Undergraduate Degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry

The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, and, jointly with the Department of Biology, the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry.

Why come to Northeastern to study chemistry or biochemistry?

In addition to the outstanding faculty and on-campus opportunities, one important reason is the availability of the cooperative education experience. Most of our chemistry and biochemistry majors participate in co-op, which consists of periods of relevant work, research, or other types of nonclassroom experiences that alternate with periods of classroom study. Cooperative Education Coordinators help students find appropriate assignments in their area of interest. Students who participate fully in available co-op periods can obtain one-and-a-half years of work experience before graduating with a B.S. in 5 years. Not only does that experience add immensely to the overall education received, it also provides valuable contacts and references for later employment or graduate school admissions.
Click here for more information about Cooperative Education in Chemistry and Biochemistry at Northeastern.

Objectives for the Chemistry Major Program

The overall objective of the B.S. Chemistry Major program is to provide the fundamental scientific background and practical training for students as they prepare for chemically related careers or advanced study in fields including the traditional chemical specialties, as well as biochemistry, materials science, forensic science, medicine, education, law, and other endeavors that may draw upon an understanding of the chemical basis of the world around us. A key general objective is the development of qualitative and quantitative problem-solving skills. Of comparable importance is developing effective communication skills. Specific learning objectives for the chemistry major include, to:

• develop conceptual understanding and problem-solving abilities in the fundamental chemical subfields of analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry;
• gain a foundation of physics and mathematics and integrate these areas with chemical principles;
• learn the relevance of chemistry to biology, pharmacology, medicine, manufactured and natural materials, and the environment;  
• perform accurate and precise quantitative measurements;
• synthesize and characterize inorganic and organic compounds;
• learn proper laboratory practices, including safety, waste management, and record keeping;
• use and understand modern instruments, including NMR, IR, UV-vis, and mass spectrometers, and chromatographic and electrochemical instruments;
• interpret experimental results and draw reasonable conclusions;
• develop proficiency with computers for data acquisition and analysis, simulation, theoretical prediction, access to information, and report preparation;
• plan, design, and execute experiments based on chemical literature;
• communicate effectively through written and oral reports.