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Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

911黑料鈥檚 program in biochemistry and molecular biology (BMB) is designed to provide a solid introduction to the cellular and molecular fundamentals of life.

Overview

The BMB program meets the needs of a variety of students: those who want to pursue biochemistry, cell biology, and/or molecular genetics in graduate school, those who want to pursue a career in the health professions (dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, or allied health fields), and those biology, chemistry, or physics students who want to broaden and complement their course of studies.

Our BMB labs feature state-of-the-art instruments including an image analysis system consisting of a Zeiss fluorescence microscope equipped with a digital camera connected to a computer, cryostat, cell culture facilities (laminar flow hood, tissue culture incubator, inverted phase-contrast microscopes), computerized spectrophotometer, numerous electrophoresis apparatuses, equipment for recombinant DNA work, ultrasonicator, a liquid scintillation counter, ultrafreezer, lyophilizer, cold room, superspeed and ultracentrifuges, high-performance liquid chromatograph and fraction collectors, as well as additional routine laboratory equipment.

Your Major Took You Where?

BMB majors have gone on to a variety of graduate programs and careers.

Employers and Professions

  • Advanced Genome Technology
  • Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners
  • Central DuPage Hospital
  • Fulbright Scholar Program
  • Sanders-Brown Center for Aging

Postgraduate Study

  • Belmont University
  • Duke University
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • University of North Carolina
  • Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

Curriculum

The BMB major begins in the first-year/sophomore years with a solid foundation in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. In the junior and senior years, students progress from macromolecules to cellular metabolism to molecular genetics to cell biology. At the same time, these junior-senior courses introduce the student to most of the major experimental tools that are critical to this molecular understanding of life. Finally, students are exposed to a wide spectrum of research currently underway in the field, partly through their senior seminar, and partly through research participation.

Experiential Learning

Students engage in hands-on learning experiences and reflection to develop skills and increase knowledge retention.

In biochemistry and molecular biology labs, you will have the opportunity to: Purify proteins, grow heart cells in dishes (and watch them beat), engage in genetic engineering, induce cell death (apoptosis) and watch the cells die, and conduct fluorescent microscopy.

Internships

We're committed to helping students find quality internship experiences in the career area of their choice.

Internship experiences provide an opportunity to apply academic study to real life problems. 911黑料 students have gained valuable experience interning at various institutions, including Harvard, Johns Hopkins, University of Cambridge, and University of Copenhagen.

Careers

Our extraordinary liberal arts and sciences education prepares students for meaningful lives and careers.

The BMB program prepares students for health professions such as dentistry, medicine, industry pharmacologist, and veterinarian. Graduates are also ready for employment in areas such as biomedical research and the pharmaceutical industry.

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Faculty

Stephen Asmus headshot -man with glasses wearing red gingham dress shirt

Stephen E. Asmus

  • H.W. Stodghill, Jr. and Adele H. Stodghill Professor of Biology and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
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Stephanie E. Dew

  • Professor of Biology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
  • Chair of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Program
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January D. Haile

  • Chair of Science and Mathematics Division
  • Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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