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Chemistry (BS) - Biochemistry

About

Chemistry is the study of matter, so understanding chemistry means understanding the world around you. It can also be the foundation for careers in medicine, pharmaceuticals and other health-related fields.

Appalachian now offers a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry with a concentration is biochemistry. This is the Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences' most popular concentration, and it is designed for students who wish to use a chemistry background as preparation for graduate or professional schools such as medical, pharmacy, physician assistant or dental school. Laboratory research opportunities are available with a faculty mentor to further enhance students’ readiness.

Like other degrees in Appalachian’s Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences, this one combines an innovative and intellectually challenging curriculum with scholarship and service/engagement opportunities that employ state-of-the-art technologies. Chemistry majors graduate with strong problem-solving skills that are transferrable to a number of professions.

After Graduation

Employment: In general, many chemistry majors go directly into jobs in industry or government, with employers including GlaxoSmithKline, Exela, the Environmental Protection Agency, National Institute of Health, and the FBI.

Graduate School: Many graduates of this degree go to medical school, pharmacy school, PhD or other professional post-baccalaureate degree program. Recent destinations include Duke University, University of Virginia, University of Colorado, University of California Irvine, Virginia Tech, N.C. State, University of Michigan, University of Charleston, UNC-Chapel Hill and Wake Forest University.

Career Exploration website

People

  • Alumnus Profile: J. Tyler Ramsey ’16
    Alumnus Profile: J. Tyler Ramsey ’16

    After graduation, Ramsey became a postbaccalaureate IRTA fellow at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. He was lead researcher for an NIEHS study indicating potential harms of essential oils, which gained worldwide news media attention in early 2018.

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Jennifer Perry Cecile

    Having completed post-doctoral research at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Dr. Cecile researches a family of proteins known as organic anion transporters (OATs). Her work involves techniques from biochemistry, biophysical chemistry and biology.

    Meet more faculty

  • Student Profile: Jordan Moore
    Student Profile: Jordan Moore

    Jordan Moore of Indian Trail aspires to go to medical school and then take her talents abroad — becoming an anesthesiologist who works in rural villages of developing nations.

  • Alumna Profile: Andrea Cudd Alemanni ’89
    Alumna Profile: Andrea Cudd Alemanni ’89

    Alemanni is the owner of Patient Navigation Team, LLC and recently authored a children’s book, “Ava Antibody Explains Your Body and Vaccines.”

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide

    – click on the pdf for your major

  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Chemistry (BA)
  • Chemistry (BS) - Certified Chemist
  • Chemistry (BS) - Environmental
  • Chemistry (BS) - Fermentation Sciences
  • Chemistry (BS) - Forensic Science
  • Chemistry (BS) - Individually Designed
  • Chemistry (BS) - Marketing and Business
  • Chemistry (BS) - Secondary Education

Minors

Students in this concentration get a minor in biology or double major in chemistry and biology.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

Forensic Science Club – for students interested in forensic science, computer forensics, toxicology or a career in law enforcement.

Appalachian Chemical Society – the campus chapter of the American Chemical Society.

Health Professions Club - a resource for any students interested in health professions.  The club hosts three large group meetings each semester and has 10 career-specific special interest groups that meet five times each semester to provide opportunities for students interested in a specific profession.

Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) - a campus chapter of the national pre-health professional honor society.

Delta Delta Sigma - a student organization that sponsors guest speakers, community involvement and field trips for students interested in pursuing a future in dentistry.

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.

Depending on their research topic, students may want to connect with scholars in other countries. Chemistry majors are allowed to conduct research with faculty at any of Appalachian’s international partners.

Admission Requirements

There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.

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Why Appalachian?

  • Chemistry majors from Appalachian typically graduate with multiple job offers and can work in any area of the profession, regardless of their concentration.
  • State-of-the-art technology gives students job-ready skills, while also providing services to research and industry partners.
  • Professors focus exclusively on undergraduates, and about half of all chemistry majors conduct research directly with a faculty member and present at national conferences.
  • Employers comment that Appalachian chemistry majors need minimal on-the-job training.
  • Weekly seminar discussions bring national leaders to campus, enhancing learning and career opportunities for upper-level students.

Location

Boone campus only

Careers

The American Chemical Society details career options in industry, academia, government, non-profit and entrepreneurship.

Learn more >>

Career options with this biochemistry concentration can include the following, with some requiring more than a bachelor’s degree:

  • Analytical Chemist
  • Biochemist
  • Brewer Lab Assistant
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Clinical Chemist
  • Development Chemist
  • Food and Drug Inspector
  • Food Scientist Technician
  • Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
  • Pharmaceutical Scientist
  • Pharmacologist
  • Sanitation Inspector

View more career possibilities

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Contacts

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences

Dr. Petia Bobadova
Chair
bobadovap@appstate.edu
828-262-8478

  • A.R. Smith Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences

    The A.R. Smith Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry, a Bachelor of Science in chemistry with eight different concentrations and an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree in fermentation sciences. The department’s programs prepare students to attend graduate and professional schools, as well as for employment in the pharmaceutical and fermentation industries and other business sectors.

  • College of Arts and Sciences

    Appalachian’s Largest College

    The College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college spanning the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. The college is dedicated to providing instruction and research essential to the university's mission and seeks to cultivate the habits of inquiry, learning and service among all its constituents.

    By the Numbers

    • 1/3 of the degrees awarded at Appalachian
    • More than 70% of general education courses are taught in the college
    • 93 majors offered
    • 53 minors offered
    • 6,411 undergraduate majors
    • More than 460 full-time faculty members
    • 41,203 living alumni
    • $8,754,800 awarded to the college in external grants during the 2020–21 academic year
    • $236,914 awarded to students through 6 collegewide scholarships and 98 departmental scholarships for the 2020–21 academic year

    Graduate Programs

    Accelerated Master’s program opportunities are available in pursuing a master's degree in 12 selected areas: Appalachian Studies, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering Physics, English, Geography and Planning, History, Mathematics, Romance Languages (French/Spanish), Political Science, Psychology (Experimental Science) and Public Administration. Other master’s degrees, graduate certificates and specialist degrees are listed on Appalachian’s School of Graduate Studies website.

    Top Employment Sectors

    • Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools
    • Federal, State and Local Government
    • Justice, Public Order and Safety Activities
    • Computer Systems Design and Related Services
    • Legal Services
    • Health Care
    • Biotech/Engineering
    • Elementary and Secondary Schools
    • Nonprofit Organizations

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