Go to Table of Contents Biochemistry
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Biochemistry Josef Kurtz, Ph.D. Chair
Emmanuel College biochemistry majors pursue careers in medicine, veterinary sciences and dentistry; they seek graduate training in biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, or biotechnology. Others obtain imme-
diate employment as research technicians in academic or commercial research labs.
Learning Goals and Outcomes Students who successfully complete this subject should understand the chemical and three-dimensional structures of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. They should understand how these molecules interact with each other to carry out specific biological functions. Students should understand the chemical basis of how cells derive energy from metabolism and how biological molecules are synthesized.
The Capstone Experience The culminating experience for all Biochemistry majors is the Biochemistry Senior Seminar (BIOL4999). This course is typically completed in the fall semester of the student’s final year of study. In order to begin the capstone students must have completed Biochemistry I (BIOL2131) and Molecular Biology (BIOL3125). In the capstone, students will study a biochemical topic of interest, write a scientific review article, and present their work. Students demonstrate achievement of the goals of the major program by taking the ETSŽ Major Field Test in either Chemistry or Biology.
Departmental Major B.S. in Biochemistry Core Requirements: BIOL1105 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology BIOL1106 Introduction to Organismic and Evolutionary Biology BIOL2123 Genetics BIOL2131 Biochemistry I 2012-2013 Academic Catalog
Programs of Study for Liberal Arts and Sciences
Biochemistry is a study of the chemical and molecular basis of life. This discipline has emerged as an important cornerstone for students that seek careers in medical and basic sciences. The discovery of the DNA sequence of vast numbers of new genes is useless without an understanding of how these genes elicit their function. The study of the molecular and chemical basis of gene function defines biochemistry. Students that complete this program will learn the chemistry of living systems and be able to apply this knowledge to careers or advanced degrees in medical sciences and related fields. Students will be exposed to current research in lectures, labs and in facultysupported research projects. Students will learn about the chemical basis of the structure of cellular components such as the cell membrane, the structure of proteins, the structure of nucleic acid (DNA and RNA). Students will also learn about the chemical and molecular basis of how the cell functions, how new cell components are made, how biological machines functions, how genes are reproduced and how genes function. Finally, students will learn how biochemists use information from genomics and bio informatics in their research by creating their own research projects using these tools. Qualified students will have the opportunity to join research projects directed by Emmanuel College faculty, or enroll in research internships to do biochemical research at a neighboring institution.