Chemical Biology

Chemical Biology is becoming an increasingly important field in medical research, pharmacology, and biotechnology. This major combines principles of chemistry and biology to address issues related to health, the environment, and drug development. Let’s explore why the Chemical Biology major is attracting so much attention from students and the career opportunities it offers!

Major Introduction

Chemical Biology is an emerging interdisciplinary field that integrates chemistry with biology and medicine. The program aims to cultivate high-quality talents with a solid foundation in chemistry and biology, as well as broad knowledge in the interdisciplinary field of chemical biology. 

Students will master chemical and related biological experimental skills, equipping them with the fundamental abilities to engage in scientific research in chemical biology, with a strong innovation awareness and high overall competence.

Graduates are expected to be competent in research and management in fields such as chemistry, biology, and biopharmaceutical technology. They can also continue their studies in the fields of chemistry, life sciences, biotechnology, and biopharmaceutical technology.

Training Objectives

This program aims to cultivate professionals with the following abilities:

• A solid foundation in chemistry and biology, along with in-depth and systematic interdisciplinary knowledge in chemistry and biology, particularly in biopharmaceuticals and environmental biology and chemistry.

• Mastery of chemical biology-related experimental skills and product/process development abilities.

• Strong humanistic literacy and a strong sense of social responsibility.

• Ability to adapt to future career and social developments, and to work in fields such as biopharmaceuticals, chemical engineering, materials science, environmental protection, food science, and product inspection.

Graduates will also possess a sound character and good scientific and cultural literacy, adhere to professional ethics, and have a strong sense of social responsibility. Additionally, they will have solid professional skills and the ability to address issues in biopharmaceuticals, environmental biology and chemistry, and interdisciplinary fields.

Graduation Requirements

Students of this program will study the theoretical foundations of chemical biology and chemistry, and biology. They will receive basic training in chemistry and biology experiments, and enterprise practice, mastering fundamental laboratory skills in chemistry and biology as well as developing the ability to innovate. Specifically, graduates will gain knowledge and abilities in the following areas:

1. A firm socialist political stance and values, supporting the leadership of the Communist Party of China, and loving their country.

2. Mastery of the basic theories and knowledge of chemistry, biology, and the interdisciplinary fields of chemical biology.

3. Mastery of basic laboratory skills in chemistry and biology.

4. An understanding of the history, cutting-edge developments, and trends in chemistry and biology.

5. Mastery of related subjects such as mathematics and physics, which are necessary for the program.

6. An initial understanding of basic methods for designing, developing, testing, and producing chemical/biological products or drugs, with the ability to discover, analyze, and solve related problems.

7. Knowledge of the basic laws and regulations in China, with strong awareness of safety, environmental protection, and sustainable development.

8. Necessary computer and information technology knowledge and skills to acquire, process, and use information in chemistry, biology, and related fields.

9. Basic proficiency in a foreign language, enabling basic daily communication and reading and writing.

10. Strong humanities literacy, psychological resilience, and healthy physical fitness.

11. Strong learning, expression, communication, coordination, and teamwork abilities, along with the initial capacity for self-learning, lifelong learning, and self-development to adapt to future developments in the economy, society, and science and technology.

Core Courses

• Inorganic Chemistry

• Analytical Chemistry

• Organic Chemistry

• Physical Chemistry

• Basic Chemical Engineering and Chemical Engineering Drawing

• General Biology

• Fundamentals of Genetics

• Microbiology

• Cell Biology

• Biochemistry

• Basic Chemistry Laboratory

• General Biology Laboratory

• Genetics Laboratory

• Microbiology Laboratory

• Cell Biology Laboratory

• Biochemistry Laboratory

Research Directions in Chemical Biology

• Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design: Study the interaction between drug molecules and biological targets, design and synthesize new drugs.

• Chemical Biology Probes: Develop chemical probes and tools for biological marking, imaging, and diagnostics.

• Protein Chemistry: Explore the structure and function of proteins, study protein modifications and regulatory mechanisms.

• Metabolic Engineering and Synthetic Biology: Apply chemical methods to study metabolic pathways within organisms and design new pathways for the production of biofuels, drugs, etc.

• Biomolecular Interactions: Study the interactions between biomolecules, such as protein-protein, protein-DNA binding and regulation.

Degree Awarded

The undergraduate program in Chemical Biology is four years long. Graduates are awarded a Bachelor degree.

Career Development

Graduates from this program have a broad range of career prospects. They are well-suited for research and teaching positions in research institutions and higher education institutions. They can also work in fields such as chemistry, pharmacy, medicine, biochemical pharmaceuticals, bioengineering, inorganic materials, chemical engineering, light industry, energy, and more. Graduates can also work in factories, enterprises, or government departments, engaging in applied research, technological development, and management.

Graduates will find opportunities in various fields, including:

• Public Institutions: Research and teaching positions.

• Chemical Laboratories: Technicians/researchers.

• Graduate Studies: Further study in relevant fields.

• Drug Development: Research and development of pharmaceuticals.

• Quality Control/Testing: Laboratory testing.

• Biotechnology/Biopharmaceuticals: In bioengineering or biopharmaceutical companies.

Related Majors

• Chemistry

• Applied Chemistry

• Molecular Science and Engineering

• Energy Chemistry

• Chemical Measurement and Technology

• Resource Chemistry

Universities for Chemical Biology Program

1. Tsinghua University

2. Peking University

3. Xiamen University

4. Nankai University

5. Hunan University

6. Beihang University

7. Northwest University (Xi'an)

8. Beijing University of Technology

9. Northwest A&F University

10. Hebei University

11. Hubei University

12. Guizhou University

13. Tianjin University of Technology

14. South-Central University for Nationalities