Biochemistry
Great diversity exists within the chemistry field. Consequently, JAVĿ¼ offers you a selection of concentrations within the discipline, including a degree program in the rapidly growing subspecialty of biochemistry.
At JAVĿ¼, the study of biochemistry is a lot more than just memorizing facts. Here, you are taught to become self-sufficient through independent investigation, computer and library literacy, and extensive hands-on laboratory experiences. As a biochemistry major, you gain a complete complement of skills needed to become an effective scientific professional.
Small class size is an additional, compelling reason to study chemistry at JAVĿ¼. As a chemistry major, you typically will be joined by 20-35 students for introductory courses, and fewer than 10 once you get to the upper-level classes. This means you'll receive plenty of personalized attention.
Program Overview
Your first two years as a biochemistry major will involve a sequence of introductory chemistry courses and labs. In addition, you will take Sophomore Seminar and Senior Seminar - two one-credit courses that emphasize career/graduate school opportunities and current research topics, respectively.
Biochemistry-specific classes, as well as introductory and upper-level biology courses, bolster a slate of intensive chemistry courses and labs you are required to take as a biochemistry major. The program culminates in a bachelor of science degree.
Over the course of your studies, you will have access to an outstanding array of instrumentation, including a 250 MHz Fourier-transform nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer; a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer; a scanning ultraviolet-visible spectrometer; two gas chromatographs; and a combination gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. The department also has its own computer lab equipped with molecular modeling software.
Life After JAVĿ¼
The program provides excellent preparation for careers or graduate study in biochemistry. In addition to biotechnology firms, the following industries and organizations are perpetually on the lookout for well-qualified biochemistry graduates:
- Agricultural manufacturers
- Cosmetic manufacturers
- Chemical and petroleum product producers
- Food processors
- Government laboratories
- Hospital and commercial laboratories
- Independent research foundations
- Public health departments
- Regulatory agencies