佛羅里達理工學院

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 are 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.

Gain Practical Experience

Biochemistry degree students are immersed in "real science," not just book learning. As you get to know your professors and work among your peers in small classes and department gatherings, you'll soon find an opportunity to join a research group. Courses like Biological Discovery and Introduction to Biochemistry are among the classes taken in your first year. Guided by highly qualified faculty who care about your success, you'll hone your strengths and begin specializing as early as your second year.

As seniors, students refine their practical skills in technical electives and specialized labs. They also can undertake exciting collaborative research with a peer or professor or work independently in a topic of their choosing. All undergraduate biochemistry students present papers at academic meetings and conferences. As a result, they get practical experience, an enhanced job search portfolio, and the perfect preparation for employment or graduate school.

Career Options

Florida Tech graduates can choose from among such lifelong biochemistry careers in:

• Medicine
• Drug discovery / pharmacology
• Drug research and development
• Cancer research
• Biotechnology
• Agricultural research
• Animal population restoration
• Biophysics
• Agricultural and food science
• Chemist and material science
• Epidemiology
• Medical science
• Microbiology
• Postsecondary education
• Zoologist and wildlife biology

A typical biochemist or biophysicist does the following:

• Plan and conduct complex projects in basic and applied research
• Manage laboratory teams and monitor the quality of their work
• Isolate, analyze, and synthesize proteins, enzymes, DNA, and other molecules
• Research the effects of substances such as drugs, hormones, and food on tissues and biological processes
• Prepare technical reports, research papers and recommendations based on their research
• Present research findings to scientists, engineers, and other colleagues