Biochemistry / Molecular Biology
The goal of the Biochemistry/Molecular Biology Program is to encourage students to explore biochemical concepts through extensive research opportunities and close collaboration between students and instructors.
About the Major
While courses in biology and chemistry introduce students to the life sciences, the Biochemistry/Molecular Biology Program offers scientific grounding for those planning to pursue graduate study or enter the health professions. Through laboratory work and research, students receive practical, hands-on training with opportunities to collaborate with professors on projects that lead to publication in research journals and presentations at scholarly conferences.
Students Will Learn To:
- Evaluate the scientific literature and other forms of professional communications in biochemistry and molecular biology
- Solve problems at the interfaces of chemistry and biology using scientific reasoning
- Communicate fundamental concepts of biochemistry and molecular biology to both expert and layperson in writing and oral presentations
A Sampling of Courses
Biological Chemistry
A survey of the chemical and physical nature of biological macromolecules, including nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates; biochemistry of enzyme catalysis; bioenergetics and regulatory mechanisms. Principles and techniques of experimental biochemistry, focusing on isolation methods and techniques for analyzing structure and function. This course satisfies the second semester of a one-year General Chemistry requirement for post-graduate Health Professions programs, however, this course might not also satisfy a Health Profession program’s requirement for a course in Biochemistry.
Explore these select courses:
The advanced study of biochemical pathways in living organisms, with emphasis given to gene regulation and metabolism of four major macromolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Includes in-depth discussion of contemporary developments in molecular biology and comprehensive training in molecular techniques. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory.
Meet Our Faculty
Max Majireck
Associate Professor of Chemistry, Director of Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology
organic chemistry, natural products, medicinal chemistry and chemical biology
molecular biology; molecular evolution; genome structures; and bioinformatics
gene regulation; patterning and morphogenesis; transcription factors and DNA-binding; regulatory DNA; developmental genetics; molecular biology; embryology; eye development
cellular neurobiology and neuroethology; measurement and detection of neurotransmitters; isolation and identification of novel chemical messengers; cellular metabolism in the nervous system
biochemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, enzymology, and natural product biosynthesis
Genetics, molecular and cellular biology, bioethics, meiotic and mitotic chromosome segregation, spindle dynamics, fluorescence microscopy and live imaging
physical chemistry, biophysical chemistry, and theoretical chemistry
biochemistry and chemical biology
Explore Hamilton Stories
Adade ’22 to Conduct Research at Broad Institute Cell Observatory
“I was drawn to the Broad by my advisor, Max Majireck, who did his postdoctoral work there. I looked into the positions they had available and was drawn by the structure they have to develop and equip early career researchers.”
Hane ’22, Kothiya ’23 Named to National Humanities Leadership Council
Jacob Hane ’22 and Nyaari Kothiya ’23 are among 17 undergraduates from across the U.S. selected to serve on the National Humanities Center’s inaugural National Humanities Leadership Council.
Cohen-Abeles ’23 Researching Parkinson’s at Biogen
Luke Cohen-Abeles ’23 is working as a neurodegenerative disease intern this summer at Biogen, a biotechnology company that studies neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s, and develops treatment methods.
Careers After Hamilton
Hamilton graduates who concentrated in biochemistry/molecular biology are pursuing careers in a variety of fields, including:
- Director, U.S. Regulatory Affairs, Pfizer Foundation
- Clinical Fellow, National Cancer Institute
- Plastic Surgeon, New York University Medical Center
- Neurosurgery Resident, Mount Sinai Hospital
- Senior Operations Analyst, Baxter Healthcare
- Pediatric Cardiologist, Hasbro Children’s Hospital
Contact
Department Name
Biochemistry / Molecular Biology Program
Clinton, NY 13323
