BSc in
Biochemistry (B.S.)/Medicinal Chemistry (B.S.) Illinois Institute of Technology
Introduction
Earn bachelor’s degrees in both biochemistry and medicinal chemistry through this new dual degree program.
The newly-launched Biochemistry (B.S.)/Medicinal Chemistry (B.S.) dual degree helps students hone expertise in two complementary fields of study, leading to expanded career and educational possibilities. Graduates of this program will possess a strong knowledge of both the biomolecular processes and chemical reactions occurring in living organisms and systems, as well as an advanced understanding of drug design, drug synthesis, and pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis. The B.S. in Medicinal Chemistry is also the only program of its kind in Illinois, and one of just a handful in the country, making this dual degree a rare opportunity for a highly-customized education.
Students will be immersed in theoretical and laboratory courses and will conduct cutting-edge research under the direction of our faculty, paving the way for careers in clinics, research, and biotechnology. This dual degree is also well-suited for students planning to attend medical school and/or pursue a graduate degree. Featured courses include biochemistry, cell biology, chemistry, human biology, genetics, microbiology, and more. Students will also study the application of biological, chemical, and data science to computer-aided design, synthesis, evaluation, and analysis of structurally diverse drugs for the detection, treatment, and cure of human diseases.
Program Overview
This new dual degree offers students a competitive edge and expanded career and educational possibilities through its in-depth focus on the complementary fields of biochemistry and medicinal chemistry.
Why Illinois Tech is one of the best value universities in the country
As an Illinois Tech student, you’ll automatically be considered for our university’s generous institutional scholarships. On average, this adds up to a savings of $107,472 on tuition and housing for every student during your four years at Illinois Tech ($134,340 for five years, based on fall 2021 figures).
We’re committed to dramatically reducing the cost of your degree, so you can focus on learning at one of the most dynamic and innovation-driven universities in the country.
Want some more great reasons?
- On top of our institutional scholarship, on average, Illinois Tech awards our students an additional $34,412 each in need-based tuition aid over four years ($43,015 for five years). (among FAFSA filers, fall 2021)
- We’re the #44 Best Value School in the nation (U.S. News & World Report)
- 98% of our students receive some form of financial aid
- The mean starting salary of our undergraduates is $63,938
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Facilities
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
As an Illinois Tech student, you’ll automatically be considered for our university’s generous institutional scholarships. On average, this adds up to a savings of $107,472 on tuition and housing for every student during your four years at Illinois Tech ($134,340 for five years, based on fall 2021 figures).
First-Year Domestic Scholarships
All domestic first-year students are considered for the Heald scholarship, an institutional tuition award ranging from $60,000 to $120,000 over four years of undergraduate study. No additional application is necessary to be considered for the Heald scholarship.
The following scholarships are also available to first-year students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Please note that some of these scholarships require a separate scholarship application.
Additional Institutional and Donor-Funded Institutional Scholarships
If a student earns one of the institutional scholarships listed below, the highest institutional scholarship awarded will replace the Heald scholarship awarded upon admission. The university will not combine multiple scholarships unless otherwise noted.
Deadline November 15
Camras, Crown, Duchoissois, and Leadership Academy Scholars make up approximately 4-5% of our incoming first-year class each year. Apply under Early Decision I or Early Action I to be considered for these full-tuition scholarships.
- Camras Scholarship
- Crown Scholarship
- Duchoissois Leadership Scholars
- M.A. and Lila Self Leadership Academic Scholars
Deadline January 15
Apply under Early Decision I/II or Early Action I/II to be considered.
- Illinois Tech VEX Robotics Scholarship
- Illinois Tech FIRST Robotics
- The Chicago Difference
Navy ROTC and Service-Based Scholarships
If a student earns one of the scholarships listed below, the highest institutional scholarship awarded will replace the Heald scholarship, which is awarded upon admission. The university will not combine multiple scholarships unless otherwise noted.
- NROTC Preparatory Scholarship
- Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)
- Chicago Police and Fire Departments Scholarship
Interest-Based Scholarships
The awards below may be combined with existing Illinois Tech institutional scholarships.
- Illinois Tech Esports Scholarship
- Alumni Scholarship
- EDGE Award: The Edge award funds Elevate experiential learning opportunities such as study away, research, internships/co-ops, and more. Students may earn Edge awards by participating in virtual internships and other activities prior to enrolling at Illinois Tech. Learn more about Elevate and Edge awards.
