Careers and Opportunities
Develop your Skills and Interests
Careers in Biochemistry
Majoring in biochemistry will provide you skills in critical thinking, technical skills, communication, operating science equipment, analyzing and problem solving — all qualities that are transferable to a number of jobs. Biochemists study the process and chemical makeup of plants, animals, microorganisms, viruses and mammals. This means possibilities after graduation can contribute to many scientific fields.
Careers for biochemists include, but are not limited to:
- Pharmaceutical Chemist/Drug Analyst - Biochemists study how drugs interact with different organ systems; conduct viral research; use techniques to develop diagnoses and therapies for diseases; assess the relationships of chemical reactions with other prescription drugs.
- Food Analyst - Biochemists research development of nutritious yet inexpensive foods, develop methods of extracting nutrients from waste products and research ways to prolong shelf lives.
- University Professor - Many students choose to pursue graduate school to teach biochemistry in collegiate levels.
- Physician - Many students choose to go on to medical school. A major in biochemistry provides a solid foundation for studies in medicine.
- Veterinarian - Classes in biochemistry involve the study of mammals, and many students choose to take their foundational major in biochemistry to pursue a career in veterinary care.
- Toxicologist - Biochemists research the way in which organic or inorganic compounds in the environment or in the human body effect overall health.
- Private, individual or government funded research (may require advanced degree)
- Students have full use of JBU's biochemistry labs, which are equipped with some of the latest technology in the field.
- Professors are constantly conducting individual research, and students have the opportunity to work alongside professors in relevant scientific research.
- All equipment is made available to students in the classroom and for undergraduate research.
- Human anatomy students are given the unique opportunity to participate in cadaver dissection. John Brown University is one of only two universities in the state of Arkansas that make cadaver dissection available to undergraduate students!
- Students get to conduct experiments with human and animal organ systems.
- Marine biology students spend time in the Florida Keys during an intensive spring-break study trip.
- Laboratories in human physiology include surgical procedures and experimental manipulation of live non-human vertebrate specimens.