Biochemistry Program at Fredonia
Fredonia’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is certified by the American Chemical Society and housed in Fredonia's $60 million Science Center. Tracks available include: general chemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry and physical chemistry. While some schools may just focus on classroom teaching and others focus on research, at Fredonia you will receive BOTH. Also, for all core courses in this program, students are required to take a national exam. Fredonia students consistently score higher on the exam than the national average.
The Fredonia Difference
Fredonia's program offers students a unique flexibility. You can choose between two tracks: one with a chemical emphasis for studying molecular structure and function, and a biological emphasis which enables students to apply a biochemical perspective to physiological problems. You will work with faculty as early as your sophomore year conducting groundbreaking research on anti-Parkinson’s and anti-cancer drugs, pollutants in the Great Lakes, monitoring the pollutants associated with the Tonawanda Coke plant, or synthesized catalysts that could generate alternative fuels.
Career Opportunities for Biochemistry
- Pharmaceutical firms
- Chemist
- Quality control analyst
- Environmental analyst
- Science Teacher
- Patent Law
- Environmental Protection Agency
It's Different Here
Why Biochemistry at Fredonia?
Independent research
While some colleges conduct faculty research with graduate students, Fredonia utilizes undergraduates and provides them outstanding research opportunities.
Choices based on interests
Students can pursue either a chemical or biological track for biochemistry with up to 20 upper level courses between the biology and chemistry departments.
Preparation
$2 million in equipment upgrades in Fredonia's state-of-the-art facility, you will gain valuable experience with cutting-edge equipment that will prepare you for the next step.
Sample Courses
CHEM 481 Medicinal Chemistry
Focuses on discovery and development of new therapeutic agents. It involves chemical aspects of identification, and then systematic alteration of lead molecules in the development of a more effective drug suitable for therapeutic use.
BIOL 419 Genes and Genomes
The course will focus on the study of DNA and genes from the paper by Watson and Crick to the Human Genome Project. The genetic and molecular approaches used to identify genes and the impact of genome study on society and current scientific research will be discussed.
CHEM 465 Advanced Experimental Biochemistry
State-of-the art biochemical and molecular techniques are taught within the hands-on, laboratory-based course. Potential topics include the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), oligonucleotide synthesis, DNA/protein sequencing and analysis (BLAST, DNASIS), pulse-field gel electrophoresis, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
Program Additional Links
What does a 4-year degree look like?
View Example 4-Year Curriculum for Biochemistry, Chemical Track
View Example 4-Year Curriculum for Biochemistry, Biological Track
What are all the required and elective courses offered to obtain these degrees?