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Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary field that encompasses biological and chemical sciences. We investigate the many fascinating processes within living systems at a molecular level. As a biochemistry student, you will explore questions such as

  • What chemical reactions occur within cells, their functions, and how are they regulated?
  • What is the chemical mechanism of inheritance, growth, cell division, and differentiation?
  • How does the body convert energy and nutrients to new cells or create movement?
  • What chemical and physical properties of naturally occurring molecules enable them to carry out such highly specific functions?

As part of the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology community, you will also take courses and study with MCB majors and have the benefit of curricular enhancements available to all MCB undergraduates. These include research in available laboratories schoolwide, study abroad, and advanced teaching facilities.

A bachelor's degree in biochemistry will prepare you for graduate studies in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, or medical school and other professional programs such as dental, pharmacy, or veterinary school. Our graduates have become leaders in medicine, pharmacology, agriculture, nutrition, microbiology, cell biology, food technology, pollution control, and biotechnology.

Admission

Incoming, prospective Biochemistry students should apply for admission to the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (LAS) and choose Biochemistry as their intended major.

Transferring from another major

Any University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign student wishing to change their major to Biochemistry must meet with the Biochemistry advisor for a full 30-minute appointment or attend a SMCB Information Meeting before completing a LAS Curriculum Change Form during the posted LAS application period. To be approved for transfer, prospective Biochemistry majors should take MCB 150, CHEM 102 (or CHEM 202), and MATH 220 (or another required MATH course), earning a C or better and maintain a Biochemistry major GPA of 2.50 or higher.

College of LAS guidelines and forms for declaring or changing a curriculum or major

Transferring from outside U. of I.

If you are transferring from a two-year or four-year college program, carefully review and consider the requirements for the degree and how best to prepare for our program.

In contemplating transfer, you should be aware of the following:

  1. A good background in qualitative and quantitative analysis is very important. Be prepared to take organic chemistry (CHEM 236 and 237 or CHEM 232 and CHEM 233) if you have not taken an equivalent course.
  2. A strong background in Calculus (I, II, and III) is required to understand the necessary concepts of physics and physical chemistry.
  3. Review the typical four-year plan to determine how much time you’ll need to complete the degree requirements.

More information on transferring to the U. of I. is available from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate research is strongly recommended for biochemistry students. Your experience working with a faculty mentor, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers will enhance your understanding of biochemical principles covered in our courses and prepare you for graduate work or a career.

You can receive course credit for research by enrolling in BIOC 290 and/or BIOC 492. Before enrolling, you must gain approval from a faculty member who will supervise your research.

BIOC 290: Biochemistry Undergraduate Research 

BIOC 290 provides a great opportunity to get a head start on your senior thesis research. Although not mandatory for biochemistry students, research is highly recommended and can lead to presentations, publications, and graduation with distinction.

Approval process

  1. Use the MCB faculty directory and MCB Undergraduate Research Workshop slides as resources to find undergraduate research opportunities. After reading the information describing faculty research, select four or five potential laboratories and email faculty members to express your interest in their labs. Do not send a blanket e-mail to the entire faculty.
  2. With the help of your chosen faculty advisor, complete the BIOC 290 Request/Renewal Form. This form includes learning outcomes, specific activities, and work expectations. The means of evaluation and credit to be awarded (1–5 hours per semester) are also specified in this document.
  3. Submitted forms will be sent for approval by the faculty advisor and the Department of Biochemistry. Upon approval, the Department of Biochemistry will email students with the appropriate CRN and instructions to register for BIOC 290.
  4. Students must submit a new BIOC 290 Request/Renewal Form each semester they participate in research.

 

BIOC 492: Senior Thesis Research

BIOC 492 provides the opportunity to perform independent research in a laboratory during your senior year. Participation in the program is contingent upon completion of the biochemistry core courses MCB 354 and BIOC 455. Grade distribution is dependent on submission of a senior thesis in the final semester of your senior year. Two semesters of BIOC 492 are required.

