Biochemistry
High Point University > Biochemistry
Biochemistry at High Point University
In the Wanek School of Natural Sciences, biochemistry student scientists are encouraged to engage within and beyond the sciences to develop critical thinking and the ability to access and analyze information and ideas across disciplines.

Students have presented research at the ACS Meeting, SERMACS, Big South Undergraduate Research Symposium, and participated in the National Science Foundation sponsored Research Experiences for Undergraduate Summer Internships.
Wanek School of Natural Sciences
Wanek School of Natural Sciences
One University Parkway, High Point, NC 27268
Related Majors & Minors Ready to Apply Campus Map
(800) 345-6993
Daily from 8:00am — 5:00pm
Faculty & Staff
240905 Todd Knippenberg Headshot Faculty High Point University
Michael Knippenberg
Chair and Associate Professor, Chemistry
240809 Grace Hamilton Headshot Faculty High Point University
Grace Hamilton
Assistant Professor of Chemistry; Principal Investigator, Hamilton Lab
220111 Kelsey Kean 001
Kelsey Kean
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
170829 Heather Miller 002ed
Heather Miller
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Holistic Learning

The Department of Chemistry at HPU believes that new knowledge in the chemical sciences is only generated in the laboratory through research. Top programs of undergraduate education in chemistry utilize undergraduate research as the vehicle for the preparation of chemistry majors who not only attend highly competitive graduate and professional programs, but also are sought by these programs. The expectation is that the majority of graduates with this degree will attend graduate school in the chemical sciences or closely-aligned fields.

Course Requirements 2024/2025
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Degree Requirements Credits
Major Requirements 67
University Core Requirements 36-44
Electives 17-25
Total 128
Requirements for B.S. in Biochemistry
Requirements for B.S. in Biochemistry
Course Course Title Credits
CHM 1010 or CHM 1510 General Chemistry I or General Chemistry I, Majors 3
CHM 1011 or CHM 1511 General Chemistry I Laboratory or General Chemistry I Laboratory, Majors 1
CHM 1020 or CHM 1520 General Chemistry II or General Chemistry II, Majors 3
CHM 1021 or CHM 1521 General Chemistry II Laboratory or General Chemistry II Laboratory, Majors 1
CHM 2010 Organic Chemistry I 3
CHM 2511 Organic Chemistry I Laboratory, Majors 1
CHM 2020 Organic Chemistry II 3
CHM 2521 Organic Chemistry II Laboratory, Majors 1
CHM/BCH 2990 Research & Writing in Chemistry/ Biochemistry 3
CHM 3030 Quantitative Analysis 4
BCH 3510 Biochemistry I, Majors 3
BCH 3511 Biochemistry Laboratory 1
BCH 3520 Biochemistry II, Majors 3
CHM 4010 Elements of Physical Chemistry 3
CHM 4011 Laboratory in Physical Chemistry 1
CHM 4990 Seminar in Chemistry and Biochemistry 1
CHM 311X Advanced Topics Laboratory 4
CHM/BCH 3881/4881 Special Topics in Chemistry or Biochemistry 4
BIO 1500 Principles of Cell Biology 4
BIO 2001 Principles of Genetics 4
MTH 1410 Calculus I 4
MTH 1420 Calculus II 4
PHY 2010 Fundamentals of Physics I 1
PHY 2020 Fundamentals of Physics II 1
Course Descriptions
Career Opportunities
Students in the chemistry and biochemistry programs at High Point University have gone on to many wonderful careers after college. The interdisciplinary nature of the subject has led to outcomes as diverse as criminology to prenatal screening, agriculture to cosmetics, and home healthcare diagnostics to tailored drug therapies. The number of jobs for chemists is 96,200. Median pay for all occupations: $34,750. Median pay for chemist is $73,060. Students with degrees in chemistry or biochemistry currently have careers as/in:
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  • Chemical Engineers
  • Crystallography
  • Industrial Management
  • Laboratory Management
  • Pharmaceutical Sales
  • Public Health Consultant
  • Chemical Health and Safety Manager
  • Toxicologist
  • Hazardous Waste Management
  • Regulatory Affairs
  • Human Resources
  • Forensic Chemist
  • University Instructor
  • High School Chemistry Teacher
Student Outcomes

HPU graduates are leading prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs, public school systems, top-tier law, medical and graduate school programs, and many other…

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Mikaela Seemann

  With another Commencement behind us, High Point University graduates will be commencing prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs, public school systems, top-tier…

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Elizabeth Riser

  With another Commencement behind us, High Point University graduates will be commencing prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs, public school systems, top-tier…

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Matt Waibel

With another Commencement quickly approaching, High Point University graduates will be commencing prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs, public school systems, top-tier law,…

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Grayson Norris

With Commencement just around the corner, future High Point University graduates are already preparing to commence prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs, public…

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Although commencement is just around the corner, High Point University graduates are already preparing to commence prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs, public…

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Name: Rebecca Ulrich Hometown: Troutman, North Carolina Major: Ulrich will graduate on May 5 with a B.S. in Biochemistry and a minor in Physics. Post-graduation plans: After being accepted to eight graduate…

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With another successful commencement behind us, recent High Point University graduates are preparing to commence prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs, public school…

Read full story

With a successful 2014 Commencement Ceremony behind us, recent High Point University graduates are preparing to commence prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs,…

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  • Chemical Engineers
  • Crystallography
  • Industrial Management
  • Laboratory Management
  • Pharmaceutical Sales
  • Public Health Consultant
  • Chemical Health and Safety Manager
  • Toxicologist
  • Hazardous Waste Management
  • Regulatory Affairs
  • Human Resources
  • Forensic Chemist
  • University Instructor
  • High School Chemistry Teacher
Keep Reading
Summer Undergraduate Research Program
SuRPS will provide an opportunity for faculty mentors and students to work together on undergraduate research projects for eight weeks at HPU.
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Instrumentation
The Department of Chemistry at HPU has partnered with Shimadzu Scientific Instruments to provide state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation.
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Faculty Research Interests
Here is a sampling of the research interests in the Department of Chemistry.
Faculty Research Interests
Biochemistry In The News
HPU Students Plant Oak Trees on Greenway That Passes Through Cam...
Awards and Honors: September 2025
HPU Students Present Impressive Summer Research
Research and Innovation: July 2025
HPU Students Conduct Compelling Summer Research with Faculty
Research and Innovation: May 2025
HPU Recognizes 16 Students as Extraordinary Leaders
Research and Innovation: November 2024
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