The Department offers a selection of courses as General Education and encourages students in other majors to pursue a minor in the Natural Sciences. The program is structured to provide interdisciplinary study in the Natural Sciences and to promote interaction among faculty and students in all fields. The biochemistry major aims to provide students with the breadth of knowledge and strong skills necessary for careers in biochemistry. Students develop a portfolio of their work that assists them in making the connections across the disciplines and in gradually increasing their problem solving and thinking abilities as they progress through the program. The faculty in the Department works closely with each student, in course work and as advisors, to help each student reach his or her potential.
Classes are small, fostering individualized instruction geared to each student's needs.
The Department attempts to instill an appreciation for all forms of life and a sense of the social responsibility of the scientist. Opportunities for service include tutoring, environmental clean-up, laboratory assistance and internships in a medical clinic. A senior research project is required of all majors under the direction of individual faculty members who conduct investigations in biochemistry, bioanalytical chemistry, cellular and molecular biology, genetics, development, environmental analysis, and microbiology. The undergraduate degree in Biochemistry is a foundation for careers in laboratories in industry such as biotechnology or in the academic world. The major prepares the student for graduate study directed toward biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacy or other biomedical areas of specialization.