Chemical biology and biochemistry use chemical insight, techniques, and tools to study or manipulate biological systems. They are the cornerstones of medical technology and therapeutics.

To provide students with training in modern principles at a chemistry-biology interface, Vanderbilt's interdisciplinary major in Biochemistry & Chemical Biology incorporates expertise from multiple departments in the University. Students receive a broad background in the natural sciences (chemistry, biology, physics) and mathematics, followed by fundamental core training in principles of biochemistry and chemical biology that involves both theoretical and laboratory coursework. Students then pursue an area of emphasis in either Biochemistry or Chemical Biology through upper-level elective courses. Students participate in independent research in laboratories of biochemistry and chemical biology faculty.