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Biochemistry

Investigate the chemical and genetic mechanisms that regulate living matter.

Biochemistry is the study of the chemical reactions that occur within – and relate to – living organisms. As a biochemistry major, you will:

    • Explore how the processes that occur within cells can help us understand whole organisms.
    • Discover how biochemical findings can transform medicine, nutrition and agriculture.
    • Undertake research through upper-level classes, with the opportunity to present your findings at regional and national conferences.

At A Glance

  • 12:1
    Student-to-faculty ratio
  • 18
    Average class size

Possible Careers

Orthodontist
Thomas A. Paron, D.D.S., M.S., 2015 | eVideon Healthcare
Director of Dental Programs; Dentist & Owner
Lisa Knowles, D.D.S., 1994 | MDWise; Haslett East Lansing Dental
Scientific Technical Writer
Christine Cuthbertson, 2014 | Cayman Chemical

Investigate the chemical and genetic mechanisms that regulate living matter.

Biochemistry is the study of the chemical reactions that occur within – and relate to – living organisms. As a biochemistry major, you will:

    • Explore how the processes that occur within cells can help us understand whole organisms.
    • Discover how biochemical findings can transform medicine, nutrition and agriculture.
    • Undertake research through upper-level classes, with the opportunity to present your findings at regional and national conferences.

Get to Know Biochemistry

Meet the Faculty

Our faculty span biology, chemistry, biotechnology and biochemistry — giving you access to a broad spectrum of expertise. Learn about the professors that will help you earn your bachelor's degree in biochemistry.

Research

Through the Alma Venture, you can design a unique research experience at home or abroad. Find out more about Venture funding.

Explore the Curriculum

Learn more about the fundamental courses that will offer a roadmap for your academic growth and expertise development.

Balance breadth with rigor.

The biochemistry program is truly interdisciplinary. As a student, you’ll integrate coursework in chemistry, biology, physics, basic and advanced biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology, toxicology and cell biology. 

You’ll cultivate strong lab skills and develop the ability to critically read current literature. You’ll also learn how to design a detailed experimental strategy to test new hypotheses. 

You’ll have plenty of ways to gain hands-on experience, too. Biochemistry majors frequently participate in independent studies with faculty members. In addition, some receive funding for summer research fellowships.

Mackenzie Harwood

When I came to Alma, I loved science, but I thought my only path to turning that into a career was through the medical field. Now, I’m aiming to do a PhD program for chemistry, in the hopes of someday eliminating chronic wasting disease.

MacKenzie Harwood ’24

What You Need to Know

A degree in biochemistry provides you with a wide range of potential career paths. About one-third of our majors have continued training toward advanced degrees (M.S. or Ph.D.). Some have pursued healthcare professions, usually attending medical school.

Others enter the job market directly, finding work in in-demand and well-compensated fields. These include the pharmaceutical industries, biotechnology, and public and private research institutions.

Have any questions?

Contact us today for more information on this program and more.

Biochemistry Chair

Brian Doyle
(989) 463-7437
doylebj@alma.edu

Admissions

Admissions Office
800-321-ALMA
admissions@alma.edu