Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Program Overview
Have you ever wondered how a scientist discovers drug treatments for cancer? Or perhaps you question why some antibiotics work better than others for certain infections. Have you ever thought about how chemistry can be used by living things? Do you enjoy biology and chemistry and can't decide between the two? Perhaps you are curious about genetics, disease, medicine and how the human body works down to a single molecule in a human cell. The answers to these questions- and many more- can be found in biochemistry and molecular biology.
Biochemistry and molecular biology is an interdisciplinary field of study that combines the knowledge of chemistry with application to living systems. If you enjoy asking questions about how living systems work on a molecular level, or if you are interested in applying chemistry knowledge to solving problems in living systems, then you should consider a biochemistry and molecular biology (BMB) major.
Careers
The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) major is designed to provide a cross-discipline experience to prepare well-rounded scientists who are competitive for professions in health, industry, academia and government. A BMB degree can land you in a variety of places. BMB majors go on to work in:
- Graduate programs in biology, chemistry, biochemistry or related fields to earn a Master's or Ph. D.
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Secondary and higher education
- Government employment at national research labs, doing cancer research for example
- Health-related fields
As with the biology and chemistry majors at King's college, the course requirements can also be used toward preparation for prehealth professions and medical school exams (MCATs). The integrative nature of the BMB program, with the hands-on experience provided in the laboratory courses and research requirement, provide excellent preparation for a variety of professions in addition to this list.
Program Details
The BMB major combines and integrates concepts in biology and chemistry, with the course requirements taught between the two departments- the Department of Biology and the Department of Chemistry & Physics. This provides students with the opportunity to work with experienced faculty in both disciplines in a collaborative environment. At King's, the low faculty-to-student ratio in these departments will ensure that you get the individual attention that you need to master the course material and to prepare for life after graduation.
In addition to their interdisciplinary coursework, BMB students are required to take at least one research-intensive course where they will work on their own original research along with a biology and/or chemistry faculty mentor. The undergraduate research experience provides a distinct advantage when entering the workforce or graduate school.
The courses required in this program are selected to build a coherent chemical and biological repertoire, with strong foundational knowledge in both biology and chemistry. This program is specifically designed for students to apply their basic biochemical knowledge to solving integrated problems through collaborative efforts and carefully designed experiments. The nature of the coursework provides an abundance of hands-on, relevant laboratory experiences, and includes independent research experience relevant to the field. Throughout the program students will build their quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, oral and written communication skills.