Approval Process

  1. Work with your faculty advisor to write a brief (1-2 paragraph) description of your proposed thesis research. In consultation with your research advisor, determine how you want to distribute your hours over the two required semesters. A minimum of 4 hours of BIOC 492, and a minimum of 6 hours total between BIOC 290 and 492, is needed to be considered for departmental distinction. Up to 7 hours of BIOC 492 can count toward your Advanced Technical Elective requirement in the biochemistry major. There is a limit of 6 hours of BIOC 492 per semester and a maximum of 10 hours of BIOC 492 can be taken over the two semesters.
  2. Submit a BIOC 492 Request/Renewal Form. Once approved by your faculty advisor and the Department of Biochemistry, you will be emailed  the appropriate CRN and instructions to register for BIOC 492. A new BIOC 492 Request/Renewal Form will need to be submitted each semester.
  3. Thesis preparation: Follow the BIOC 492 Senior Thesis Guidelines to help prepare your thesis. Please submit your finished thesis to your faculty supervisor and to the Biochemistry Undergraduate Program (send to hantak@illinois.edu) by 5pm on May 6, 2026. Note, to be considered for departmental distinction, please submit your finished thesis and a letter of support from your faculty advisor to the Biochemistry Undergraduate Program (hantak@illinois.edu) by 5pm on March 13, 2026.
  4. Grade: You must submit a thesis approved by your faculty supervisor in order to receive a grade and credit hours for the course. A deferred grade ("DFR") will be given for all semester grades in BIOC 492 until the thesis is presented. That is, when you take BIOC 492 in both the fall and spring semesters, the grade given at the end of the fall semester will be "DFR", not a letter grade. This "DFR" grade will be changed to a letter grade after your thesis has been deposited.
  5. Departmental distinction: Biochemistry majors who satisfactorily complete BIOC 492 may be eligible for departmental distinction. More information can be found in the BIOC 492 Senior Thesis Guidelines and below.

Graduation with Distinction, Awards for Research

For third-year students

William T. and Lynn Jackson Scholar Award in Biochemistry

This monetary award provides, in part, a summer stipend for a Biochemistry major who will begin working on a BIOC 492 research project in a Biochemistry faculty laboratory during the summer before their senior year. Nominations require a recommendation letter from the research advisor describing the 492 project and the student's qualifications, a BIOC 492 Student Information Form, the student's resume and statement, and a copy of their unofficial transcript. Nomination deadline is mid-February.

For fourth-year students

Graduation with Distinction

Biochemistry majors who satisfactorily complete BIOC 492 may be eligible for departmental honors. Registration in BIOC 492 is required; substitution of MCB 492 or CHEM 499 is not permitted. Students must submit a BIOC 492 thesis and be nominated by their thesis advisor.

To qualify for graduation with distinction, you must be a Biochemistry major who (1) has completed a minimum of 6 hours of BIOC 290 and/or BIOC 492 (4 hours must be BIOC 492) (2) completes a senior thesis, and (3) is recommended for distinction by your thesis advisor. To be eligible, you must have an overall grade-point average of at least 3.25 and must be registered in BIOC 492. Recommendations for distinction are based on the quality of the thesis work and academic GPA. It is important that the thesis advisor comment on whether the results presented in the thesis are the sole work of the student or are a result of collaborative efforts. This should also be made clear in the thesis.

The decision on which level of distinction (Highest, High or Distinction) lies solely with the Awards Committee. To be considered for distinction, student thesis and letter of support from the thesis advisor must be submitted via email to the Biochemistry Undergraduate Program (hantak@illinois.edu) by October 31, 2025, at 5pm.

Thesis awards

Thesis awards are available to BIOC 492 students who graduate in May. The winners and their achievements are recognized at the School of MCB Awards Ceremony, typically held on Reading Day each May. Students must be nominated by their BIOC 492 thesis advisor. Nomination deadline is October 31, 2025.

William T. and Lynn Jackson Senior Thesis Award

This award is given to the senior student who presents the best Biochemistry thesis. The award, which includes a cash prize, is sponsored by Dr. William Jackson, a chemistry graduate of the University of Illinois.
stethoscope

A bright future

Biochemistry students are well-prepared for medical, dental, and other professional schools and graduate programs. Our alumni become physicians, develop novel medicines at biotechnology companies, conduct research at national laboratories, teach at universities, and pursue careers in a variety of fields.

The School of MCB's professional mentorship program matches students with professionals working in medicine, biotechnology, and more.

Academic advisors organize a variety of activities, such as workshops for pre-med students and alumni talks that are relevant to biochemistry majors.

Contact us

School of MCB Advising

200 Burrill Hall (enter through room 101 Burrill Hall)
407 S. Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801
biocug@mcb.illinois.edu; 217-333-6774

This office provides valuable services to undergraduate students. We email advising information to you and distribute printed information and other handouts about the program, department, and university. If you are a prospective student in Biochemistry, we can meet with you and your parents. We are happy to also make referrals and answer questions. Other resources we provide include course information, references for graduate institutions, career planning, and summer research opportunities.

If you are a first-year student, we highly recommend you meet with your advisor during registration periods and at other times when advice is needed. If you are a second-year, third-year, or fourth-year student, you may plan your schedule without consulting a biochemistry advisor, but self-advising is not recommended. Advisors are always available by appointment and advising information is emailed to all biochemistry students prior to each registration period.

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