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Can you image yourself discovering the causes of diseases and finding cures for them, devising strategies to improve crop yields, developing and/or utilizing techniques for forensic analysis, or learning how to sustain life in space? Then you will want to consider a major in biochemistry.
Keuka College’s biochemistry major embraces the study of biology and chemistry, through which students develop an understanding of biological processes at the molecular level. The study of biochemistry opens doors for multiple career paths, including scientific research, medical practice, veterinary practice, and pharmacy, among others.
Keuka College is the perfect place to study biochemistry. As a biochemistry student, you will become a critical thinker, problem solver, and communicator. The curriculum for the biochemistry major at Keuka College is interdisciplinary in nature, requiring substantial coursework in chemistry and biology, as well as physics and calculus. This is reflective of the interdisciplinary nature of the types of questions asked by chemists and biologists today.
In keeping with the College’s emphasis on experiential learning, students also become scientists outside the classroom. Students are encouraged to work with a faculty member on an independent research project, and many present the results of their work at professional conferences.
Like all Keuka students, biochemistry majors are required to take part in a 140-hour Field Period every year. From downtown Penn Yan to Australia, students have completed internships in locations worldwide, providing them with the real-life experience that gives Keuka College students an edge entering the job market or graduate school.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 134 | Organisms and Environment | 4 |
| BIO 135 | Cells and Organisms | 4 |
| BIO 234 | Cell and Developmental Biology | 4 |
| BIO 207 | Microbiology | 4 |
| BIO 318 | Genetics | 4 |
| BIO 353 | Cell and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| BIO 370 | Botany | 4 |
| BIO 380 | Biostatistics | 3 |
| CHM 111 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHM 112 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHM 206 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHM 207 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHM 220 | General Biochemistry | 4 |
| CHM 315 | Analytical Chemistry | 4 |
| CHM 320 | Advanced Biochemistry | 4 |
| CHM 328 | Introduction to Physical Chemistry | 4 |
| CHM 390 | Junior Natural Science Seminar | 3 |
| CHM 450 | Senior Seminar in Natural Science | 2 |
| PHY 201 | General Physics I | 4 |
| PHY 202 | General Physics II | 4 |
| MAT 106 | Calculus I | 4 |
What Do Keuka Biochemistry Students Do After They Graduate?
A biochemistry student has a multitude of options. Many of our graduates further their research interests by going to graduate school to pursue a masters or doctoral degree. Check out the schools below to see where our graduates have continued their studies:
| Albany College of Pharmacy | New York College of Podiatric Medicine | St. John Fisher School of Pharmacy |
| Bethel University Physicians Assistant Program | Ohio State University | University of Louisville |
| Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine | Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine | University of New South Wales (Australia) |
| New York Chiropractic College | Rochester General Hospital School of Medical Technology | University of Rochester |
| New York College of Osteopathic Medicine | Roswell Park Cancer Institute | University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine |
Biochemistry is also a great major for students interested in becoming a doctor, pharmacist, or veterinarian. Graduates may also choose to go directly into the workforce, such as in a government or industrial lab.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for biochemists are ample and growing, and salaries are quite good. Biochemists can work in the academic, private, or government sectors, in areas such as teaching, industrial research and production, pharmacology, toxicology, environmental analysis, or the health professions. The American Association of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has great resources for careers in biochemistry:
You can also check out Career Services in the Center for Experiential Learning for more on what you can do with a degree in biochemistry.