Biochemistry

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

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

BIOL 113	General Biology	4
	OR
BIOL 115	Advanced General Biology	4
BIOL 221	Microbiology	4
CHEM 113	General & Quantitative Chemistry I	4
	OR
CHEM 115	Intensive General Chemistry	4
CHEM 216	General & Quantitative Chemistry II	4
MATH 120	Calculus I	4

Sophomore Year

BIOL 225	Cell Biology	4
CHEM 224	Organic Chemistry I	4
CHEM 225	Organic Chemistry II	4
PHYS 114	Fundamentals of Physics I	4
PHYS 115	Fundamentals of Physics II	4
MATH 121	Calculus II	4

Junior Year

BIOL 337	Molecular Biology	4
CHEM 331	Thermodynamics & Kinetics	4
CHEM 345	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
CHEM 355	Independent Study with Thesis	0
	OR
BIOL 350	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"

So you know that Simmons is a great place to be, you've learned about our programs, maybe even come for a visit...now you're ready to apply! Let's get started.

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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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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.

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