1. Academics
  2. Find Your Program
  3. Chemistry and Biochemistry

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Chemistry and biochemistry at Rio provides a stimulating and positive environment for the discovery, integration, and communication of chemistry and biology.

biochemistry student does test in lab

Program Overview

Whether your goal is a career in the chemical or biochemical sciences or the pursuit of graduate or professional studies, students are prepared for future endeavors by rigorous intellectual stimulation, the development of practical laboratory skills, and the provision of opportunities for scholarly research. This environment of intellectual inquiry and professional growth is supported by the faculty’s commitment to teaching, research, and service, and is underscored by following the guidelines of the American Chemical Society as well as the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 


Potential Jobs

  • Forensic science technician
  • Chemical engineer
  • Biochemical engineer
  • Pharmaceutical Chemist 
  • Physician 

Speak with Admissions

Whether your goal is a 2-year, 4-year, or plans for a medical degree, our Admissions staff can introduce you to a pathway to meet your goals.  

Admissions

Biochemistry & Chemistry Degrees

Biochemistry (Bachelor)

  • Bachelor's Program

Program Overview

Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate problem-solving skills to provide solutions to theoretical and experimental problems in chemistry and biochemistry.
  2. Apply the foundational concepts of biochemistry: energy & matter transformation, macromolecular structure & function, and biological information.
  3. Utilize various measuring techniques in the laboratory to perform accurate and precise quantitative measurements.
  4. Effectively interpret and communicate experimental results.
  5. Utilize computers to support the learning and practice of chemistry and biochemistry (data acquisition and analysis, access to information, preparation of reports, and molecular modeling and bioinformatics).
  6. Explain the relevance of chemistry and biochemistry to other fields and society.
  7. Demonstrate scientific literacy and professional ethics.
     

Sample Courses

  • BIO 30304 Microbiology
  • BIO 34403 Intro to Biochemistry 
  • BIO 34501 Biochemistry Laboratory 
  • BIO 36404 Genetics

All Course Requirements

Degree or Certificate
  • Bachelor of Science
Campus Location
  • Rio Grande Main Campus
College or School
  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • School of Liberal Arts & Social Science
Modality
Modality tells you whether this program is in-person, online, or hybrid.
  • All courses required in-person
Total Credit Hours
120

Chemistry (Associate)

  • Associate's Program

Program Overview

Learning Outcomes

  1. Apply fundamental concepts from general and organic chemistries.
  2. Utilize various measuring techniques in the laboratory to perform accurate and precise quantitative measurements.
  3. Effectively interpret and communicate experimental results.
  4. Utilize computers to support the learning and practice of chemistry (data acquisition and analysis, access to information, preparation of reports, and molecular modeling).
  5. Explain the relevance of chemistry to other fields and society.
  6. Demonstrate scientific literacy and professional ethics.
     

Sample Courses

  • CHM 15505 General Chemistry II    
  • MTH 15204 Calculus II    
  • BIO 12204 Biology II    
  • CHM 26202 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I     
  • CHM 26303 Organic Chemistry Theory I 


All Course Requirements

Degree or Certificate
  • Associate of Science
Campus Location
  • Rio Grande Main Campus
College or School
  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • School of Liberal Arts & Social Science
Modality
Modality tells you whether this program is in-person, online, or hybrid.
  • All courses required in-person
Total Credit Hours
62
Kidd Math and Science Building
Facilities

Kidd Math & Science Center

The Kidd Math/Science opened in 1985. With an award-winning masonry design, the center’s front doors open to a glass atrium with live plants & a trickling pond. A spacious lobby follows with comfortable studying facilities. The center houses three large chemistry labs, three biology labs, one physics lab, one computer lab, lecture rooms, faculty offices and a large bent glass greenhouse that enhances the view of campus. McKenzie Hall opened in 1997 providing math/ science students, along with the nursing students, two large lecture halls, a variety of lecture rooms, an anatomy lab, three computer labs, faculty offices and a conference room with a beautiful view of campus and the surrounding landscape.