Need-Based Scholarships
To be considered for need-based financial aid at Illinois Tech, students must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or renewal FAFSA. Designate "IIT" on the FAFSA with our Title IV code, 001691, so we will receive your electronic Student Aid Report.
In addition to institutional scholarships, students who submit their FAFSA to Illinois Tech also receive on average $34,412 over four years in federal and state grants and institutional need-based scholarships. Students who submit their FAFSA will also be considered for loans and federal work-study.
External Scholarships
Illinois Tech is committed to helping students secure additional funding from outside sources. We regularly add outside scholarships to our Scholarship Opportunities spreadsheet, which can be accessed through the Scholarship Channel on the myIIT portal, which students can gain access to upon admission to the university.
International Undergraduate Student Scholarships
Illinois Tech is committed to enrolling a diverse and talented student body, and we offer institutional scholarships to international students ranging from $40,000-$80,000 over four years of undergraduate study. International first-year and transfer students are eligible for a combination of scholarship and grant packages, including institutional scholarships and Phi Theta Kappa membership. Each application is automatically reviewed for institutional scholarships based on the student’s academic success, involvement in the community, and other achievements. No additional application is required.
Because international students are expected to finance their education for the duration of study at Illinois Tech, international students are required to submit the Financial Affidavit of Support to demonstrate their ability or the ability of an individual or government sponsor to finance their education. Tuition and fees may change each year, but you can view them for the current academic year.
You must demonstrate that you or your sponsor have available finances* to meet the educational and living expenses while you are a student at Illinois Tech.
* Minimum dollar amount may vary based on any institutional scholarships awarded.
Please note: If a student earns multiple Illinois Institute of Technology institutional scholarships throughout the admission process, the university will award the highest institutional award for which the student is qualified but will not combine multiple awards.
Additional Institutional and Donor-Funded Scholarships
M. A. and Lila Self Leadership Academy Scholars
Application Deadline: November 15 (You must apply under Early Decision I or Early Action I to be considered)
Complete and submit the Leadership Academy Scholarship Application
Named for former University Regent Al Self and his wife, Lila, the M. A. and Lila Self Leadership Academy Scholarship is a distinguished and prestigious award given to the top applicants to the university who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential.
Illinois Tech World Robot Olympiad Scholarship
Candidates competing for the Illinois Tech WRO scholarships demonstrate an aptitude for science, technology, and other STEM subjects. WRO scholars are eligible for an institutional scholarship award of $25,000 per year for up to four years of undergraduate study (five years for architecture).
Dimiter Etimov Scholarship
Bulgarian citizens who are accepted for admission to an Illinois Tech undergraduate program may apply for the Dimiter Etimov Scholarship. Applicants must have graduated from a Bulgarian high school and intend to return to Bulgaria after their studies.
Contact: Professor Alex Nikolov
Online Funding and Scholarship Databases
Fastweb: Searchable database of scholarships
College Scholarships: Fee-based scholarship application service
Funding for United States Study: Database of more than 500 scholarships, fellowships, and grants for international students, organized and maintained by the Institute of International Education
GrantsNet: Database of grants for training in the sciences and undergraduate science education.
International Education Financial Aid: Free searchable database of more than 800 scholarships and awards for international students, most of which are restricted to use at specific universities
InternationalScholarships.com: Comprehensive listing of grants, scholarships, loan programs, and other financial aid information to assist college and university students in their pursuit to study abroad
InternationalStudent.com: Database of U.S. higher-education institutions awarding scholarships to international students
Organization of American States Leo S. Rowe Fund: This program provides loans of up to $15,000 USD for undergraduate students in their last two years of study or any graduate student; available for citizens of Latin American countries
NAFSA Financial Aid for Undergraduates: This resource provides information primarily for students with nonimmigrant visas (F-1, J-1, etc.); information for permanent residents of the United States also included
MyCollegeScholarship.org: Advice on how to apply for scholarships
U.S. Department of State—Education USA: Provides support to a network of educational advising/information centers around the world that advise prospective international students and other audiences on higher education and study opportunities in the United States
Foundations
Fellowship Office of Policy and Global Affairs: Administers pre-doctoral, dissertation, and postdoctoral fellowship programs in research-based fields of study
The Foundation Center: Fee-based website for institutional grant-seekers
Institute of International Education (IIE): Offers programs of study and training for students, educators, young professionals, and trainees from all sectors, with funding provided by government agencies, foundations, and corporations
International Research and Exchanges Board: Offers various scholarships, fellowships, and grants to international students
MacArthur Foundation: Makes grants through four programs: Human and Community Development, Global Security and Sustainability, the General Program, and the MacArthur Fellows Program
Open Society Institute: Administers merit-based grants to international students
Rockefeller Foundation: Offers grants in four program areas: Food Security, Health Equity, Creativity and Culture, and Working Communities
Rotary Foundation: Offers a broad range of humanitarian, intercultural, and educational programs and activities designed to improve the human condition and advance the organization’s ultimate goal of world understanding and peace
Social Science Research Council Fellowship: Provides support and professional recognition to innovators within fields, and especially to younger researchers whose work and ideas will have a longer-term impact on society and scholarship.
