Biochemistry (BS)
Explore life at a molecular level.
MBU students can declare a major in Biochemistry until August 2024.
Students who have already declared a major or will declare one from the existing course catalog prior to August 2024 will be able to complete their major on schedule through courses offered at Mary Baldwin.
Biochemistry is a fascinating, interdisciplinary field found at the intersection of biology and chemistry. Specialize in the study of the chemical processes that occur within living organisms. With a degree in biochemistry, you
could play a crucial role in fields like medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology, and contribute to drug discovery, genetic engineering, and the development of new therapies and diagnostic tools.
- Time to finish
- 4 years
- Format
- In Person
- Degree(s)
- Bachelor of Science
Next steps
Why Study Biochemistry at Mary Baldwin?
Mary Baldwin’s biochemistry major offers solid preparation for medical school and graduate study in a range of STEM fields. It also provides an excellent foundation for entry-level careers in research, healthcare, education, and biotechnology.
Careers in biochemistry can truly be found everywhere. You could unravel the mysteries of DNA or work on solutions for developing plant-based meat. If you’re curious, enjoy problem-solving, collaborative work, and the research process, biochemistry could be an ideal major for you.
Program Highlights:
- Get personal attention with small class sizes
- Join student organizations such as the MBU chapter of the American Chemical Society and Iota Sigma Pi (national chemistry honor society for women)
- Engage with local schools and youth organizations through tutoring and STEM activities
- Gain professional experience through internships
- Build research skills through your senior thesis project
- Attend and/or present at national chemistry and biochemistry conferences
Next steps
“I became more familiar with lab work in general through various techniques like the Dot Blot Antibody Test, Western Blot, and counting cells with a hemocytometer [through MBU research]. Along with these techniques, I learned more about molecular immunology and its applications in the medical field.”
Zindzi Thompson ’18Biochemistry major who went on to be the youngest-ever Black female graduate at Meharry Medical College
What You’ll Learn as a Biochemistry Major
In our courses, you’ll delve into the structure and function of biological molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. You’ll learn about the metabolic pathways that occur within cells and how energy is created. Additionally, you’ll gain an understanding of techniques used in biochemical analysis, such as spectroscopy, chromatography, and molecular biology tools. Our courses emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and laboratory techniques, enabling you to apply your knowledge to real-world research and practical applications in various fields.
Sample core and elective courses include:
A survey that emphasizes the properties, stereochemistry, preparative methods, and reaction mechanisms of principal classes of organic compounds like alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, and arenes. Students will develop laboratory competence in organic synthetic work, and in analysis of their products using modern spectroscopic instrumentation.
An in-depth study of the principles, techniques, and instruments used in quantitative chemical analysis. This will include applying the principles of chemical equilibria, spectrophotometry, electrochemistry, and chromatography to gravimetric, titrimetric, spectrophotometric, chromatographic, and electrochemical analyses.
Study of the major classes of biomolecules: Proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. The course will bring a structural and functional basis for understanding metabolism, energy production, and the transfer of genetic information.
Unique student support
The McCree Center for Life Success assists current students and alumni in finding the best opportunities throughout their career development. We work closely with both faculty and employers to identify how your valued education best matches the needs of today’s evolving marketplace.
Biochemistry Careers: Where You Can Go After Graduation
Our biochemistry alumni started or advanced their careers in positions such as:
- Analytical chemist
- Quality assurance chemist
- Formulation product development associate
Graduate School Opportunities
Many incoming students often ask if biochemistry is a good major for med school. It sure is. MBU biochemistry alumni often continue on to medical school or pursue research-based master’s and PhD programs at schools such as:
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
- University of Arizona College of Medicine
Looking ahead to graduate school, Mary Baldwin’s Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences offers several master’s and doctoral programs. MBU undergraduate students are able to take advantage of a guaranteed interview program at Murphy Deming.
Next steps
Cost & Financial Aid
A great education is worth it. Here’s how Mary Baldwin helps you pay for it: Generous financial aid packages, a broad range of scholarships, transferring maximum credit hours from previous coursework or relevant work and life experiences — the list goes on. Our mission is to help you level up and bring your aspirations to life.
MBU helps you fast-track your path to a bachelor’s degree with the opportunity to transfer up to 18 credits (6 courses) through direct course equivalents from the Virginia Community Colleges System.
- Cost per credit hour: $486
- Credits required for a bachelor’s degree: 120