Program Overview
Let UNE’s Biochemistry major be the gateway to your career in the thriving bioscience industry, or build on it as the cornerstone of your health professions training or other graduate study. Either way, you reap the benefits of being part of a comprehensive health sciences university that offers training in state-of-the-art lab techniques and sophisticated instrumentation. You’ll discover an uncommon breadth of undergraduate research opportunities that will develop your skills and put you ahead of the curve.
Why UNE for Biochemistry
Biochemistry at UNE offers all the advantages of a major research university. Yet, nestled within the College of Arts and Sciences, the major provides you with close faculty relationships and one-on-one attention. The result? Exposure to a range of research opportunities that is rarely found at the undergraduate level.
- Training in state-of-the-art lab techniques
- Focus on independent experimental design
- Proximity to health professions programs
- Formal and informal peer mentoring
- Teaching assistantships
- Abundant local internship opportunities
Careers
Follow in the footsteps of our Biochemistry majors who have made their marks at prestigious companies, such as Pfizer, IDEXX, and the Institute for Protein Innovation. With the knowledge, research skills, and internship experience you acquire at UNE, you too will garner distinction in your career as a biochemist.
As a Biochemistry graduate, you will find the door wide open to a number of fascinating careers, including:
- Biotechnology Researcher
- Biomedical Scientist
- Laboratory Technician (changed from Health Care Scientist)
- Research Scientist
- Teacher
- Science Journalist
- Toxicologist
- Forensic Scientist
- Environmental Consultant
- Health Care Professional
Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, the Office of Career Services is here to help you plan your next step.
of graduates employed or enrolled in grad school within one year of graduation
(per 2016-2018 graduate surveys)
in Maine for getting a job
(Zippia, 2019)
Academics
Examples of available courses
There are many ways you can navigate this major. The following are just some examples of the exciting courses that you can take:
- Advanced Biochemistry Lab
- Computational Chemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Quantitative Analysis
- Advanced Lab
- Physical Chemistry
To learn more about the program, see Curriculum or visit the Catalog.
Honors program
We offer qualified students the option of participating in our Honors Program and graduating with Honors. This includes significant research, scholarship, or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member. You should consult with your major advisor for specific criteria and requirements.
Experiential Learning
Whether you’re assisting faculty members with their research, interning at a local biotech company, or designing your own experiment in the lab, hands-on learning is an integral part of your major. At UNE, you don’t just study biochemistry — you do biochemistry.
Research
- Collaborate with faculty on innovative research
- Engage in undergraduate research in your coursework
- Perform paid research over the summer
- Present at conferences and publish your findings
Internships
You may complete an internship over the summer in your hometown at sites including hospitals, private or government labs, educational institutions, or science centers. Or intern during the academic year with one of the prestigious employers with which we partner:
- IDEXX
- Lonza
- Jackson Laboratories
- Envirologix
- Katahdin Labs
For more information, contact the College of Arts and Sciences Internship Office Chemistry and Physics contact Cynthia Simon at (207) 602-2540 or csimon@une.edu.
Global Education
See the world
Biochemistry students at UNE are encouraged to seek the adventure of a semester abroad. Our programs in Seville, Spain, and Tangier, Morocco, offer labs in English, so you can stay on track with your course requirements. Shorter travel courses are another great option, with trips to Belize, Cuba, Kenya, Ireland, the Galapagos Islands, and many other locations.
