Wooster prepares Biochemistry and Molecular Biology majors to respond to the ever-changing, fast-paced nature of the life sciences. The advanced learning and employment opportunities for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology graduates are wide-ranging, with many students considering a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology to be a stepping-stone toward careers in research and medicine.
Approximately half of our majors go on to graduate school. Recent graduates are pursuing doctoral degrees at institutions including Stanford University, University of Michigan, University of Texas-Southwestern, and Johns Hopkins University, among others. Each year many other students go on to health professional schools including medical school (examples include Case Western University, The Ohio State University, The University of Cincinnati), as well as dental, pharmacy, or veterinary school. Other Biochemistry and Molecular Biology graduates have pursued careers in academic research laboratories, the biotechnology sector, or in science education.
A central component of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program at Wooster is the opportunity for students to conduct research using state-of-the-art equipment in dedicated student-focused laboratory spaces. The Ruth W. Williams Hall of Life Science features collaborative research and classroom laboratory spaces in which teams of faculty and students across the life sciences work together to investigate how life works. The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology curriculum takes a scaffolded approach to preparing each student to develop critical thinking and methodology in molecular biology and biochemistry. A unique feature of the major includes a research-based laboratory course where students apply current techniques in protein biochemistry and molecular genetics as part of a full-fledged inter-disciplinary research project.
Many Biochemistry and Molecular Biology students engage in summer research experiences, some as early as their first year at Wooster. Recent research opportunities to work with faculty members at Wooster have been funded by grants from the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, United States Department of Agriculture, among others. In addition, many students engage in external internships and off-campus research experiences at biotechnology companies, universities, and health professional schools prior to graduation.
Because the major is administered jointly by the biology and chemistry departments, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology majors enjoy great flexibility in conducting Senior Independent Study (I.S.) research with a variety of faculty members from either department.
Theron L. Peterson and Dorothy R. Peterson Professor of Chemistry; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Assistant Professor of Chemistry; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Whitmore-Williams Associate Professor and Program Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Robert E. Wilson Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Associate Professor of Biology; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
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The Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (BCMB) Curriculum was created in 2001 from a well-established program in biochemistry, and is administered jointly by faculty from the departments of biology and chemistry. A major in BCMB consists of 16 courses. Below is a suggested course sequence to fulfill the major over the four years:
In addition to the above courses, BCMB majors take the following two courses. The timing of these courses depends on each student’s specific plans, with most taking these during the sophomore or junior years:
One quantitative methods course from among:
One computational methods course from among:
Benefits of ASBMB AccreditationFor degree programs:
For students:
For employers and graduate and professional schools:
The College of Wooster is nationally recognized for its program of Independent Study, and for more than 50 years the College has required that every graduate complete a significant Independent Study project. The projects provide all students the opportunity to engage in an activity both personally meaningful and appropriate to their individual fields and interests. It is not reserved for the few. Independent Study is the culmination of a Wooster education and provides the basis for a lifetime of independent learning.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology majors start Independent Study in the spring semester of their junior year when they enroll in BCMB 401: Introduction to Independent Study. During the first few weeks of the semester each student explores potential I.S. project possibilities and advisors and is paired with a faculty advisor associated with the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program who will serve as mentor, guide and critic. Throughout the spring semester each student develops their specific ideas for their senior thesis project by writing a formal research proposal and by presenting and receiving feedback on their ideas from their peers and faculty mentors.
For both semesters of the senior year, each Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major engages in the independent laboratory work that culminates in their thesis and formal presentations of their results given to general and scientific audiences. Along the way, each student works closely with their advisors through regularly scheduled conferences designed to assist, encourage, and challenge the participants and to afford both students and advisors an opportunity to share the excitement of discovery in fields of mutual interest. Learning is approached as an exploration shared by student and advisor alike, neither having all the answers, but each enjoying immensely the opportunity to search for solutions.
| Student | Year | I.S. Title | Major 1 | Major 2 | Advisor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Please search to view results | |||||
While Naomi Fernandes ’23 vetted her own topic for her unique Independent Study at The College of Wooster, with faculty mentor Rebecca Williams, assistant […]
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Name: Shiropa Shahreen Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Minor: Statistical and Data Sciences Advisor: Paul Edmiston Bioadsorption of metal ions through proteins is selective […]
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Wooster graduates with degrees in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology have chosen careers in a broad range of fields, from medicine, biological research, veterinary medicine, environmental law, exercise physiology, and cytotechnology, to art illustration, teaching, wildlife and fisheries management, evolutionary biology, and public health. Over half our graduates go on to continue their education at professional schools such as medical, veterinary, dental, or nursing schools.
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Biochemistry and molecular biology research opportunities at Wooster prepared Zach Rotter ’14 for medical school
Facilities for the Interdisciplinary Program in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology are focused primarily on the first floor of the Ruth W. Williams Hall of Life Science, a modern and highly visible teaching and research lab facility for all the life sciences (including Biology, Neuroscience and Environmental Studies) that is integrated on three floors with Severance Hall, the home of the Department of Chemistry. Adjacent to the Knowlton Commons and Café, the BCMB program facilities include two teaching labs with connecting classroom and several collaborative study rooms for students and faculty from all over campus to share. Research lab facilities for use by multiple faculty-mentored research teams and Independent Study, with multiple adjoining rooms for shared instrumentation and student desk space, are also part of the facility.
Some of the key instrumentation within the BCMB program includes:
and easy access to other key instrumentation in Biology and Chemistry, including:
BMCB was awarded accreditation by the ASBMB similar to what Chemistry has at: http
s://wooster.edu/area/chemistry/