Biochemistry

Students in this rapidly growing field apply biological and chemical theories and techniques to the understanding of life processes.

Student in a science lab

Biochemists find inspiration at the intersection of life and science

You'll explore concepts such as the determination of hereditary traits, utilization of energy, propagation of nerve signals, and the molecular basis of physiological and pharmacological phenomena.

Biochemists work in industries like agriculture, medical research, biotechnology and nutritional research. Our students go on to positions in research and industry, as well as graduate study in biochemistry, medicine, genetics and other related fields.

 

First Year

BIOL113 General Biology 4
OR
BIOL115 Advanced General Biology 4
BIOL221 Microbiology 4
CHEM113 General & Quantitative Chemistry I 4
OR
CHEM115 Intensive General Chemistry 4
CHEM216 General & Quantitative Chemistry II 4
MATH120 Calculus I 4

Sophomore Year

BIOL225 Cell Biology 4
CHEM224 Organic Chemistry I 4
CHEM225 Organic Chemistry II 4
PHYS114 Fundamentals of Physics I 4
PHYS115 Fundamentals of Physics II 4
MATH121 Calculus II 4
 

Junior Year

BIOL337 Molecular Biology 4
CHEM331 Thermodynamics & Kinetics 4
CHEM345 Biochemistry 4
A 300-level elective in biology or chemistry

Senior Year

Biochemistry majors do their independent study research in either biology or chemistry with a thesis and an oral defense.

A 300-level elective in biology or chemistry
CHEM355 Independent Study with Thesis 0
OR
BIOL350 Independent Laboratory Research 4

If registered for CHEM 355, biochemistry majors must also register for CHEM 390 Chemistry Seminar.

The biochemistry major combines aspects of chemistry and biology to prepare our students for careers and graduate study in science and technology. Your advisor will help you tailor a program of study that fits your interests and career goals. This might include a dual major, accelerated program or a complementary minor.

We believe that students need both theoretical and practical experience as preparation for biochemistry careers. Biochemistry majors do their independent study research either in chemistry with a thesis and an oral defense (CHEM 355) or in biology (BIOL 350). If registered for CHEM 355, biochemistry majors must also register for CHEM 390 Chemistry Seminar.

Recent senior theses in Biochemistry include:

  • Zun Zar Chi Naing '14
    "Transcranial Ultrasound-Optical Transmission Correlation"
  • Vera Alexandra Kirch '14
    "Analysis of Zcchc6 uridyltransferase activity on microRNA regulation and cytokine expression using TALEN and CRISPR-Cas9 systems"

 

Associate Professor of Chemistry and Physics Arpita Saha

Simmons Receives Award from NASA to Support Women and Minority STEM Students

This month, NASA awarded $5 million to women's colleges and universities to help increase the retention of women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. Associate Professor Arpita Saha, who specializes in synthetic chemistry and researches metal-based cancer drugs, was instrumental in crafting a bold, innovative vision to help Simmons obtain this award and address the gender gap in STEM.

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Headshot of Andrea Borges

Student Story

I always believed that Simmons University would be the perfect fit for me. When I first visited the campus for Orientation, the staff and faculty were very welcoming and made me feel like I was home.

Spotlight on Biochemistry Students and Alums

Headshots of the 2024 Senior Scholar Award winners

Congratulations to the 2024 Senior Scholars

The annual Senior Scholar Award is sponsored by the Provost's Office and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. The award recognizes six graduating seniors for their outstanding scholarship and contribution to a field of study.


A model of a Perfluorooctanoic acid molecule.

Associate Professor of Biology Eric Luth Co-Authors Scientific Article with Former Students

Neurobiologist Eric Luth recently co-authored a peer-reviewed article in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A (October 2021) with several of his students: Celine Breton ’21, Kaitlyn Kessel ’23, Ariel Robinson ’19, and Kainat Altaf ’22. The piece traces developmental abnormalities among worm populations after exposure to environmental contaminants.


A photo composite of the nine students in the Passionate Leaders Project 2023 cohort

Simmons Announces Passionate Leaders Project Scholars for Fall 2023

The Passionate Leaders Project supports Simmons undergraduates by enriching their academic & professional interests beyond the classroom. Students may request up to $4,000 to support their research, internships, and creative endeavors. This semester’s students produced research related to human rights, documentary film, healthcare access, therapeutic care databases, the neurodevelopment of fruit flies, Muslims’ experiences with healthcare in Boston, and software that supports Simmons’ food pantry.


Photo of Kadijah McClean

Kadijah McClean '24 Shares her Experience as a Doctors in Italy Fellow

Pre-med student Kadijah McClean spent a portion of last summer in Milan as a Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program participant. She spoke with us about her transformative experience working and traveling abroad. Tell us about the Doctors in Italy Fellowship...


Simmons University Main College Building

Passionate Leaders Project: Fall 2021 Cohort

The Passionate Leaders Project supports undergraduate students seeking to enrich their academic and professional interests by funding learning opportunities beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom. Learn what the Fall 2021 Cohort is up to!


Emma Harrison, student pursuing BS in biochemistry

Emma Harrison ’22 Strengthens Passion for STEM Through Learning Community

For Emma Harrison '22, the lessons she gained through her PLAN courses are endless. From gaining a deeper understanding of Boston to informing her career path, Emma is excited to take these lessons and make a positive impact.


From top left: Catherine Cox '23, Brianna Desharnais '22, Julia Hart '21, Lauren Howard '22, Evangeline Kennedy '21, Irmana Monem '21, and Graciella Rios Ortega '21

Passionate Leaders Project: Spring 2021 Cohort

The Passionate Leaders Project supports undergraduate students seeking to enrich their academic and professional interests by funding learning opportunities beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom. Learn what the Spring 2021 cohort is up to!


Headshot of Annie Chen

Annie Chen '21 Receives Prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to University of Edinburgh

Simmons University is excited to announce that Annie Chen '21 has been selected for a one-year Master of Science (MSc) in Quantitative Genetics and Genome Analysis at the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom.