BA/BS in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology

Biochemistry emerged from biology and chemistry as a way to study biological molecules and to understand how their interactions give rise to living systems. Knowledge of this area is increasingly important for thinking critically about many weighty questions in science, medicine and civic policy. The program draws on both parent disciplines, so students build chemical understanding and apply it to cells and organisms. Imaging work from alumnae illustrates the research flavor of the field, such as microscopy that reveals the contractile protein actin and nuclear DNA inside developing muscle cells. Students learn laboratory technique, quantitative reasoning and scientific communication. The training prepares graduates for medicine, pharmacy, biotechnology, academic research and policy-oriented careers, and suits anyone who wants to see living processes explained in terms of molecular behavior.