Program Description

The interplay between biology, chemistry, and even mathematics has rapidly changed the field of biomedical research over the past 25 years. Students entering this field need to have an in-depth interdisciplinary background that includes advanced courses and research experience in both chemistry and biology. The curriculum in the biochemistry major provides a solid foundation for students who plan to continue their study in biochemistry, biomedical sciences, or pharmaceutical science. Rapid advances in the biomedical field in recent years have created a great demand for a work force that is well trained in the interdisciplinary area of biochemistry. Students completing the biochemistry major are also well prepared for employment in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and other biomedical areas. The biochemistry major also prepares students for medicine, dentistry, and other allied health professions.

Program Faculty

Requirements for the Major

• General Biology I with lab
• General Chemistry I & II with labs
• Organic Chemistry I & II with labs
• Physical Chemistry I
• Physical Chemistry I Lab for Biochemistry Majors
• Chemical Instrumentation and Analytical Methods
• Biochemistry with lab
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Calculus I & II
• Introductory Physics I & II with labs
• One advanced elective in biology
• Biochemistry Junior Seminar
• Biochemistry Senior Seminar I & II
• Biochemistry Senior Project

Representative Alumni

• John Ambroseo ’83, PhD, University of Pennsylvania; president and CEO, Coherent, Inc.
• Sean M. Casey ’88, PhD, University of Minnesota; associate professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada
• Peter C. Compo ’81, PhD, City College of New York; senior research scientist, DuPont
• Kathryn B. Grant ’89, PhD, Columbia University; associate professor of biochemistry and bioinorganic chemistry, Georgia State University
• Robert A. Herman ’79, MD, SUNY Buffalo; staff psychiatrist, University of Maryland, College Park
• Juan A. March ’85, MD, SUNY Upstate Medical University; professor and chief of the Division of Emergency Medical Services, The Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University

For additional information, visit the Biochemistry site in Academic Programs or e-mail sciences@purchase.edu.

Updated May 8, 2009