Biochemistry
The Nebraska Difference
Prepare for tomorrow’s challenges through an innovative education
Engage in research experiences inside and outside the classroom
1-to-1 mentoring, professional development and training
Two Pathways For Biochemistry
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Pathway prepares students for tomorrow’s greatest challenges around food, energy, water and societal systems. Resources are specifically dedicated to helping students reach their career goals with a guaranteed job offer program and personal and professional development through the Student Success and Career Hubs in the college.
College of Arts and Sciences
Pathway provides flexible degree structure for students to become academically well-rounded by combining in-depth scientific study with courses in the humanities and social and behavioral sciences. Career coaching ensures students have opportunities for high quality advanced degrees or related employment right after graduation.
Program Features
National Accreditation
Nebraska is one of the few Big Ten universities accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Learn from passionate faculty and staff with valuable real-world experiences.
Select Your Path
Study one of three unique tracks, biochemical analysis, cellular biochemistry or computational biochemistry, tailored to suit your academic and career interests. Combine courses, majors and minors in unique ways that fuel your curiosity, interests and goals.
Conduct Your Own Research
Work with award-winning faculty making discoveries and inventing new technologies. Become the next co-inventor of a patent or contribute to a scientific publication.
Notable Courses
Scientific Analysis and Technical Writing (BIOC 205)
Data analysis and presentation, hypothesis-driven research execution and diverse types of scientific writing with detailed examination of high impact biochemistry research literature.
Structure and Metabolism (BIOC 431)
The structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids. Nature of enzymes, major metabolic pathways of catabolism and biochemical energy production.
Plant Biochemistry (BIOC 434)
Biochemical metabolism unique to plants. Relationship of topics previously acquired in general biochemistry to biochemical processes unique to plants. Biochemical mechanisms behind physiological processes discussed in plant or crop physiology.
Research Techniques in Biochemistry (BIOC 437)
Molecular identification and quantification. Employing techniques such as mass spectrometry, chromatography, electrophoretic fractionation, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics.
Computational Biology (BIOC 442)
Databases, high-throughput biology, literature mining, gene expression, next-generation sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics, system biology and biological networks.
Explore the 4-Year Plans
Huskers Do Big Things
Internships
- Research assistant, Bayer Crop Science
- Student researcher, Nebraska Center for Virology
- Laboratory technician, Neogen Corporation
- Biology intern, Los Alamos National Laboratory
- R&D summer intern, Estee Lauder Companies
- Project manager assistant/engineering assistant, LI-COR Biosciences
Careers
- Technical support specialist, Roche
- Associate scientist, Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories
- Chemical engineer, Black & Veatch
- Neuromonitoring technologist, Biotronic Neuronetwork
Graduate Schools
- Master’s degree, Conservation of Archeological and Museum Objects, Durham University
- Master’s degree, Genetic Counseling, Northwestern University
- Ph. D., Neuroscience, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
- Ph.D. in Plant Biology, University of Georgia
- Medical school, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Outside the Classroom
Depending on your major, interests and goals, you can choose to do research, work as an intern, study abroad, become a leader or serve your community. The university’s experiential learning requirement ensures you have at least one of these transformative learning experiences.
Work alongside a faculty member as a research assistant or design your own research project through the Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experience (UCARE) program.
Explore a wide variety of local, national and international internships. Connect with our career coaches to identify opportunities and document the skills and experience you gain on the job.
Connect with our Global Experiences Office to find an affiliate program for a few weeks, a semester or a full academic year in almost any location you can imagine.
Get involved in one of the 540+ student organizations available at Nebraska. Meet students who share your interests, become a leader or serve the community.
Featured Faculty
James Checco, Assistant Professor
Dr. Checco is an affiliate professor in biochemistry and leads a research group dedicated to using the power of chemistry to solve questions in biology that benefit human health.
Academics & Experiential Learning
- Biochemistry majors regularly engage in research or internships and many study abroad or get involved in leadership roles on campus and beyond.
Career Preparedness
- BIOC 101: Foundational Concepts and Career Opportunities in Biochemistry. Get an introduction to the major, learn about careers and connect with peers and faculty.
- CASC 200: Career Development in Arts and Sciences. Explore your interests, abilities and values while identifying career options and preparing to apply for internships, jobs or graduate/professional school.
- Résumé Labs: Join peer coaches around East Campus at a time that works for you. Bring your computer, ask questions, get feedback, make edits as you go and walk out with improved documents.
Community
- Biochemistry students join and hold leadership positions in organizations like the Biochemistry club, the American Medical Student Association and MedLife.
- Work alongside biochemistry faculty in the Redox Biology Center or the Center for Plant Science Innovation.
Have Questions? We're Here to Help
If you have questions about the Biochemistry major or navigating the application process, contact us.
- Contact Name
- Nicholas Gordon
- Contact Title
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Phone
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- Contact Name
- Sue Ellen Pegg
- Contact Title
- College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
- Phone
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