Curriculum
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Required Courses
Biology Requirements ---- ---- (34-35)
- BIOL 100 ---- ---- Introduction to Profession ---- ---- 2
- BIOL 107 ---- ---- General Biology Lecture ---- ---- 3
- BIOL 109 ---- ---- General Biology Lab ---- ---- 1
- BIOL 115 ---- ---- Human Biology ---- ---- 3
- BIOL 117 ---- ---- Human Biology Lab ---- ---- 1
- BIOL 210 ---- ---- Microbiology ---- ---- 3
- BIOL 214 ---- ---- Genetics ---- ---- 3
- BIOL 401 ---- ---- Introductory Biochemistry ---- ---- 3
- BIOL 402 ---- ---- Metabolic Biochemistry ---- ---- 3
- BIOL 404 ---- ---- Biochemistry Laboratory ---- ---- 3
- BIOL 445 ---- ---- Cell Biology ---- ---- 3
Select one course from the following: ---- ---- 3
- BIOL 431 ---- ---- Animal Physiology Laboratory ---- ---- 3
- BIOL 446 ---- ---- Cell Biology Laboratory ---- ---- 3
- BIOL 455 ---- ---- Macromolecular Techniques ---- ---- 3
- BIOL 451 ---- ---- Biological Literature ---- ---- 2-3
or
- CHEM 451 ---- ---- Undergraduate Seminar ---- ---- 2-3
- BIOL 495 ---- ---- Biology Colloquium ---- ---- 1
Chemistry Requirements (27-28)
- CHEM 124 ---- ---- Principle of Chemistry I with Lab ---- ---- 4
- CHEM 125 ---- ---- Principle of Chemistry II with Lab ---- ---- 4
- CHEM 237 ---- ---- Organic Chemistry I ---- ---- 4
- CHEM 239 ---- ---- Organic Chemistry II ---- ---- 3
- CHEM 240 ---- ---- Organic Chemistry Lab ---- ---- 2
- CHEM 247 ---- ---- Analytical Chemistry ---- ---- 3
- CHEM 343 ---- ---- Physical Chemistry I ---- ---- 3
- CHEM 344 ---- ---- Physical Chemistry II ---- ---- 3-4
or
- CHEM 438 ---- ---- Physical Biochemistry ---- ---- 3-4
- CHEM 485 ---- ---- Chemistry Colloquium ---- ---- 1
Biochemistry Technical Electives ---- ---- (11)
Select 11 credit hours from the following courses: ---- ---- 11
- BIOL 225 ---- ---- Microbiology Laboratory ---- ---- 2
- FDSN 401 ---- ---- Nutrition, Metabolism & Health ---- ---- 3
- MATH 252 ---- ---- Introduction to Differential Equations ---- ---- 4
- PHYS 410 ---- ---- Molecular Biophysics ---- ---- 3
Any 300+ level BIOL or CHEM course ---- ---- 3
Physics Requirements (8)
- PHYS 123 ---- ---- General Physics I: Mechanics ---- ---- 4
- PHYS 221 ---- ---- General Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism ---- ---- 4
Mathematics Requirements (17)
- MATH 151 ---- ---- Calculus I ---- ---- 5
- MATH 152 ---- ---- Calculus II ---- ---- 5
- MATH 251 ---- ---- Multivariate & Vector Calculus ---- ---- 4
- MATH 425 ---- ---- Statistical Methods ---- ---- 3
Computer Science Requirement (2)
- CS 105 ---- ---- Introduction to Computer Programming ---- ---- 2
or
- CS 110 ---- ---- Computing Principles ---- ---- 2
or
- CS 115 ---- ---- Object-Oriented Programming I ---- ---- 2
Interprofessional Projects (IPRO) ---- ---- (6)
See Illinois Tech Core Curriculum, section E ---- ---- 6
Humanities and Social Science Requirements ---- ---- (21)
See Illinois Tech Core Curriculum, sections B and C ---- ---- 21
Total Credit Hours ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- 126-128
Bachelor of Science in Medicinal Chemistry
Required Courses
Medicinal Chemistry Requirements ---- ---- (51)
- CHEM 100 ---- ---- Introduction to the Profession ---- ---- 2
- CHEM 124 ---- ---- Principle of Chemistry I with Lab ---- ---- 4
