La Salle’s Biochemistry and Chemistry bachelor degree programs are approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) in recognition that it offers a “…broad-based and rigorous chemistry education that gives students intellectual, experimental, and communication skills to become effective scientific professionals.” Students are members of a community of curious and knowledgeable lifelong learners. Implicit in our mission is a profound respect for the individual learner and an emphasis on the ethical responsibility of scientific inquiry towards the broader local, national, and global communities.
La Salle Biochemistry has a long tradition of successful alumni. Our graduates have been accepted by Graduate, Ph.D., and Masters programs across the country including: the University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins University, Michigan University, the Ohio State University, Temple University, Drexel University, Villanova University, Delaware University, and the University of Maryland.
Biochemistry and Chemistry students at La Salle are given ample research opportunities as undergraduates. Students are highly encouraged to perform independent research projects, which can include a broad array of topics such as renewable energy, environmental soil remediation, computational simulation of atmospheric chemistry and biomolecules, or syntheses of drug compounds. Students also have opportunities to present their research at conferences, particularly the National Meetings of the American Chemical Society, where they can connect with practicing scientific professionals from around the world.
The La Salle Chemistry and Biochemistry program also provides students hands-on experience with advanced chemical instrumentation, including a 400 MHz NMR, a Scanning Electronic Microscope, an FTIR, and GCMS, that will give them a step up in their future scientific careers.
Students receive an introduction to genetics at the molecular, cytological, and organismal level. Included are the thorough coverage of Mendelian and other basic transmission genetics phenomena in the light of our knowledge of DNA and cell structure and function; mutation and mutagenesis; and an introduction to recombinant DNA.
This course examines the physical properties, chemical structure, and metabolism of simple and specialized cells, as well as recent advances in the techniques of cell culture and investigation.
The cellular and molecular mechanisms driving cancer’s hallmark phenotypes is explored. Students gain an informed understanding of the inherent challenges cancer presents and assess the prospects of treating and ultimately curing the disease.
The Biochemistry department at La Salle trains students to be critical thinkers and problem solvers. As a liberal arts university, our curriculum offers a solid background in the fundamentals of chemical and biochemical sciences along with a broad-based education to prepare students to pursue a range of careers. Students are made aware of the interconnections of biochemistry with the other sciences and also with the social sciences, business, and the humanities. Graduates leave the program as dynamic, adaptable, and prepared individuals ready for almost anything they will face in the future.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for biochemists and biophysicists was $102,270 in May 2021. Employment of biochemists and biophysicists is projected to grow 15 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for other occupations.
Our students have participated in the following internship opportunities:
La Salle is providing the campus community with important voter engagement information for the 2024 Presidential election on Nov. 5.
On this year’s NCLEX exam, first-time pass rates for La Salle undergraduate students exceeded the 90.7% average posted by their Pennsylvania peers as well as the 93% national average.
The Nonprofit Center at La Salle
Northwest Philly Technical Assistance Program is directly making an impact on how organizations address gun violence in the area and build stronger, sustainable partnerships for the future.