Established in 1978, the Bachelor of Science in Chemical Biology program was the first undergraduate program of its kind. Chemical biology is the application of chemistry to the understanding and utilization of biological phenomena. Chemical biology represents an approach to understanding biology through the underlying chemical interactions of biological macromolecules and provides students with the essential tools to reveal the logic of how biological systems operate as well as engineer changes in those systems.

The program offers a complete education in chemistry with additional computational and physics training to ensure a solid foundation in quantitative physical sciences. It also includes a set of biology courses that introduce the key elements of cellular, molecular, and physiological biology. It launches students into careers in chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, forensic science, medicine, or biology.  With this degree program, students gain the training necessary for admission to professional schools in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or other health professions as well as graduate school.

The Bachelor of Science in Chemical Biology program can be certified in Chemistry by the American Chemical Society (ACS) if course is taken as a general or technical elective during the program.

The objectives of the chemistry program are to prepare students such that, within several years of graduation, they will:

• Be able to create and evaluate scientific solutions to important chemical, biotechnology, healthcare, and environmental problems and articulate their anticipated societal impact.  

• Be able to work collaboratively with peers from a variety of cultural and scientific backgrounds and to promote an inclusive and supportive professional environment. 

• Become life-long learners from the perspectives of furthering career advancement, embracing technology, and generating societal impact.

Student Outcomes

1. Apply knowledge of chemistry, biology, math, physics and computational methods to investigate and evaluate problems in chemical and biological systems to create innovative solutions (Scientific Foundations)

2. Apply modern techniques in biology and chemistry to characterize the structure and function of molecules to explain and predict biological, chemical, and physical properties and their impact on biochemical systems (Technical Foundations)

3. Employ an inquiry-based approach to science to form and articulate testable hypothesis, to design and conduct experiments with current chemical and biological techniques particularly in the context of human health and the conservation of the environment (Experimentation)

4. Examine, analyze, and critique primary chemical and biological literature (Critical Thinking)

5. Communicate and articulate scientific ideas effectively both in writing and orally (Scientific Communication)
   

6. Work effectively as a leader or member of a multidisciplinary team creating an inclusive and supportive environment (Teamwork, Leadership, and Inclusiveness)

7. Conduct basic and applied scientific research in an ethical and professional manner (Professionalism)
   

8. Develop innovative ideas using knowledge in chemical and biological sciences for societal impact (Innovation)

9. Recognize the impact of chemical and biological research in our society, and understand how policy decisions are shaped by new scientific discoveries (Societal Issues)

Accelerated Chemical Biology Program

The Combined B.S.-M.D. Program is an opportunity to earn the B.S. degree in Chemical Biology at Stevens and the M.D. degree at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) in a total of seven years. If you are a high school senior who has demonstrated academic excellence, in the top 10% of your class, with a combined SAT score of at least 1400 and a promise for a career in medicine, you can be considered for the B.S.-M.D. program. Admission to this program is highly competitive, and an interview at both Stevens and the medical school is required. If accepted to this program, you must complete three years in the Accelerated Chemical Biology program with a GPA of at least 3.50, grades in all of the premed courses at least B (not B-) or above, and you take the MCAT exam. Normally, you would take the MCAT exam your junior year at Stevens (3rd year) and submit to NJMS for approval. Stevens awards the B.S. degree upon successful completion of the first year of medical studies.