Chemistry & Biochemistry
Dive into discovery.
Through hands-on experiments, close faculty mentorship, and cutting-edge facilities, Chemistry and Biochemistry students build powerful scientific skills, tackle real research questions, and graduate ready to lead in science, health, and industry.
Jordan Katz
,Associate Professor, Chair of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Yadi Collins
,Academic Administrative Assistant
What you’ll study as a biochemistry/chemistry major
Explore how atoms come together to create everything from medicines, engineered materials, and biological systems. You’ll learn why reactions happen, how energy drives change, and how scientists actually see chemistry at the molecular level using powerful modern instruments.
Explore the molecular structures and systems that make up our world
See the invisible world of molecules come alive. Through engaging classes, hands-on labs, and research experiences, you’ll uncover how bonding, molecular structure, and energy drive chemical reactions that shape technology, medicine, and life itself.
Establish your scientific foundation
Build the mindset of a scientist. From your very first chemistry course, you’ll analyze your own data, design experiments, and tackle complex problems while strengthening communication, teamwork, and leadership — skills that power success in science and beyond.
Compound your knowledge
Dive deeper into chemistry. Advanced courses explore current research on cutting-edge materials, advanced synthesis, and the chemistry of life, revealing how thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and kinetics inform molecular behavior.
Why is biochemistry/chemistry exceptional at Denison?
Premier science labs and instrumentation
Work directly with research-grade instruments. Students operate advanced instruments themselves: from UV-visible and IR spectroscopy to a 400-MHz NMR spectrometer, a powder X-ray diffractometer, and a scanning electron microscope, collecting their own data in laboratory courses and research.
Genuine research opportunities: early and often!
Discovery starts early. More than 80% of majors conduct original research with faculty mentors through directed studies, Summer Scholar projects, or a year-long senior research experience. Students design and execute experiments to contribute to impactful scientific knowledge.
Exceptional preparation for medical, professional, and graduate programs
Launch your future in medicine, research, and beyond. Personalized advising, strong internship opportunities, deep alumni connections, and dedicated health-profession support help you build the knowledge, confidence, and professional skills needed to thrive in top graduate and medical programs.
Jobs as a chemistry/biochemistry major
A chemistry or biochemistry degree will prepare you to work as a doctor, pharmacist, clinician, chemist, researcher, and more. See where our grads have landed.
Career communities
Chemistry and biochemistry majors often join one or more of our career communities. Discover potential jobs and career paths in one of our career communities, like our Technology, Data, & Science career community. Denison’s Pre-Health faculty advisor can assist majors who are interested in careers in medicine and health care.
Career Exploration
Through the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration and its training center, Denison Edge, career coaches help you prepare for the next step after college, and industry experts help you acquire specialized skills and certifications.
Beyond the Classroom
Internships
Explore career paths through an internship (or two!). Denison chemistry and biochemistry majors have interned with Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Owens Corning, Medtronic, Streck, and more.
Study Abroad
Chemistry and Biochemistry majors have multiple options to study abroad. Discuss your goals early with your academic advisor and determine how to plan your courses. Take advantage of opportunities to enhance your international perspective and build your career network. Conduct research on a traditional semester abroad or do a summer internship in another country.
Summer Scholars
Delve into independent research through our Summer Scholars program. All Summer Scholars receive a stipend and a housing allowance plus supplemental funds for research expenses.
What's Happening
University News
Symposiums highlight Summer Scholars’ research, artistry
University News
Francesca Gunn ’25 honored with the Kussmaul Award
Awards & Honors
Abigail Engler ’25 awarded Barry Goldwater Scholarship
More From Denison
Denison Seminars
Denison Seminars
Study Abroad
Study Abroad
Living at Denison
Living at Denison
Career Exploration
Career Exploration