Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry Degree

The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry degree program at Mount Union is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) Committee. This program contributes to high-impact research and lays the groundwork for a remarkable career in areas like biotechnology, molecular biology, pharmacology, and other health and medical sciences.

Foundation in Experiential Learning

The program provides a foundation in experiential learning, where students interrogate the composition of living things, analyze the chemical combinations and reactions of life processes, and expand their understanding of life in its most essential forms. Through real-world research and lab-based classroom learning, students become fluent in essential topics like organic and inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, metabolism, nutrition, pharmacology, physics, and calculus.

Curriculum

The 120-credit biochemistry major involves 61 major-specific credits in small class sizes and additional expertise from the wide-reaching integrative core, extracurricular internship opportunities, network of industry professionals, and a culminating senior research project.

Biochemistry Curriculum

The biochemistry curriculum engages students in thorny questions and paradigm-shifting discoveries. Students examine the molecular basis of life processes in society with a focus on applications in the life sciences. The curriculum includes in-depth study of biology and inorganic, analytical, organic, and physical chemistry, exploring chemical substances, processes, and reactions that occur in living organisms.

Experiential Learning and Student Organizations

The program offers ample opportunities for real-world experience beyond the classroom, including:

• Laboratory experience, where students gain valuable laboratory experience in wet chemical analysis, characterization of the properties of various molecules, instrumentation, synthesis of molecules, and development of techniques and skills.
• Hands-on undergraduate research, where students collaborate with faculty on topics like development of synthetic schemes, study of diet and exercise, synthesis of novel inorganic compounds, computational studies, and green chemistry synthetic schemes.
• Internships, where students gain hands-on experience in workplaces and research facilities to enhance their employability post-graduation.
• Student organizations, where students collaborate with peers, gain practice in the field, network with professionals, and seize leadership opportunities through Mount Union's biochemistry-related student organizations, such as the American Chemical Society and Alembroic Society.

Careers

The biochemistry major prepares students for a growing need in society, with employment of biochemists and biophysicists expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations. Median pay in this field is over $103,000 per year. Recent employers of Mount Union biochemistry graduates include Nalco, Smith Ambulance, McGean-Rohco, Amgen, and The Scripps Research Institute. Common careers for biochemistry majors include pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, genomics, proteomics, medicine, allied health, physician assistant studies, and physical therapy.

Facilities and Equipment

The program utilizes the Bracy Hall of Science, which provides access to top-of-the-line instruments, computer resources, library books, and journals. Facilities and equipment include:

• Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FT-LR)
• Plate Readers
• Gas Chromatograph (GC)
• Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS)
• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
• Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AA)
• Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometer (UV-VIS)
• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer (NMR)

Undergraduate Research with Faculty

The program offers opportunities for undergraduate research with faculty, allowing students to enhance their learning and broaden their academic prospects through collaborations on various topics.

Early Assurance Pathways

Mount Union offers early assurance pathways for physician assistant studies, physical therapy, and medical school, providing current and future undergraduate students with opportunities for advanced study and career development.