- CHEM 125 ---- ---- Principle of Chemistry II with Lab ---- ---- 4
- CHEM 237 ---- ---- Organic Chemistry I ---- ---- 4
- CHEM 239 ---- ---- Organic Chemistry II ---- ---- 3
- CHEM 240 ---- ---- Organic Chemistry Lab ---- ---- 2
- CHEM 247 ---- ---- Analytical Chemistry ---- ---- 3
- CHEM 321 ---- ---- Instrumental Analysis ---- ---- 4
- CHEM 343 ---- ---- Physical Chemistry I ---- ---- 3
- CHEM 344 ---- ---- Physical Chemistry II ---- ---- 4
- CHEM 415 ---- ---- Inorganic Chemistry ---- ---- 3
- CHEM 434 ---- ---- Specifications of methods in Id and Analysis ---- ---- 4
- CHEM 456 ---- ---- Computational Biochemistry/Drug Design ---- ---- 3
- CHEM 463 ---- ---- Analytical Method Develop Lab ---- ---- 3
- CHEM 467 ---- ---- Medicinal Chemistry ---- ---- 3
- CHEM 485 ---- ---- Chemistry Colloquium ---- ---- 1
- CHEM 495 ---- ---- Seminar in Special Topics ---- ---- 1
Medicinal Chemistry Electives ---- ---- (6)
Select two courses from the following: ---- ---- 6
- CHEM 416 ---- ---- Advanced Chemistry Lab ---- ---- 3
- CHEM 452 ---- ---- Cheminformatics ---- ---- 3
- CHEM 455 ---- ---- Advanced Organic Chemistry ---- ---- 3
- CHEM 460 ---- ---- Bioanalytical Chemistry ---- ---- 3
- CHEM 461 ---- ---- Bioanalytical Chemistry Lab ---- ---- 3
- CHEM 473 ---- ---- Environmental Analytical Chem ---- ---- 3
- CHEM 476 ---- ---- Forensic Chemistry Laboratory ---- ---- 3
- CHEM 513 ---- ---- Chemometrics & Statistics ---- ---- 3
- CHEM 538 ---- ---- Physical Biochemistry ---- ---- 3
Biology Requirements (6-7)
- BIOL 107 ---- ---- Biology Lecture ---- ---- 3
or
- BIOL 115 ---- ---- Human Biology ---- ---- 3
- BIOL 401 ---- ---- Introductory Biochemistry ---- ---- 3-4
or
- BIOL 403 ---- ---- Biochemistry ---- ---- 3-4
Mathematics Requirements ---- ---- (18)
- MATH 151 ---- ---- Calculus I ---- ---- 5
- MATH 152 ---- ---- Calculus II ---- ---- 5
- MATH 251 ---- ---- Multivariate & Vector Calculus ---- ---- 4
- MATH 252 ---- ---- Introduction to Differential Equations ---- ---- 4
Physics Requirements ---- ---- (8)
- PHYS 123 ---- ---- General Physics I: Mechanics ---- ---- 4
- PHYS 221 ---- ---- General Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism ---- ---- 4
Computer Science Requirement ---- ---- (2)
- CS 105 ---- ---- Introduction to Computer Programming ---- ---- 2
or
- CS 110 ---- ---- Computing Principles ---- ---- 2
Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements ---- ---- (21)
See Illinois Tech Core Curriculum, sections B and C ---- ---- 21
Interprofessional Projects (IPRO) ---- ---- (6)
See Illinois Tech Core Curriculum, section E ---- ---- 6
Free Electives ---- ---- (9)
Select nine credit hours1 ---- ---- 9
Total Credit Hours ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- 127-128
1Suggested electives include BIOL 210, BIOL 445, BIOL 514, BIOL 527, BIOL 550, ITMD 521, ITMD 525, and ITMD 527.
Career Opportunities
Degrees in biochemistry and medicinal chemistry offer a wide range of career possibilities in addition to serving as a springboard to graduate-level education and careers in academia, such as:
- Biochemist
- Health care scientist
- Laboratory technician
- Molecular biologist
- Toxicologist
- Biotechnologist
- Chemical engineer
- Health care scientist
- Pharmacologist
- Research scientist