About the Undergraduate Program in Biochemistry
The Biochemistry Major equips students with a strong foundation in biochemistry and shows them how to apply this knowledge to explore and explain how biological systems function. The ASBMB-accredited program meets high national standards in biochemistry and molecular biology education and can connect students to a national community of peers, educators, and professionals through conferences, workshops, and events. Our experienced faculty members are committed to teaching, mentoring, and research. The Biochemistry Major incorporates lab work and research, into undergraduate education, helping students gain valuable practical experience.
The Biochemistry Major offers five options:
Accordion Content
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The "Biochemistry of Microbial Systems" option emphasizes the integration of biochemistry with microbiology to explore the biochemical processes of microbial organisms and systems. It equips students with a robust understanding of both disciplines, enabling them to comprehend the intricate nature of microbial life at the molecular level. This knowledge has significant implications in fields such as medicine, environmental science, and industrial applications.
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Biochemical toxicology examines how toxic substances engage with and influence biochemical processes in living organisms, focusing on detoxification pathways and the biochemical actions of toxins. This field delves into the biochemical mechanisms that explain the effects of these harmful substances on life forms.
Biochemical toxicology explores how toxic substances affect biochemical processes in living organisms, including detoxification pathways and the action of toxins. Researchers in this field investigate enzyme mechanisms, regulation of drug metabolism genes, genetic variations in responses to xenobiotics, drug interactions, and the conversion of xenobiotics into toxic intermediates.
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Computational biochemistry utilizes high-performance computing, coding, and large data analysis to address emerging challenges in biochemistry.
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Plant biochemistry delves into the intricate chemical processes that occur within and around plants, emphasizing the unique attributes of autotrophic organisms. By focusing on critical processes such as photosynthesis and respiration, this field reveals how these mechanisms drive the overall functionality of plants and their dynamic interactions with the environment. Understanding plant biochemistry is essential for advancing agricultural practices, enhancing crop yield, and addressing environmental challenges.
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The biochemistry general option provides a broad overview.
Program Learning Goals
- Biochemistry graduates will be able to describe and discuss the basic concepts of biochemistry, including metabolism, enzymatic structure and function, and regulation of gene and protein expression.
- Biochemistry Major graduates will be able to apply the scientific method, stating and testing a hypothesis, and will be able to design experiments to solve problems in biochemistry.
- Graduates will gain hands-on experience in current biochemical techniques, and be able to evaluate and present scientific data.
- Upon completion, students will able to critically analyze scientific data and scientific papers, and be able to be effective science communicators
- Graduates will be able to discuss and communicate a fundamental understanding of ethical and current issues in biochemistry and demonstrate an understanding of the importance of ethics in scientific research.
Program Director
Dr. Lori White
Lipman Hall, Rm. 128
848-932-5605
lori.white@rutgers.edu
Program Coordinator
Nalini Kaul
Lipman Hall, Rm. 223B
848-932-5633
nalinik@sebs.rutgers.edu