The study of biology gives us an understanding of the structure, the evolution and the diversity of living organisms. The study of chemistry reveals the composition and behavior of matter itself. These two fundamental forms of scientific inquiry meet in biochemistry — the study of living organisms at the molecular level. At Hamilton, the biochemistry/molecular biology program combines the strengths and resources of the two disciplines to create a third distinct research-based major.
How are molecules constructed? How do they interact? What are the dynamics of organic matter or the molecular level? Such questions, and the research through which they are investigated, are the starting points for a broad knowledge of biology and chemistry. Biochemical concepts and processes are central to many of the most crucial issues of our time, from the spread and treatment of disease to environmental damage to agricultural safety to the threat of bioterrorism.
While courses in biology and chemistry introduce a broad range of students to the life sciences, the biochemistry/molecular biology program offers a strong scientific grounding for students who plan to pursue graduate study or enter the health professions and related fields. Building on a foundation of coursework in biology and chemistry, the biochemistry curriculum begins with a course that explores the chemical properties of macromolecules synthesized by cells. Later courses deal with intermediary metabolism, replication, cell signaling and molecular genetics.
Laboratory activities are an integral part of the curriculum. They expose students to modern biochemical techniques and applications. Classes are small, and students and faculty members work closely together. At all levels, the biochemistry/molecular biology program offers a stimulating, thought-provoking experience.
Hamilton's biochemistry program, like all the sciences, is strongly grounded in the College’s innovative liberal arts approach. Students build their writing and speaking skills along with their laboratory skills. Biochemistry is also an interdisciplinary major. All these dimensions make Hamilton's biochemistry grads uniquely qualified to think creatively and make connections among many fields. Graduates have a strong record of admission to graduate and professional schools, and to employment in fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, secondary school teaching and science writing.
Students and teachers research and publish together. Students co-authored and published 17 papers in peer-reviewed journals with professors from the Department of Chemistry over a recent five-year period.
Hamilton has regularly hosted the Molecular Education and Research Consortium in Undergraduate Computational Chemistry (MERCURY). The Chemistry Department houses supercomputers and linux clusters for this National Science Foundation-funded consortium, a group of eight liberal arts colleges from across the nation.
Education doesn't conclude at graduation for most Hamilton biochemistry students. The College graduates 15 to 20 biochemistry, chemistry and chemical physics majors each year. Half of those graduates successfully pursue graduate study; another 25 percent pursue other forms of postgraduate professional training.
Hamilton's biochemistry program, like all the sciences, is strongly grounded in the College’s innovative liberal arts approach. Students build their writing and speaking skills along with their laboratory skills. Biochemistry is also an interdisciplinary major. All these dimensions make Hamilton's biochemistry grads uniquely qualified to think creatively and make connections among many fields. Graduates have a strong record of admission to graduate and professional schools, and to employment in fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, secondary school teaching and science writing.
Students and teachers research and publish together. Students co-authored and published 17 papers in peer-reviewed journals with professors from the Department of Chemistry over a recent five-year period.
Hamilton has regularly hosted the Molecular Education and Research Consortium in Undergraduate Computational Chemistry (MERCURY). The Chemistry Department houses supercomputers and linux clusters for this National Science Foundation-funded consortium, a group of eight liberal arts colleges from across the nation.
Education doesn't conclude at graduation for most Hamilton biochemistry students. The College graduates 15 to 20 biochemistry, chemistry and chemical physics majors each year. Half of those graduates successfully pursue graduate study; another 25 percent pursue other forms of postgraduate professional training.
Hamilton's biochemistry program, like all the sciences, is strongly grounded in the College’s innovative liberal arts approach. Students build their writing and speaking skills along with their laboratory skills. Biochemistry is also an interdisciplinary major. All these dimensions make Hamilton's biochemistry grads uniquely qualified to think creatively and make connections among many fields. Graduates have a strong record of admission to graduate and professional schools, and to employment in fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, secondary school teaching and science writing.
Students and teachers research and publish together. Students co-authored and published 17 papers in peer-reviewed journals with professors from the Department of Chemistry over a recent five-year period.
Hamilton has regularly hosted the Molecular Education and Research Consortium in Undergraduate Computational Chemistry (MERCURY). The Chemistry Department houses supercomputers and linux clusters for this National Science Foundation-funded consortium, a group of eight liberal arts colleges from across the nation.
Education doesn't conclude at graduation for most Hamilton biochemistry students. The College graduates 15 to 20 biochemistry, chemistry and chemical physics majors each year. Half of those graduates successfully pursue graduate study; another 25 percent pursue other forms of postgraduate professional training.
Hamilton's biochemistry program, like all the sciences, is strongly grounded in the College’s innovative liberal arts approach. Students build their writing and speaking skills along with their laboratory skills. Biochemistry is also an interdisciplinary major. All these dimensions make Hamilton's biochemistry grads uniquely qualified to think creatively and make connections among many fields. Graduates have a strong record of admission to graduate and professional schools, and to employment in fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, secondary school teaching and science writing.
Students and teachers research and publish together. Students co-authored and published 17 papers in peer-reviewed journals with professors from the Department of Chemistry over a recent five-year period.
Hamilton has regularly hosted the Molecular Education and Research Consortium in Undergraduate Computational Chemistry (MERCURY). The Chemistry Department houses supercomputers and linux clusters for this National Science Foundation-funded consortium, a group of eight liberal arts colleges from across the nation.
Education doesn't conclude at graduation for most Hamilton biochemistry students. The College graduates 15 to 20 biochemistry, chemistry and chemical physics majors each year. Half of those graduates successfully pursue graduate study; another 25 percent pursue other forms of postgraduate professional training.
