College of Science and Health
Biochemistry – Molecular Biology

Launch your career in the exciting field of biochemistry with BenU’s Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) program

Pursuing a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Benedictine University offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum, blending chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics, essential for understanding complex biological systems. Students benefit from small class sizes, fostering better interaction with a qualified and supportive faculty, who also serve as advisors.

The program emphasizes career preparedness in diverse fields like research, healthcare, and biotechnology, and offers numerous opportunities for hands-on experience through research programs and state-of-the-art facilities. Additionally, the inclusive, multicultural environment, grounded in Catholic and Benedictine values, promotes not only academic excellence but also ethical and social development.

If you’re passionate about science and want to make a difference in the world, then Benedictine’s BMB program is for you.

Prepare for a rewarding career in this rapidly growing field

Our BMB program is designed to prepare you for a rewarding career in this exciting and rapidly growing field. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the molecular basis of life, as well as the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in research, medicine, industry, and more.

Here’s what makes our BMB program so special:

• Close mentorship from supportive and dedicated faculty members. You’ll work closely with our world-class faculty members in our state-of-the-art research and teaching laboratories.
• A broad-based education that includes ethics, communication, and teamwork. In addition to your science courses, you’ll also take core courses that will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in any career.
• A focus on real-world problem-solving. Our program emphasizes hands-on learning and research, so you’ll be prepared to make a difference in the world as soon as you graduate.

Aspiring researchers in Benedictine University’s Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) program will have the opportunity to present their findings at a research seminar and submit a research report to their mentor and the program director. Graduate school-bound students are strongly encouraged to participate in this program, as research experience is highly valued by admissions committees.

With our BMB degree, you’ll be well-prepared for a variety of careers:

Medical Laboratory Technician: Analyze samples, perform tests, and assist in diagnosing diseases. High demand, average salary, and requires strong laboratory skills.

Public Health Educator: Develop and deliver educational programs to promote healthy lifestyles. Growing field with good salary and requires excellent communication skills.

Healthcare Science Liaison: Translate scientific findings into practical applications for healthcare providers. High-paying, fast-growing field, and requires strong scientific knowledge and communication skills.

Biotechnology Research Assistant: Support scientists in conducting research and development in the field of biotechnology. Good salary, moderate growth, and requires laboratory and data analysis skills.

Environmental Science Technician: Assist environmental scientists in conducting research and monitoring environmental conditions. Stable field with average salary and requires field research and data analysis skills.

Benedictine’s BMB program prepares you for competitive professional programs in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. In fact, our program has a more than 95% placement rate into graduate/professional schools or industry positions following graduation.

What our Alumni have done with this degree:

Our alumni work at companies such as Abbott Laboratories, Wrigley, AbbVie, Walgreen Co., U.S. Drug Testing Laboratories Inc., Merck & Co., Baxter International, EdwardElmhurst Health, Mayo Clinic, The University of Chicago and more. BMB students place into well-known graduate and professional schools, including Northwestern University, Georgetown University, University of Michigan, The Ohio State University, Drexel University, Rush University, Midwestern University and Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.

Here is an example of some courses you may take in the Biochemistry/Molecular Biology program:

• Principles of Organismal Biology
• Genetics
• Great Ideas in Biology and Medicine
• Genomics and Bioinformatics
• Instrumental Analysis Lab

Biochemistry/Molecular Biology courses

Courses include: BIOL, CHEM, PHYS, MATH

Lisle Undergraduate course descriptions

Internships:

• Faculty often encourage and help students apply for internships, to gain practical experience in industry, research institutions, national labs, or healthcare settings.

Research Opportunities:

• Undergraduate research is a key component of our program. The Natural Science Summer Research Program (NSSRP), every summer allows students to pursue research opportunities on real-world research projects under faculty guidance.
• Opportunities for research during the regular school year are also available for motivated students.
• Faculty work with students helping them find and apply for off-campus summer research opportunities as well.

Guest Speakers and Seminars:

• The faculty bring guest lecturers who are experts in various fields to provide insights into current research and career options in biochemistry and molecular biology. They also bring alumni to share their expertise and experiences.

Laboratory Experience:

• Practical lab work is typically integral to the curriculum, providing hands-on experience with modern techniques and equipment.