Biochemistry

Great diversity exists within the chemistry field. Consequently, Fisher offers you a selection of concentrations within the discipline, including a degree program in the rapidly growing subspecialty of biochemistry.

At Fisher, the study of biochemistry is a lot more than just memorizing facts. Here, you are taught to become self-sufficient through independent investigation, computer and library literacy, and extensive hands-on laboratory experiences. As a biochemistry major, you gain a complete complement of skills needed to become an effective scientific professional.

Small class size is an additional, compelling reason to study chemistry at Fisher. As a chemistry major, you typically will be joined by 20-35 students for introductory courses, and fewer than 10 once you get to the upper-level classes. This means you'll receive plenty of personalized attention.

Program Overview

Your first two years as a biochemistry major will involve a sequence of introductory chemistry courses and labs. In addition, you will take Sophomore Seminar and Senior Seminar - two one-credit courses that emphasize career/graduate school opportunities and current research topics, respectively.

Biochemistry-specific classes, as well as introductory and upper-level biology courses, bolster a slate of intensive chemistry courses and labs you are required to take as a biochemistry major. The program culminates in a bachelor of science degree.

Over the course of your studies, you will have access to an outstanding array of instrumentation, including a 250 MHz Fourier-transform nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer; a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer; a scanning ultraviolet-visible spectrometer; two gas chromatographs; and a combination gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. The department also has its own computer lab equipped with molecular modeling software.

Life After Fisher

The program provides excellent preparation for careers or graduate study in biochemistry. In addition to biotechnology firms, the following industries and organizations are perpetually on the lookout for well-qualified biochemistry graduates:

Agricultural manufacturers
Cosmetic manufacturers
Chemical and petroleum product producers
Food processors
Government laboratories
Hospital and commercial laboratories
Independent research foundations
Public health departments
Regulatory agencies