Do you love both chemistry and biology? Are you fascinated by complex and interconnected systems? Do you enjoy experimentation and the scientific method? Are you one of those people constantly asking questions about the way the world works?
Consider a career in the field of Biochemistry, the study of the chemistry of living things.
Degree Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Related Programs
About Biochemistry
At its core, Biochemistry examines the complex makeup of living organisms. But biochemistry is much more than that – it affects nearly every aspect of our lives.
Biochemists examine the structure and reactions of the molecules that combine to create living things and their biological processes. Biochemistry provides explanations for the causes of many diseases. Biochemists work towards cures and treatments for disease. The study of biochemistry is especially beneficial if you are interested in a career path in medicine, pharmacy, nutrition, agriculture and food systems.
- Gain an edge with undergraduate research
- Be challenged by a rigorous curriculum
- Learn from award-winning professors
- Work in state-of-the-art facilities
Research
Many aspiring scientists have to wait until graduate school to begin conducting original research. But as a Converse biochemistry major, you’ll be exposed to research opportunities as an undergraduate. Working independently or side-by-side with faculty mentors, our students have won awards at state, regional, and national conferences. 100% of our Biochemistry students work with their faculty to complete research projects by the time they graduate.
In fact, Converse is a leader in the state in the number of student/faculty research proposals funded by the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) consortium.
Lorita Agu ’15, pictured on the right, was awarded funding through SCICU to conduct research with her biochemistry professor and mentor, Dr. Jeff Brotherton. Lorita says their project, ASA3 Encoded Protein in Arabidopsis Stamen, was important to her “because nobody knew the answer to my question, ‘is ASA3 a real plant gene?’ Through the project, I was able to contribute to our understanding of the plant genome.” While she was a student here, Lorita conducted research at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine in New York City. She is currently earning a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Read more about Lorita’s project.
Internships
As a biochemistry major, you can be guided through an intensive training through internships, shadowing, or undergraduate summer research experience.
Biology Honor Society
Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) Biological Honor Society was established in 1922 at Oklahoma City University for students interested in the biological sciences. The Nu Xi Chapter of TriBeta was founded in 2009 at Converse College by Dr. Neval Erturk. Its top priority is to spread scientific knowledge and to encourage student research. TriBeta Nu Xi activities have included hosting speakers (science experts), research scholarship competitions, and hosting biology-related games for the campus community.
Through completion of a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biochemistry, you will acquire an intermediate understanding of fundamental biochemical principles and integrate these with principles from major areas of chemistry (analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry) and biology (cellular biology, organismal biology, genetics and molecular biology). You will learn laboratory and communication skills preparing you to be a biochemist. Our coursework will engage you in the scientific process and help you achieve an advanced understanding of research, methods, and analysis.
A degree in biochemistry will prepare you to pursue a career in research, teaching or in health professions such as medicine, physical therapy, nursing, veterinary medicine, and many others.
All biochemistry majors receive research experience, and you will give scientific presentations in the Junior and Senior Seminar courses.
Sample Courses
- Organic Chemistry
- Quantitative Analysis
- Physical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Microbiology
What are common careers in Biochemistry?
- Biochemist
- Researcher
- Pharmaceutical Sales
- Forensic Scientist
- Toxicologist
- Educator
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