Biological Chemistry Undergraduate Major
The program in Biological Chemistry offers Tulane undergraduates an opportunity to obtain a broad educational background with emphasis on the chemistry of biological systems. Biological Chemistry, or biochemistry, is the study of life at the molecular level. The major in Biological Chemistry focuses on providing training so students can apply the concepts and methods of the physical sciences to the solution of biological problems.
The program is operated jointly between the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology. The major involves taking selected science courses in both these departments as well as in physics and mathematics. In addition, students are required to participate in two semesters of research. This gives you the opportunity get involved in a research project in any area of your choice. Students have worked with research groups not only in the Chemistry and Cell Molecular Biology departments but also Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, Physics and various departments in the Medical School.
What You'll Learn
You'll work through core coursework in genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, and microbiology alongside general, organic, and physical chemistry, plus biochemistry sequences that dive into how molecules drive living systems. The curriculum also builds in calculus and physics to round out the quantitative and scientific reasoning skills needed for lab-based science. Students take at least two elective courses drawn from areas like pharmacology, physiology, neuroscience, and biotechnology, and complete a six-credit special project that integrates their biological and chemical studies — often through a year-long research experience or honors thesis. Altogether, it's designed for students who want to understand life processes at the molecular level, preparing them for paths in research, medicine, biotech, and other health or science-related careers.
Career Outlook
A biological chemistry major opens doors across health care, research, and industry. Many students use it as pre-med, pre-dental, or pre-pharmacy preparation, since it builds the science foundation needed for medical, dental, veterinary, or physician assistant programs, while others go on to PhD programs in biochemistry, molecular biology, or pharmacology. In industry, graduates find roles in pharmaceutical and biotech research, drug development, clinical trials, and quality control, and clinical laboratory or forensic science positions are also common paths. Beyond the lab, the degree can lead to careers in science writing, patent law, science policy, or technical sales — making it a flexible foundation for anyone interested in the chemistry of living systems.
Meet Our Faculty
The Biological Chemistry program brings together faculty from two departments — Chemistry and Cell & Molecular Biology — giving undergraduates access to mentors working at the intersection of both fields. Because the major is operated jointly between these departments, students take courses from faculty across chemistry, cell and molecular biology, physics, and mathematics, and are required to complete two semesters of research, working directly alongside faculty on projects of their choosing. That research experience isn't limited to the home departments, either — students have partnered with faculty in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, Physics, and departments across the Medical School. This close, hands-on mentorship model means Biological Chemistry students graduate with real lab experience and strong relationships with faculty who've guided them from coursework through independent research.
Curriculum Requirements
A major in Biological Chemistry must include the cell and molecular biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics courses in the lists under Requirements. At least two elective courses, selected from Requirements list, also must be included. In addition, an appropriate six-credit special project integrating the student’s biological and chemical studies is required.
Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the Biological Chemistry major, students in this program may not minor in chemistry, cell and molecular biology, or ecology and evolutionary biology.
Students pursuing this bachelor’s degree must earn a minimum of 30 credit hours in the Newcomb-Tulane College core curriculum, 120 credit hours in their degree and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.000.
Research
The Biological Chemistry program brings together faculty from two departments — Chemistry and Cell & Molecular Biology — giving undergraduates access to mentors working at the intersection of both fields. Because the major is operated jointly between these departments, students take courses from faculty across chemistry, cell and molecular biology, physics, and mathematics, and are required to complete two semesters of research, working directly alongside faculty on projects of their choosing. That research experience isn't limited to the home departments, either — students have partnered with faculty in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, Physics, and departments across the Medical School. This close, hands-on mentorship model means Biological Chemistry students graduate with real lab experience and strong relationships with faculty who've guided them from coursework through independent research.
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FAQs
Biological chemistry, or biochemistry, is the study of life at the molecular level — it looks at how chemical processes and structures give rise to the functions of living organisms. At Tulane, the major focuses on training students to apply the concepts and methods of the physical sciences to solve biological problems, blending coursework from both chemistry and cell and molecular biology.
The suggested degree path document offers a guide for when to take each required course throughout your time at Tulane.
These courses meet the requirements for the Biological Chemistry Major. These do not include
Newcomb Tulane College requirements or minor requirements. Talk to your advisor about adjustments to the suggested degree path.
Transfer credit requests are reviewed by the department whose class you are requesting credit for. For example, a request for CHEM 1080: General Chemistry II transfer credit would be reviewed by the department of chemistry and a request for CELL 4010: Cellular Biochemistry would be reviewed by the department of Cell and Molecular. Each department has their own process for requesting transfer credit.
Below are links to the transfer credit policies of SSE departments with required courses for the Biological Chemistry Major:
If you are ready to declare a major in Biological Chemistry, please fill out this form, and submit it to the Department of Chemistry in-person (Stern Hall, Room 2015) or email it to chemistry@tulane.edu. The form will be signed and returned to you, and you can send it along to NTC Advising. Please note that it is your responsibility to send this form to your NTC advisor.
You will also receive an invitation to join the Canvas site for Biological Chemistry majors that has much more detailed information relevant to the major.
You and your major advisor will be copied on an email to connect. If your major advisor does not reach out, you may want to contact them to introduce yourself or to set up a meeting.
