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's 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, 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.
People
Courses
A 36-hour chemistry core, 10 hours of physics, 8 hours of mathematics, plus a 28-hour Biochemistry Concentration consisting of courses in genetics, cell biology, biological concepts and molecular biology and electives chosen from courses in human systems physiology, microbiology, immunology, human anatomy and physiology, and medical physics.
Related Programs
Minors
Students in this concentration get a minor in biology or double major in chemistry and biology.
Engagement Outside the Classroom
Forensic 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.
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.
Number of Students
Nearly 40% of current chemistry majors pursue the Biochemistry concentration
Method of Delivery
On campus only
Careers
The American Chemical Society details career options in industry, academia, government, non-profit and entrepreneurship.
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
Contacts
Dr. Claudia Cartaya-Marin
Chair
cartayacp@appstate.edu
828-262-2763