Biochemistry Degree with Teacher Certification
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry with Teacher Certification program prepares students for teaching science at the high school level or careers in healthcare fields such as medicine, dentistry, or biotechnology. With a focus on biochemistry, cell biology, and chemistry, the program offers elective options and research opportunities through partnerships like the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science Education Alliance. Upon completion, students qualify for secondary teaching certification and may pursue further studies or training in various healthcare professions.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry with Teacher Certification is a four-year program designed to prepare students to teach sciences at the high school level in the areas of biochemistry, chemistry, and biology. It also serves as a strong foundation for those pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry, or other biologically related professional programs.
Objectives:
- To provide a strong foundation in biochemistry and molecular biology.
- To prepare students to teach sciences at the high school level.
- To equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in medicine, dentistry, or other biologically related fields.
Program Description:
The program offers a less structured curriculum with more elective options than the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. Students will take courses focusing on:
- Cell biology
- Chemical reactions
- Compounds and solutions of chemical elements
- Macromolecules
- Metabolic pathways
- Molecular biology of genes
- Organic chemistry
- Physical chemistry
- Quantitative analysis in chemistry
Teaching:
- Students learn from faculty members who are dedicated to excellence and represent a wide range of research interests.
- Many faculty members have been honored nationally by various organizations.
- Through affiliation with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science Education Alliance, students receive hands-on experience in complex research at the undergraduate level.
- Students may receive course credit by working on a project in one of the research centers or laboratories.
Careers:
- Many students complete the program in preparation for medical school.
- Other potential employers include:
- Agricultural chemical manufacturers
- Biotechnology companies
- Consulting agencies
- Cosmetic manufacturers
- Educational institutions
- Environmental organizations and labs
- Food manufacturers
- Independent research firms
- Pharmaceutical companies Upon completion of the program, students qualify to test for secondary teaching certification and teach in public or private schools. With additional coursework, the major can also prepare students for dental, medical, or veterinary school or a training program to become an allied health care professional.
Other:
- UNT's Life Sciences Complex is a state-of-the-art research facility for biochemistry, featuring an open research laboratory concept, a climate-controlled rooftop greenhouse, and an aquatics lab.
- The UNT Career Center helps students find learning opportunities and real-world work experience through over 4,000 employers.
- The UNT-HHMI Undergraduate Research Program offers current UNT junior and senior biology and biochemistry majors the opportunity to engage in a paid research experience in the laboratory of an active UNT researcher for up to one year.
- The Careers in the Life Sciences program includes information about career choices, career preparation, survival skills, and how to become involved in research labs.
- The Teach North Texas Program helps students interested in teaching science achieve teacher certification.
- UNT has a joint program with the UNT Health Science Center at Fort Worth that allows students to combine college and medical school, reducing the usual eight-year program to seven.
