Chemistry and Biochemistry

Chemistry serves as the basis for understanding the natural and physical sciences; biochemistry explains biological structures and processes from the perspective of chemistry. A college graduate with a major in chemistry or biochemistry is prepared for a wide choice of careers.

The chemical and pharmaceutical industries provide opportunities for applied chemical and biochemical research; the food industry needs chemistry/biochemistry graduates to design and engineer new food products. Medicine applies advances in chemistry to elucidating and addressing biomedical problems. Public service-minded individuals can find their niche in environmental protection agencies, consumer advocacy groups and various government offices. In the field of education and academia, students are prepared to pursue graduate degrees in diverse fields including chemical biology, neuroscience, and materials science.

For an overview of recent student accomplishments in STEM, click here (PDF).

For further information, please contact Dr. Ran Drori, rdrori@yu.edu 

Mission Statement 

The mission of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is to provide our students with a solid foundation in the chemical and biochemical sciences and the skills required for scientific analysis and critical thinking. Upon completing the chemistry or biochemistry major the students will be prepared to attend graduate schools (Ph.D. programs) or professional schools (medical, dental, optometry and others). They will be also ready to study and work at various engineering and academic institutions.

Program Student Learning Goals

1. Students will obtain a firm foundation in chemical and biochemical principles.
   a.  Students will know basic chemical terms.
   b.  Students will be able to predict the outcome of chemical reactions.
   c.  Students will be able to recognize the relationship between structure and function of molecules.
2. Students will be able to interpret and evaluate scientific data and findings from laboratory findings and scientific literature.
   a.  Students will be able to accurately measure physical and chemical properties of systems.
   b.  Students will be able to associate data with scientific principles and scientific findings.
   c.  Students will be able to understand central points of scientific articles.
3. Students will be able to communicate scientific concepts and research findings orally and in writing.
   a.  Students will be able to compose written reports summarizing and explaining experimental results.
   b.  Students will be able to write an overview of a specific scientific topic.
   c.  Students will be able to deliver oral presentations of research.
4. Students will be able to utilize quantitative skills to address scientific problems.
   a.  Students will be able to identify the appropriate equation to solve a chemical problem.
   b.  Students will be able to manipulate equations to solve for unknown quantities.

Program Information

Chemistry Major Requirements
Chemistry Minor Requirements
Biochemistry Major Requirements