Biochemistry

BS BIOCHEMISTRY

The Biochemistry Major (Efffective Spring 2008)

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Biochemistry is the study of living organisms at the molecular level.  Recent decades have witnessed dramatic advances in this constantly growing field.  Deeper understanding of the molecular basis of life has resulted in the rise of biotechnology companies, the advent of cloning techniques, DNA synthesis and amplification, new drug production, DNA fingerprinting and a molecular understanding of many diseases.  Increasingly an understanding of modern life, and some of the associated medical-ethical questions that are inevitably being raised, will depend on education in this area.

 A major in biochemistry provides the necessary background for work or further study in a number of fields.  These include

  • Biotechnology
  • Plant biology
  • Nutrition
  • Forensics
  • Medical research
  • Medical school and other health professional areas
Lab

Program Objectives

Biochemistry program objectives are consistent with those of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, (ASBMB):

 

  1. Content Areas: Students who complete the biochemistry program will have an understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry and biology and the key principles of biochemistry and molecular biology.  Specifically, they will be able to:
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of the physical/chemical principles that provide significant insight into the functioning of living systems.
    2. Draw the chemical structures and explain the chemical/physical/biological properties of biopolymers (proteins, DNA and RNA) and their building blocks.
    3. Memorize and critically analyze the principal biosynthetic (anabolic) and energy-producing (metabolic) pathways of living organisms.
    4. Demonstrate an understanding of the connections between biological systems and the molecular structures of their constituent parts, with an emphasis on proteins, enzymes, DNA and RNA.
  2. Laboratory Techniques: Students who complete the biochemistry program will have competency in key laboratory techniques used in the field of biochemistry to prove the structure of biopolymers.  Specifically, they will be able to:
    1. Perform laboratory techniques involving spectrophotometry such as UV/VIS, fluorescence, MS, and NMR spectroscopy.
    2. Perform laboratory techniques involving chromatography such as column (liquid) and gas chromatography.
    3. Perform electrophoretic techniques such as gel electrophoresis
    4. Peform laboratory techniques involving polymerase chain reactions (PCR).
  3. Acquired Skills: Students who complete the biochemistry program will acquire numerous skills.  Specifically, they will be able to:
    1. Critically assess primary papers in the field of biochemistry.
    2. Identify and discuss the major issues, including ethical issues, at the forefront of the discipline of biochemistry.
    3. Work safely and effectively in a laboratory.
    4. Use oral, written and visual presentations to present their work to both a science literate and a science non-literate audience.
    5. Use computers as information and research tools, including data acquisition and statistical analysis.