BIOCHEMISTRY
Disciplines Coordinator: Dr. Bulent Terem
Major Program Advisor: Dr. Bulent Terem Minor Program Advisor: Dr. Bulent Terem
Program Faculty: Dr. Jolene Cogbill, Dr. Michael Dohm, Janet Jensen, M.S., Dr. Joel Kawakami, Dr. Katelynn Perrault, Dr. Henry Trapido-Rosenthal, Dr. Helen Turner, Dr. Michael Weichaus, Dr. Claire Wright.
Pre-health professions advisor: Patricia Lee-Robinson, M.S., M.Ed. Divisional Research
Internship Coordinator: Dr. Jolene Cogbill
Biochemistry Mission Statement
Biochemistry is the study of the living organism at the molecular level. It draws on techniques from a broad spectrum of specialized branches of chemistry to study the molecular basis of vital processes. The mission of the Biochemistry Major program at Chaminade is to deliver an excellent education in biological chemistry, preparing students to be innovative, rigorous and well-trained scientists, educators or health practitioners. The biochemistry degree program recognizes that chemistry is “the central science” and that biochemical processes are essential to all life on our planet. The biochemistry major is composed of sophisticated intellectual content and practical experiences. Students will be exposed to contemporary ideas in biology, a challenging range of chemistry courses and rigorous laboratory courses involving modern techniques and advanced instrumentation. Application of the scientific method, statistical and presentation skills, and critical evaluation of data are foundational to the course progression in the major, which culminates in a capstone research experience. Our undergraduate students experience an education that reflects the research interests and expertise of the faculty, specifically targeting the areas of natural products, synthetic and computational chemistry, cell and molecular biology, signal transduction, genetics and genomics, and integrative biology. The curriculum is synthesized with a rich program of available development activities including internships, conference attendance and preparation activities for the health professions and graduate school.
The vision of the Biochemistry major is linked to key components of the Chaminade educational experience. Our close-knit faculty fosters education in the family spirit, and the rapid progress in techniques and ideas that hallmark biology and chemistry drive our determination to prepare students who can adapt and change. Ultimately, the goal of science is to understand the mysteries of nature and improve the human condition, while recognizing the crucial hierarchy of all organisms within multi-level ecosystems. In particular, the goal of modern biochemistry is to develop novel molecules that address global problems, such as innovative therapies for disease, novel energy sources, and new biomaterials.
Biochemistry Program Features:
The biochemistry program is supervised collaboratively between the Biology and Chemistry faculty at Chaminade University. Two degree programs are supported by the Biology discipline, the BS in Biology and the BS in Biochemistry. Two tracks are available within the BS in Biology, emphasizing Cellular and Molecular Biology and Integrative and Organismal Biology, respectively. When selecting a major program, students should be aware that the individual curricula are tailored to specific post-graduate preparation for careers. These are outlined below.
B.S. in Biochemistry
Is there an undergraduate research requirement?
One semester Second semester elective
Is there an internship requirement?
Optional*
What are the target post-graduate destinations for which this degree is designed?
Health Professions (MD, Pharm.D, etc.); Graduate School in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Biomedical Sciences/Pharmacology; Pharmaceutical Industry; Biotechnology Industry
B.S. in Biology: Cellular & Molecular Track
Is there an undergraduate research requirement?
One semester Second semester elective
Is there an internship requirement?
Optional*
What are the target post-graduate destinations for which this degree is designed?
Health Professions (MD, Pharm.D, etc.); Graduate School in Biological/Biomedical Sciences; Pharmaceutical Industry; Biotechnology Industry
B.S. in Biology: Integrative and Organismal Track
Is there an undergraduate research requirement?
Optional as one semester elective
Is there an internship requirement?
Yes*
What are the target post-graduate destinations for which this degree is designed?
Health Professions (MD, Pharm.D, etc.); Graduate School in Biology; Biotechnology Industry; State and Federal Agencies
B.S. in Biochemistry and B.S. in Biology (both tracks)
Is this program suitable for students who seek to enter medical or other health professional schools?
Yes-specifically pre-med seminar series, other enrichment activities and candidacy for Medical and other health professions Early Admissions Program. *Students who intend to apply for medical, dental, veterinary or other professional schools are encouraged.
Within the B.S. program in biochemistry, it is possible to elect the “pre-med” area of emphasis. Here, students are enrolled in a seminar series and other activities that specifically prepare for standardized tests such as MCAT, and for entry into professional areas such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy and others. In addition, this election admits the student to candidacy for the Chaminade Medical School Early Admissions Program. Here students may be guaranteed seats at medical schools including Western University College of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Stills College of Medicine and Boston University School of Medicine, following the successful completion of a specific course of study at Chaminade. Interested students should contact a pre-health advisor at their earliest opportunity to discuss the program.