Biochemistry

Undergraduate

Biochemistry is the study of reactions that underpin the living system. These include the vital metabolic reactions that provide cells with energy to perform myriad activities and functions, and the biosynthetic reactions that enable cells to renew, repair, grow, and divide.

Program Overview

The major in biochemistry is intended to provide a strong background in the fundamentals of both biology and chemistry and to develop an awareness of the unique principles of biochemistry.

The linkage of biochemistry with molecular biology for the past 30 years has brought revolutionary advances in our understanding of the living world, the human organism, disease etiology, and medicine.

The interdisciplinary major in biochemistry offers a rigorous course of study that builds on two years of fundamental course work in biology and chemistry. With this broad preparation, you will engage with biochemistry and molecular biology at a very high level, allowing you to integrate your knowledge in molecular and cellular biology, and to think and address issues occurring at the forefront of the biochemical/biomedical sciences. Majors are also encouraged to participate in academic-year and/or summer research and majors usually have more than one research internship experience before graduation.

Of the 15 graduates biochemistry has averaged each year, typically one-third goes to medical school and one-third to graduate school directly after graduation. The remaining one-third work in biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries, conduct research in a university lab before returning to school for higher degree training, or work in allied professions such as patent law, science education, health care consulting, and investment banking.

Community Voices

Spotlight on Biochemistry students and alums

Courses and Requirements

Learning Goals

Knowledge-Based Learning Goals

  • Use energy, kinetics, and thermodynamics to develop a quantitative and mechanistic view of biological systems.
  • Explain the structures, functions, and interactions of biomolecules.
  • Describe the flow of information within a cell and between cells.
  • Use chemical and biological logic to interpret metabolic pathways and their regulation.
  • Apply biochemical knowledge to human health, technology, and society.

Skill-Based Learning Goals

  • Employ responsible and ethical practices in data collection and analysis, reporting, and attribution.
  • Critically evaluate primary scientific literature.
  • Interpret and critically analyze data.
  • Design and conduct independent experiments in biochemistry, using modern instrumentation.
  • Effectively communicate scientific information in oral, written and visual formats to scientific and broader audiences.
  • Collaborate to pursue common goals.
  • Assess safety concerns in the laboratory and employ best practices.

Contact us

The Biochemistry Program helps students build on a background in the fundamentals of both biology and chemistry and to develop an awareness of the unique principles of biochemistry.

Julia Kerns
  • Academic Department Coordinator

Next steps

Apply to Mount Holyoke

Mount Holyoke seeks intellectually curious applicants who understand the value of a liberal arts education and are driven by a love of learning. As a women's college that is gender diverse, we welcome applications from female, trans and non-binary students.

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