Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Why Study Biochemistry & Molecular Biology?

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology explores the molecular processes that drive life. From developing new medicines and advancing biotechnology to understanding genetics and disease, the field lies at the center of many of today's most important scientific discoveries.

At The College of Wooster, you'll combine biology and chemistry in a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum while gaining extensive laboratory and research experience. The major integrates biology, chemistry, quantitative methods, and computational science, allowing students to build increasingly sophisticated laboratory and analytical skills throughout their four years. Working closely with faculty mentors, students develop the scientific knowledge, technical expertise, and critical thinking needed for graduate study, healthcare professions, research, and careers across the life sciences.

Approximately half of Wooster's Biochemistry & Molecular Biology graduates continue directly to graduate study, while many others pursue medical, dental, pharmacy, or veterinary school or begin careers in biotechnology, research, and science education.

ASBMB Accredited

One of a select group of undergraduate programs nationally accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Research Begins Early

Develop research skills through laboratory courses, faculty-mentored projects, and a year-long Independent Study.

State-of-the-Art Laboratories

Conduct research using modern instrumentation in the Ruth W. Williams Hall of Life Science and Severance Hall.

Learn science by doing science.

Research is woven throughout the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology experience.

Students benefit from:

Faculty-mentored research beginning early in their academic careers.

Modern teaching and research laboratories designed specifically for undergraduate science.

Research-based laboratory courses using contemporary molecular biology and protein biochemistry techniques.

Study in Ruth W. Williams Hall, featuring collaborative research laboratories, a greenhouse, vivarium, aquatics suite, dedicated student research spaces, and state-of-the-art scientific equipment.

Opportunities to conduct Independent Study with faculty from both the Biology and Chemistry departments.

Summer research experiences and internships on campus and at universities, biotechnology companies, healthcare organizations, and research institutions, with support from faculty mentors and APEX Career Planning.

Faculty research has been supported by organizations including the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, creating opportunities for students to contribute to meaningful scientific discovery.

Nationally Recognized Undergraduate Research

Wooster students have earned consistent national recognition through the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Over the past decade, Wooster students have received multiple honors at the national competition, including top prizes and honorable mentions for original undergraduate research presented alongside students from colleges and universities across the country.

Discover something new.

Independent Study is the cornerstone of a Wooster education, and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology students begin preparing for it during the spring of their junior year.

Working closely with a faculty mentor, students identify a research question, develop a formal proposal, and prepare for a year-long investigation. During senior year, they conduct original laboratory research, analyze data, present their findings to both scientific and general audiences, and complete a thesis based on their discoveries.

This close collaboration between student and faculty mentor provides an authentic research experience that prepares graduates for advanced study and scientific careers.

ASBMB Accreditation

Nationally recognized preparation for scientific careers.

The College of Wooster's Biochemistry & Molecular Biology program is accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), placing it among a select group of undergraduate programs nationwide recognized for excellence in curriculum, laboratory training, undergraduate research, and student preparation.

Students benefit from:

A curriculum aligned with nationally recognized standards.

Extensive laboratory and research experience.

Development of communication, teamwork, ethical decision-making, and laboratory skills valued by graduate schools and employers.

The opportunity to complete the optional ASBMB degree certification exam, demonstrating mastery of core concepts and skills.

student doing research in the science lab

Research Facilities

Learn with the tools scientists use.

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology students conduct research in the Ruth W. Williams Hall of Life Science and Severance Hall, modern teaching and research facilities designed specifically for undergraduate science.

Students have access to professional-grade instrumentation used in academic and industry laboratories, including molecular biology equipment, advanced microscopy, chromatography systems, spectroscopy, PCR technologies, tissue culture facilities, robotics, and shared analytical instrumentation across the Biology and Chemistry departments.

Featured Equipment

PCR and digital PCR systems

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

Fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC)

Mass spectrometry

400 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)

Confocal and fluorescence microscopy

Cell and tissue culture laboratories

Laboratory automation and research robotics

Career Opportunities

Where our graduates go.

A Biochemistry & Molecular Biology degree prepares graduates for advanced study and careers.

More than half of Wooster graduates continue their education through doctoral or professional programs. Recent graduates have pursued Ph.D. degrees at institutions including Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Michigan, and UT Southwestern, while others have continued to medical, dental, pharmacy, and veterinary schools, including Case Western Reserve University, The Ohio State University, and the University of Cincinnati.

Graduates build careers in biotechnology, biomedical research, pharmaceutical research and development, healthcare, academic research laboratories, public health, and science education.

Meet Your Professors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology students learn from faculty in both the Biology and Chemistry departments whose expertise spans molecular biology, genetics, protein chemistry, biochemistry, and biomedical science. Through close mentorship in the classroom and laboratory, students gain the confidence and experience to conduct meaningful research and prepare for graduate study or careers in the life sciences.

Paul L. Edmiston

Theron L. Peterson and Dorothy R. Peterson Professor of Chemistry; Department Chair of Chemistry; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

pedmiston@wooster.edu

Stephanie Strand

Associate Professor of Biology; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

sstrand@wooster.edu

William Morgan

Theron L. Peterson and Dorothy R. Peterson Professor of Biology; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

wmorgan@wooster.edu

Dean Fraga

Affiliated Scholar and Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Biology

dfraga@wooster.edu

Sara E. S. Martin

Associate Professor of Chemistry; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

samartin@wooster.edu

James West

Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Biology; Chemistry

jwest@wooster.edu

Erzsebet Regan

Whitmore-Williams Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

eregan@wooster.edu

Annastassia Gallo

Assistant Professor of Chemistry

agallo@wooster.edu

Mark J. Snider

Robert E. Wilson Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

msnider@wooster.edu