Bachelor of Science in Chemistry | Biochemistry

The FAMU Department of Chemistry is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) to offer the BS Chemistry degree with ACS certification. ACS is one of the largest scientific organizations in the world and it is the standard for chemical education. Our curriculum is designed to equip graduates with a thorough knowledge of the chemical sciences. Our Student Academic and Professional Development (SAPD) series provides a comprehensive and cumulative assessment of the curriculum with verbal reasoning and standardized exam (GRE) preparation integrated in the four years. Majors are equipped with the academic and professional skills needed for success after receiving their degree, whether it be immediate employment, graduate school or professional school. 

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Those skills include but are not limited to the following:
  • Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
  • Professional Conduct & Ethics
  • Teamwork & Collaboration
  • Information Management
  • Laboratory Safety
  • Systems Thinking
  • Communication
These skills equip our graduates to succeed in the workforce as biochemists, epidemiologists and to succeed in graduate school.



Curriculum Course Map (PDF)

Biochemists study biological processes, such as cell development, growth, heredity, and disease.
Biochemists study biological processes, such as cell development, growth, heredity, and disease.

What is Biochemistry?

  • Biochemists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes, such as cell development, growth, heredity, and disease. Epidemiologists are public health workers who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury.

 

 


 

Biochemistry offers many career opportunities in areas such as pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and medicine.
Biochemistry offers many career opportunities in areas such as pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and medicine.

Biochemistry Careers

  • Biochemists typically work in laboratories and offices, to conduct experiments and analyze the results. Biochemists need a Ph.D. to work in independent research positions.
  • Bachelor’s and master’s degree holders are qualified for some entry-level positions.
  • Epidemiologists seek to reduce the risk and occurrence of negative health outcomes through research, community education and health policy.
  • Epidemiologists typically need at least a master’s degree to enter the occupation. They may have a master’s degree in public health (MPH) or a related field, and some have completed a doctoral degree in epidemiology or medicine.

Field studies and internships give biochemistry majors practical experience applying science to real-world challenges, making them sought after candidates in fields such as healthcare, public health, and medical research.
Field studies and internships give biochemistry majors practical experience applying science to real-world challenges, making them sought after candidates in fields such as healthcare, public health, and medical research.

Biochemistry Employment Expectations

  • Employment of biochemists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,900 openings for biochemists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
  • Employment of epidemiologists is projected to grow 16 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 800 openings for epidemiologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

FAMU Biochemistry students develop critical thinking and lab skills that prepare them for graduate studies and STEM careers.
FAMU Biochemistry students develop critical thinking and lab skills that prepare them for graduate studies and STEM careers.

Biochemistry  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the mean salary for biochemists?
A: The median annual wage for biochemists was $103,650 in May 2024. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $64,890, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $168,900.

Q: What is the mean salary for epidemiologists?
A: The median annual wage for epidemiologists was $83,980 in May 2024. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $56,950, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $134,860.

Q: Is your Biochemistry program certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS)?
A: Yes, our Biochemistry program is a track that is certified by ACS.

Department of Chemistry Faculty

Name Email Phone
Dr. Mohamed Abdel Salam
Instructor 
mohamed.salam@famu.edu  
Dr. Natalie Arnett
Associate Professor
natalie.arnett@famu.edu   850-412-5329 
Dr. James Bouyer
Associate Professor/Department Chair
james.bouyer@famu.edu 850-599-3638 
Dr. Beni B. Dangi
Associate Professor
beni.dangi@famu.edu 850-599-8419 
Dr. Suresh Eyunni
Instructor
suresh.eyunni@famu.edu  
Mr. Casanova Jackson
Associate Instructor
casanova.jackson@famu.edu  
Dr. Margaret Lyles
Associate Instructor
margaret.lyles@famu.edu  
Dr. Nelly Mateeva
Professor
nelly.mateeva@famu.edu    850-412-5662
Dr. Bereket Mochona
Associate Professor
bereket.mochona@famu.edu     850-599-3638  
Dr. Musiliyu Musa
Professor
musiliyu.musa@famu.edu  850-599-3509  
Dr. Edith Ndubuaku Onyeozili
Professor
edith.onyeozili@famu.edu 850-412-5328 
Dr. Sanuja Pitigalaarachchige
Associate Instructor
sanuja.pitigalaarachchige@famu.edu  
Dr. Bishnu Regmi
Associate Professor
bishnu.regmi@famu.edu  850-599-8424 
Dr. Keerthi Senevirathne
Associate Professor
keerthi.senevirathne@famu.edu  850-599-3638 
Dr. Ngozi Ugochukwu
Professor/Associate Dean
ngozi.ugochukwu@famu.edu 850-412-7124

 

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Contact Us

CST Department of Chemistry
Florida A&M University
1530 S. Martin Luther King Blvd | Jones Hall 211
Tallahassee, Florida 32307
P:
850-599-3638
F:
(850) 561-2388
E:
science@famu.edu