A Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry is an excellent foundation for advanced studies and a scientific research or teaching career. This major is for students fascinated by how life works at a molecular level and who want to contribute to human understanding by directing ground-breaking research in industry or academia. Biochemistry majors learn how to think about the complexity of life in chemical terms and apply scientific thinking and analytical skills to solve fundamental problems. This major includes rigorous training in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, and graduates of this program are ready for the challenges of graduate school or a career in industrial, environmental, or health-related research. In addition to taking both lecture and hands-on laboratory courses, Biochemistry majors are expected to participate in individual, mentored research with a faculty member. Involvement in undergraduate research allows the student to begin contributing to the body of scientific knowledge and typically includes opportunities to present research findings both to other EMU students and regional or national conferences. It is also the best preparation for a research career. As a result, about half of all EMU biochemistry majors choose to gain additional knowledge by accepting a full-ride scholarship to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry, environmental sciences, biochemistry, toxicology, medicinal chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science. Career paths include the following- analytical chemist, biomedical researcher, chemical research technician, chemical safety officer, chemical sales representative, chemistry information retrieval specialist, chemistry instrument technician, environmental control analyst, forensic chemist, medicinal chemist, quality control technician, research chemist, university professor.