Saint Louis University

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary degree integrates chemical principles, physical methods and molecular biology to explain how biological systems function at the molecular and cellular levels. You will follow a curriculum that blends foundational courses with specialised modules and sustained laboratory training.

• Foundations: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Introductory Physics, Calculus and Statistics to build the quantitative and chemical basis for molecular study.
• Molecular and Cellular Biology: Cell Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology and Developmental Biology covering core concepts of gene expression, cellular organisation and regulation.
• Biochemistry and Enzymology: Courses in biochemical structure and metabolism, enzyme kinetics, metabolic regulation and signalling pathways.
• Biophysics and Physical Methods: Modules applying physical chemistry and quantitative approaches to biological problems, including thermodynamics, spectroscopy, structural methods and single‑molecule techniques.
• Laboratory and Research Training: Progressive laboratory courses that teach modern molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis), protein purification and analysis, microscopy and instrumentation. Students are expected to undertake mentored research projects or a capstone thesis under faculty supervision.
• Computational and Quantitative Skills: Bioinformatics, data analysis and modelling classes that introduce sequence analysis, structural prediction and statistical approaches to experimental data.
• Electives and Special topics: Advanced options such as immunology, microbiology, neurobiology, drug discovery, synthetic biology and biotechnology policy allow customisation toward career goals.
• Seminars and Professional Development: Departmental seminars, ethics in science, scientific communication and opportunities for internships, industry collaborations and study abroad.

Structure

The programme combines core coursework, laboratory modules and a sustained research component. Early years emphasise foundational science and laboratory skills; later years focus on specialised electives, independent research or a capstone project and preparation for postgraduate pathways.

Entry requirements

Admission to Saint Louis University is competitive and based on a holistic review. Typical academic preparation for this programme includes:

• A secondary school diploma or equivalent with strong achievement in science and mathematics.
• Recommended preparatory subjects: high‑level Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics (calculus or algebra/trigonometry), and preferably Physics.
• Demonstrated laboratory experience from school coursework, summer programmes or extracurricular activities is advantageous.
• International applicants must present recognised secondary qualifications and evidence of English proficiency where applicable.
• Transfer students are considered with evaluation of college transcripts; prerequisite college courses in chemistry, biology and mathematics are typically expected.

Saint Louis University evaluates applications holistically and considers academic record, teacher recommendations, personal statements and extracurricular involvement. Standardised testing policies may vary; consult the university for current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a wide range of career paths in science and beyond. Common outcomes include:

• Research scientist positions in academic laboratories, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, working on drug discovery, molecular diagnostics, or protein engineering.
• Advanced study: many students proceed to PhD programmes in molecular biology, biochemistry or biophysics, or to professional degrees such as medicine, dentistry or pharmacy with strong preparation for research components.
• Industry roles in quality control, regulatory affairs, clinical trials, laboratory management and product development.
• Careers in bioinformatics and data science where molecular and quantitative skills are applied to large biological datasets.
• Science policy, patent law (with further legal training), scientific writing and communication, and education at secondary or tertiary levels.

Continuous engagement in undergraduate research, internships and networking through the university’s alumni and industry links enhances employability and graduate school readiness.

Why study at Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University is a research‑active, Jesuit institution that emphasises a liberal education alongside specialised scientific training. Students benefit from small class sizes, accessible faculty mentors and opportunities to join active research groups across biomedical and physical sciences.

• Undergraduate research focus: Many faculty-led labs welcome undergraduates for year‑round research and capstone projects, providing practical experience and publication opportunities.
• Strong pre‑health and career support: Dedicated advising and preparatory resources support students aiming for professional schools and health careers.
• Modern facilities and instrumentation: Teaching laboratories and core instrumentation enable hands‑on training in molecular techniques, microscopy and analytical methods.
• Interdisciplinary environment: Collaboration across chemistry, physics, biology and engineering departments allows students to tailor their studies to emerging areas such as structural biology, systems biology and biotechnology.
• Community and values: A campus culture that emphasises service, ethical leadership and global engagement complements scientific training and prepares graduates for responsible careers in science.