Major

Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the application of chemistry to the study of biological processes at the cellular and molecular level.

Resources

New TabCourse Requirements

PDFMajor Checklist

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About the Biochemistry Major

As a Southern Virginia biochemistry major, one-on-one interactions and small classroom sizes allow your professors and academic advisors to go beyond the classroom and guide your academic experience to better prepare you for further studies and research. This includes the opportunity to join the student-led Pre-health Professionals Association (PHPA) on campus and participate in RAM Clinic trips.

Even more, this tailored education enables professors to provide personalized advising and letters of recommendation for medical school, graduate school, or wherever else biochemistry takes you.

As a Southern Virginia biochemistry major you will receive:

  • Invaluable hands-on experiences
  • Work opportunities with various healthcare professions
  • Networking with medical or dental school representatives
  • Personalized preparation for the American Chemical Society (ACS) biochemistry exam

Learning Outcomes

What you’ll learn in the Biochemistry major:


  1. Understand and apply major principles of biochemistry.
  2. Understand, evaluate, and communicate scientific experiments.
  3. Demonstrate laboratory skills.

Career Opportunities

There is a wide array of potential careers with an biochemistry degree depending on your personal and professional goals.

  • Biochemical engineer
  • Chemical engineer
  • Food researcher and developer
  • Laboratory scientist
  • Microbiologist
  • Pharmaceutical researcher
  • Pharmacologist
  • Physician
  • Veterinarian

Get Started in the Biochemistry Major

Follow these simple steps below to get a head start in the Biochemistry Major today.

Enroll

Begin by taking General Biology (BIO 201/202) and General Chemistry (CHE 201/202) in your first or second year

Contact Your Advisor

Get in touch with New tab, Opens Bio of: Professor Roger Johnson to discuss your interests and goals

Declare

Turn in a completed PDFDeclare Major Form to the Registrar’s Office


Questions? Contact the Registrar at emailregistrar@svu.edu.

Biochemistry Faculty

Professor Roger Johnson

Roger Johnson

Associate Professor of Biochemistry; Biochemistry Program Coordinator

Barbara Van Kuiken

Professor of Chemistry

“A degree in biochemistry provides a strong foundation for a career in the health sciences and graduate school. Through coursework that delves into cellular biology, genetics, and metabolism, undergraduate students gain a deep understanding of the intricate mechanisms governing life.

Practical laboratory experience equips them with essential research skills, fostering a scientific mindset crucial for advancements in health-related fields. With this well-rounded education, graduates are well-prepared for diverse roles in healthcare and medical research.”

—Roger Johnson, Associate Professor of Biochemistry
Jonathan Dye
Alumni Success

Jonathan Dye (’22)

Laboratory Technician at Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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Graduates walking
Alumni Success

Lauren Morrison (’19)

Physician Assistant Graduate Student at the Mayo Clinic, the #1 hospital in the world

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Graduate Eric Pinkston
In the News

Preparing For Medical School: A Q&A With Eric Pinkston

Eric Pinkston (‘20) details what led to his decision to become a doctor, how he was prepared for medical school while a student at Southern Virginia University, and offers advice and suggestions to students interested in pursuing a field in medicine.

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Graduate Adam Leone
In the News

Adam Leone (’20): First Student to Receive Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship, “The Professors [Here] are Incredible”

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi—the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines—awarded Adam Leone (’20) with an $8,500 Fellowship to pursue a doctorate of medicine at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

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Doctors standing over patient
In the News

Southern Virginia Hosts Fifth Remote Area Medical Clinic

Southern Virginia University hosted a clinic run by the Remote Area Medical (RAM) of Virginia on its campus last month, where people from the surrounding area received free dental, vision and general medical care. It was the University’s fifth time hosting the clinic.

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