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Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the study of how living organisms work. It lies at the interface of many disciplines, incorporating principles of chemistry, biology and physics. One of the most rapidly advancing areas within biochemistry is molecular biology. Biochemists are interested in the molecular changes which occur within organisms; the conversion of food to cellular components, the provision of energy to drive bodily processes, the chemical nature of genes and the way in which these specify and control biological processes. Biochemists study the nature of disease and undertake the design of drugs and production of vaccines and human hormones. One of the most stimulating and positive aspects of biochemistry is its increasing interaction with medicine. Biochemists study the molecular basis of diseases such as diabetes, cancer, cystic fibrosis and AIDS, and this enables definitive diagnosis and development of cures.
Your Future in Biochemistry
The rapidly expanding fields of molecular biology and biotechnology have resulted in great demand for biochemists. In fact, the number of job opportunities for those trained in modern biochemical techniques already far exceeds the supply. Before starting their careers, more than 50 percent of USP graduates go on to graduate school or to medical, dental, or other health professional schools.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, median annual earnings of medical scientists were $57,196 in 2000.
Hands-on Learning at USP
Undergraduate research gives you the opportunity to explore one area of biochemistry in depth. Employers and graduate/professional schools recognize independent research as a very valuable learning experience.
Learn from the Best
You'll have access to a wide range of expertise from faculty members in the departments of Chemistry & Biochemistry and Biological Sciences who teach courses in the biochemistry program. You'll receive a solid foundation in the areas of physical and analytical biochemistry, enzymology, nucleic acid biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, and genetics. Some of the experts you'll learn from include:
* Edward R. Birnbaum, Ph.D., inorganic chemistry, department chair. Dr. Birnbaum's research interests include bioinorganic chemistry, lanthanide spectroscopy, and calcium-binding peptides and proteins.
* Michael F. Bruist, Ph.D., biochemistry. Dr. Bruist's research interests include nucleic acid biochemistry, chemistry of DNA rearrangements, and DNA-protein interactions.
* Yumee K. Koo Ph.D., biochemistry. Dr. Koo's research interests include chemical education and protein interactions.
* Preston B. Moore, Ph.D., chemistry. Dr. Moore's research interests include molecular interactions within biological systems, computational chemistry, and molecular dynamics simulations as applied to biological membranes.
* Guillermo Moyna, Ph.D., organic chemistry. Dr. Moyna's research interests include biomolecular NMR spectroscopy, computational chemistry, and computer-assisted rational drug design.
* Julian W. Snow, Ph.D., physical chemistry. Dr. Snow's research interests include structure of serum apolipoproteins, serum apolipoprotein-lipid interactions, and thermodynamics of amphiphile-membrane interactions.
* C. Reynold Verret, Ph.D., biochemistry, Dean of Misher College of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Verret's research interests include cell-mediated cell cytotoxicity, biosensors, and peptide-based vaccines.
* Randy J. Zauhar, Ph.D., molecular and cell biology. Dr. Zauhar's research interests include computational chemistry, bioinformatics, and computer-aided drug design.
The USP Biochemistry Curriculum
In your first two years, you'll take foundation courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. You'll also build a solid understanding of your field by taking courses in the five major areas of chemistry-analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, as well as biochemistry. Laboratory courses, which typically accompany lecture courses, will help you develop the skills and techniques needed in the five major areas. You'll also be encouraged to conduct one or more undergraduate research projects.
In your third and fourth years, you'll take extensive work in physical and analytical chemistry, molecular and cell biology, and genetics. You will also select specialty electives to strengthen a particular area of interest. These may include biochemistry, bioinformatics, genetics, cell biology, microbiology, virology, or courses such as instrumental analysis that provide the skills needed to utilize sophisticated instrumentation to investigate complex biological phenomena.
Computer technology is incorporated throughout the curriculum, starting with Principles of Chemistry I, your first course in chemistry. Most of the computer knowledge you gain will be as a result of integrating computer applications into many of the lecture and laboratory courses.
The biochemistry major is also excellent preparation for our pre-med track, which includes the basic courses required for admission to medical school, normally completed in the first two years of the program. Most pre-med students major in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, microbiology, or pharmacology and toxicology.
Graduates in Biochemistry are readily accepted into a wide range of courses. Some continue with research and obtain a PhD degree. Others will enter professional coursework programs such as the medical program, business courses or teacher training programs.
