Skip to main content
Someone uses two sets of tweezers to inspect a specimen in a petri dish

Biochemistry

Program Overview

Program Overview

Biochemists use the principles of chemistry and apply them to biological systems. Much like the Chemistry major, our Biochemistry program offers students a comprehensive education spanning vital chemistry domains, including organic, inorganic, physical, biological and analytical chemistry. However, our program distinguishes itself by providing an even more extensive and profound training in the biological applications of chemistry. Our curriculum empowers students with a robust foundation in both chemistry and biology, nurturing their expertise in this interdisciplinary field.

While anyone can choose a Biochemistry major, it is primarily intended for students interested in pursuing graduate school in biochemistry with the goal of becoming a biochemist or professor.

Biochemistry for Health Professions

If you are interested in going to a professional school such as medical, pharmacy, dental, physician’s assistant, physical therapy, or other health-related areas, then Biochemistry for Health Professions is a degree tailored to that career trajectory.

Intended to cover prerequisites to most professional schools, the Biochemistry for Health Professions degree plan will offer a robust training in chemistry and biology to prepare you for future training in health-related careers.

Courses

Courses

Job placement

With a top-tier university education on your resume, you’ll be in high demand, whether you choose to launch your career or begin graduate school. Most of our programs have a placement rate of at least 90 percent within six months of graduation.

Expert faculty, small class sizes

Learn from award-winning, experienced faculty who actually care about you. Our small class sizes allow us to get to know you personally. We lead an approachable community within our respective programs. Our faculty connections are the experts on their subject matter, too.

Nashville, TN

A big city. An even bigger opportunity. We consider Nashville, Tennessee, an extension of our classroom, and as a leading city in many industries, that means you’ll gain experience and insight you won’t find anywhere else.

Our Faculty

  • Stephen Opoku-Duah headshot

    Steve Opoku-Duah

    Langford Professor of Chemistry and Chair

    Dr. Steve Opoku-Duah was born in Ghana and completed a bachelor's degree in engineering science at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology in his native country. He obtained...

    Meet Steve Opoku-Duah
  • Brian Cavitt headshot

    Brian Cavitt

    Professor

    T. Brian Cavitt is currently an Associate Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Lipscomb University. He earned his B.S. in Chemistry and Missions from Abilene Christian...

    Meet Brian Cavitt
  • Kent Clinger headshot

    Kent Clinger

    Adjunct Faculty

    A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Kent Clinger received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Oklahoma Christian College in 1976. He studied in the Master of Science program...

    Meet Kent Clinger
  • John Smith

    John Smith

    Professor

    Smith grew up in New Jersey where he attended Drew University, earning his B.A. in Chemistry with a Writing minor. He then worked in publishing before heading to graduate school...

    Meet John Smith
  • Matt Vergne headshot

    Matt Vergne

    Associate Professor

    Matt Vergne joined the Lipscomb College of Pharmacy in 2013. Dr. Vergne earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Harding University, and he earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry...

    Meet Matt Vergne
  • Joseph Weinstein-Webb headshot

    Joseph Weinstein-webb

    Assistant Professor

    Meet Joseph Weinstein-webb

Career Paths

Biochemists and Biophysicists

Biochemists and Biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes, such as cell development, growth, heredity, and disease.

Medical Scientists

Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. They often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings.

Pharmacists

Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions. They also may conduct health and wellness screenings, provide immunizations, oversee the medications given to patients, and provide advice on healthy lifestyles.