Biochemstry

The Biochemistry Major at Siena is administered through the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department and confers a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. The major is built on the principle that the physical sciences form the foundation for the study of the life sciences. After all, the structure of DNA was not determined by biologists alone, but rather it was solved by a collaboration between physicists, chemists and biologists. Interdisciplinary approaches are being used with increasing frequency to solve problems in medicine, pharmacology, physiology and other life and physical sciences. Thus, the Biochemistry Major incorporates a laboratory-intensive curriculum which provides a strong background in both the physical and life sciences. We seek to train students 1) to think critically and quantitatively and 2) to communicate effectively in oral and written modes.

The Biochemistry major closely resembles the curriculum suggested by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and provides the interdisciplinary foundation inherent to biochemistry while easily allowing completion of Siena's 33 credits of liberal arts requirements. Students with a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry are well prepared to accept research jobs in academic or industrial labs or to pursue masters or doctoral degrees. Due to the recent determination of the DNA sequence of all human chromosomes and the drive to convert that knowledge into disease cures, there is a projected need for biochemists. The Biochemistry major combines the interdisciplinary foundation inherent to biochemistry with all the advantages of a liberal arts education. For more information contact Dr. Rachel Sterne-Marr or Dr. Daniel Moriarty.

For more information, visit our school of science website:  http://www.sos.siena.edu/Chemistry/