnology, computing and agriculture.
Chemistry Minor and ASI Programs
No specific course sequences are suggested for students wishing to include chemistry minors or areas of special interest in their programs. Rather, those students should consult with the Chemistry department head (or designated faculty member) to design appropriate sequences. For the purpose of completing a minor in Chemistry, the Organic Chemistry sequence is exempt from the 100-200 level limit.
Suggested careers for biochemistry majors:
- Analytical chemist
- Biotechnologist
- Healthcare scientist
- Forensic scientist
- Pharmacologist
- Nanotechnologist
- Toxicologist
- Research scientist
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Erik Menke
Dr. Erik Menke received his B.S. degree in Chemistry from Colorado State University in 2000 and then moved west to join UC Irvine’s second incoming class in the new Chemistry and Materials Physics (CHaMP) program. He earned his Ph.D. in 2006 from UC Irvine and then moved to UCLA as a postdoctoral researcher in the Materials Science and Engineering department.
Dr. Menke’s research interests include studying aluminum ion behavior in organic solvents, developing electrolytes for rechargeable aluminum batteries and developing culturally-relevant teaching practices for science courses.
Making Mines more affordable
Mines’ financial assistance program awards more than $60 million per year, and over 82 percent of the student body receives some form of financial aid.
Why study biochemistry at Mines?
The Bachelor of Science in biochemistry is designed to prepare students for careers in the growing biotechnology industry (including medical devices and pharmaceuticals) or who desire to continue education in medical-based professional schools or to graduate school in bio-related disciplines (biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology). The Mines biochemistry degree is uniquely focused on analytics, gene editing and microbiology.
And with a world-class research facilities, a renowned faculty and a student experience unlike any other, there are many reasons to consider Colorado School of Mines for your Biochemistry degree.
Why do so many students choose Mines?
- Hands-on research opportunities for undergraduates
- Learn from professors with both academic and industry experience
- Dynamic curriculum giving you the flexibility to achieve your goals
- Gain the skills to enter a variety of dynamic professional fields
- Join a unique family at Mines with traditions such as the M Climb and Engineering Days
Career Outcomes
Professional biochemists apply their knowledge in many different areas ranging from environmental processes to the development of new biomaterials and novel renewable energy. They work in academic environments, high-tech start-ups, and research and development laboratories associated with practically every advanced technological field including medicine, energy, biotechnology, computing and agriculture.
Potential careers for biochemistry graduates include:
- Analytical chemist
- Biomedical chemist
- Clinical research associate
- Forensic scientist
- Healthcare scientist
- Research scientist
- Scientific laboratory technician
- Toxicologist