What is a Biochemistry Degree?
Whether you want to explore the mysteries of DNA, aid in the development of innovative biotechnologies, or study the diagnosis and treatment of disease, you can reach toward your career goals with a biochemistry degree from Florida Tech. Here you'll develop a strong background in biology and chemistry and get hands-on experience in analysis and instrumentation.
Biochemistry careers are built on a solid foundation of understanding complex chemical reactions that occur inside each living organism. Also known as the chemistry of life, the study of biochemistry connects the living world to the chemical world to study the processes that occur in plants, animals, and single-celled organisms. Biochemistry is responsible for most of the advances in medical research, agriculture, and genetic engineering, all of which is generally accomplished by tying together new medical technologies and discoveries in both genetic and cell biology. When new or transformational discoveries are unveiled, it is likely that a biochemist is part of the team. With a biochemistry degree, this could be you.
Earn an Advanced Degree
After receiving their biochemistry degree, many of our graduates go on to master's and doctoral programs at Florida Tech or other prestigious universities, including the University of Florida, the University of South Alabama, Columbia University, Princeton University, and the University of Texas.
Why Pursue a Biochemistry Degree at Florida Tech?
Perhaps the greatest benefit of studying biochemistry at Florida Tech is being part of two outstanding science departments—Biology and Chemistry—both of which are committed to a high level of faculty-student interaction and collaboration.
We have strong ties to the Kennedy Space Center and the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, which means more opportunities for students. In addition, nearby natural resources such as the estuarine habitats of the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean marine ecosystem are ideal for biological research, making Florida Tech one of the country's most attractive biochemistry colleges.
Small Class Sizes and an Internationally Recognized Faculty
Small class sizes with a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1 give you an opportunity to receive one-on-one attention from professors. Florida Tech's active faculty are involved in research and teaching. The Ph.D. faculty teaches all the classes—no graduate-student teachers. In addition, students learn from world-renowned chemists in an environment that encourages undergraduate participation in research projects.
Undergraduate students usually find a home in a research group early in their career, which may result in scientific journal publications and research exchanges with other biochemistry colleges. In fact, 75% of chemistry graduates have published a paper in a scientific journal by the time they graduate. Together, the faculty has secured $3 million in external funding for the department, as well as another $2 million to support research instrumentation.
Location, Location, Location
Florida Tech is the perfect place for a Biochemistry degree. The 130-acre campus is located on the Space Coast (so named because of the presence of NASA and the Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral just north of us). The area has the fifth-largest high-tech workforce in the country, with more than 5,000 high-tech corporations and government and military organizations located nearby. This workforce also provides a variety of internship and employment opportunities.
Florida Tech is just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian River Lagoon, the most diverse estuary in North America, 72 miles of beautiful beaches, and a short trip to the Florida Keys or the Orlando theme parks. We also have a rich campus life that includes a wide range of intramural and collegiate sports, clubs, and social activities.
Build Lasting Professional Relationships through Campus Organizations
Florida Tech’s student chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) is a highly active group of students from all disciplines who enjoy learning about and sharing an interest in chemistry. ACS regularly holds campus-wide events to inspire an interest in chemistry, including ice cream socials and silver bottling events. This is also a great way to network and learn about other possible opportunities and biochemistry internships.
Beyond the classroom, biochemistry majors build leadership and professional experience through exciting internships (see below) and participation in academic organizations like Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta, the biological sciences honor society), the Premed Club, student government, and over 100 other student organizations.
Biochemistry majors also participate in exciting summer fieldwork programs that take them to Costa Rica, Peru, the Caribbean, Australia, the Appalachians and the Rocky Mountains, and the African savannah.